Page 101 of Armed ’N’ Ready

Saxon.

Was his dog dead?

Horror shot through him. Over Andi’s left shoulder, one of the monitors began beeping crazily. When he opened his mouth to speak, his lips were dry as a bone, as was his throat. Saxon, he tried to say, but the name didn’t come. Digging deep, he somehow found the strength to squeeze Andi’s hand.

“What is it?” She leaned closer, her eyes brimming with tears. “Are you in pain? I called for a nurse.”

“Saxon,” he managed to whisper, although it sounded more like a croak.

“He’s fine.” She pressed her hand against his cheek. “You didn’t let go.” She sniffled and took an unsteady breath. “Do you remember?”

He closed his eyes, nodding as relief flooded his body. Saxon was alive. Andi was alive. Andi was—

He snapped open his eyes.

Pregnant? How can that be?

The first two times they’d used a condom, but the third —when they hadn’t—had been only yesterday.

He was about to try speaking again when a nurse with bright red hair walked in, smiling as she immediately began checking the monitors. “I knew you’d come back to us, Sergeant. How do you feel?”

“Fine,” he rasped, although he didn’t. Not really. His limbs felt as if they had the strength of a baby’s. Less, perhaps. And speaking of babies… His gaze met Andi’s then lowered to her flat belly.

“This is Patsy.” She wiped at her eyes and motioned toward the nurse. “Patsy’s been with us the entire time you’ve been here.”

He tried to say thank you but couldn’t manage the words. He settled for a courteous nod.

“I’ll call the doctor, then we’ll see about getting you some ice for your throat. Not talking for a month will dry up anyone’s vocal cords.” She rested her hand briefly on his shoulder, then left the room.

He stared, shock coursing through him. A month? A whole fucking month? The ledge behind where Andi sat came into view, the entire length jammed with flowers and cards.

Holy sh—

“Welcome back.” Andi leaned down to kiss him again, and all he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her and hold her until the end of time.

Not happening.

He wasn’t close to having the strength to move his arms, so he lay there, content to have the woman he loved kissing him again and again.

“Are you all right?” he whispered against her hair, breathing her in.

“Am I all right?” She pulled back and laughed. “You’re the one who was shot in the chest. You almost died. The bullet barely missed your heart, and you lost so much blood.”

She pressed her lips together, and he could tell she was about to cry again.

Patsy reentered the room and placed a cup of ice on a rolling metal bed table. “The doctor is on his way. He okayed you to have some ice for your throat. Think you’re ready to sit up?” When he nodded, she pressed a button on a large plastic remote and the bed gradually inclined.

After re-checking his vitals, Patsy winked at him, then grinned broadly. “I’ll be back. I want to give the rest of the staff the good news that you’re awake.”

The second she’d left the room he clasped Andi’s hand. “You’re pregnant?” he croaked, then couldn’t stop grinning.

Her eyes went wide. “You heard that?”

“Then it is true.” His smile faded. I’m going to be a father.

“You’re upset. I can see that.” She pulled from his grasp, misery clouding her face.

“No, it’s not that. I thought you couldn’t—” He stopped when his throat dried up so much he thought it would close in on his tonsils. Andi’s beautiful blue eyes glistened with more tears.