“He’s beautiful,” I rasped as Tatum was placed on Scarlet’s bare chest. “And strong as hell.” I grinned at Cole.
They’d probably keep him in the NICU for observation to be safe, but I had a feeling he’d be going home soon.
I looked up and saw the emotion on Cole’s face and knew I needed to give them some time. “I’ll go grab a cup of coffee, give you guys a minute. I’ll be back,” I murmured, clasping Scarlet’s hand briefly before I left the room.
I sagged against the hallway wall, feeling the adrenaline from the delivery leave me with a forceful rush. My lack of sleep was made evident by how quickly my exhaustion set in.
I pulled out my phone, not surprised to find multiple texts from the girls wondering how things were going, plus a missed call from Cal.
I sent a group text telling everyone that baby Tatum had arrived and that mom and baby were doing great before heading to the cafeteria to get that all-too-familiar burned coffee.
I hadn’t finished my cup before the waiting room was filled to the brim with the Knights and their women. It was how the club rolled: together. They all greeted me with hugs and gratitude.
I looked around, realizing with a jolt of clarity that I belonged with these people. They were my family. I’d helped bring their children into the world, healed their wounds, and they would do the same for me.
When Cal walked in holding Mason, my heart gave a little lurch in response. “Everything’s fine,” I assured him, immediately reaching for my boy. “He let out the loudest wail when he was born, he’s a strong boy,” I told him with a smile.
Cal nodded, running a hand over my head. “I’m gonna go see them. Wait for me. I don’t want you driving. You’re too exhausted.”
I nodded, for once accepting the help without comment. I was something past exhausted.
Cal returned not long after, a look of contentment on his gorgeous face. He took Mason from me in a move increasingly natural between us. We walked out of the hospital hand in hand.
I was so tired and Cal was so thrilled at meeting his grandchild that I shrugged off the tingle at the back of my neck that made me feel as though we were being watched.
Chapter 13
Aweek later found me on shift at the hospital. It felt great to be back doing what I loved. Mason was at day care and after a bit of a debate, I’d agreed to have Cal pick him up since my shift didn’t end until after it closed.
It was still hard for me to let him help. I didn’t fully understand what was happening between us. Aside from a few pecks, he still hadn’t really kissed me. I was beginning to doubt that he wanted me in that way. Maybe he’d moved us in and regretted it? Maybe he wanted more of a friendship? I didn’t know what to think.
Sal hadn’t been able to trace the text, but with no more texts coming through I wondered if Mason and I shouldn’t go back to the apartment. I was getting too comfortable with having so much help with Mason. I didn’t want to feel like the ground had been pulled out from underneath me if and when it went away—when Cal went away.
The thought caused an ache in my chest I didn’t want to explore.
“How’s your arm?” Laurie’s concerned voice broke through my contemplation.
Just out of nursing school, Laurie might have been young but ever since I’d started working with her, she’d struck me as someone older than her years. With her long blonde hair, bee-stung lips, and voluptuous figure, she was beautiful too.
“It’s okay,” I assured her with a smile.
“So, are the rumors true?” she asked with wide eyes.
“Rumors?” I questioned as we leaned against the hallway in between patients. It had been a relatively quiet night so far.
“That you’re, you know, with Cal Jackson. Likewithhim,” she stage-whispered.
I laughed at her wide-eyed expression. “I don’t fully understand it yet,” I admitted with a sigh. “He’s a lot to take in.”
She snorted. “Uh, I bet. All of those guys seem to be, but he’s like the boss of them all.”
He was exactly the boss of them. The president. I was just beginning to wrap my head around that.
“That he is,” I agreed with a smile.
“I’ve been meaning to offer—if you ever need me to babysit, I’d be happy to,” she offered, surprising me. “I was a nanny when I was putting myself through school and until they pick up my hours, I could use the extra cash,” she admitted with a blush.
I reached over to squeeze her hand briefly. “I remember those days well. I’ll definitely keep that in mind. I’ll pass your info around to the girls as well,” I added.
