Page 47

“We don’t close around here.” Slade chuckled. “You look exhausted.”

“I think I'm past exhausted.” She covered her mouth as a yawn escaped, then gave him a tired smile. “Please tell me you didn't come in here because somebody needs something.”

“Actually, I came to tell you how damn impressed I am with what you've done here.” Slade stepped farther into the office. “Not just the care you've given Lana and Becky, but everything. Getting the clinic set up, the birthing rooms, all the little extras you thought of. Hell, I never would've thought about putting mirrors in there so the mothers could see their babies being born.”

“Not my first rodeo.” Dawn smiled, genuinely pleased by his words. She'd worked with enough male doctors over the years who acted as if their medical degrees somehow made them superior to their female colleagues. Not all of them, of course, but enough that she'd learned not to expect much recognition. Hearing Slade acknowledge the work she'd put into making the compound ready for the births meant more to her than she cared to admit.

“Well, it shows,” Slade replied. “You did a hell of a job, Dawn.”

“Thank you.” She leaned back in her chair, smiling.

Another knock at the door interrupted them before Slade could respond. Angelina appeared in the doorway, looking every bit as exhausted as Dawn felt.

“Sorry to bother you,” Angelina said. “Caroline wants to know if she, Jamie and Jax can see the baby.”

“As long as Lana and Sid are okay with it, I don't have a problem with that. Just make sure they wash their hands first and take their temperatures.” Dawn hesitated, then glanced at Slade. “Although, I'm not sure about Jax.”

“He can't give the baby anything,” Slade assured her.

“Okay, then.” Dawn turned back to Angelina. “And once you've taken care of that, I want you to go get some rest. You did amazing tonight. You're a natural.”

“Thank you.” Angelina blushed, clearly pleased by the compliment. “Are you sure? I can stick around if you need help.”

“I'm sure. Besides, I'm going to need you tomorrow. I want to make the birthing rooms a little more comfortable for the families. I want to keep Lana, Becky, and the babies here another day or two before sending them home, just to make sure everyone's doing well.”

“I'll get Steve and Adam to help with that,” Slade informed them.

Dawn immediately opened her mouth to protest. She appreciated the offer, but she was perfectly capable of handling things herself.

Slade held up his hand before she could get a word out.

“Don't even start. That's an order. I'll be here all night, and if anything comes up, I'll call you. Both of you have been going nonstop, and you're not doing anybody any good if you fall over from exhaustion. Go get some sleep.”

Dawn studied him for a moment before conceding with a tired nod. As much as she hated admitting it, he was right. She could barely keep her eyes open, and she knew Angelina wasn't in much better shape.

“Fine, but I'm staying in the room here at the compound. I want to be close in case either of them needs me.”

“That's fine,” Slade replied. “As long as you actually get some rest.”

Angelina smiled, looking relieved that she was finally being sent off duty. “I'll check with Lana and Sid about Caroline and Jax, then I'm heading to bed.”

“Good.” Dawn gave her an appreciative smile. “And Angelina? Thank you again. I couldn't have done all this without you.”

“It’s what I do.” Angelina nodded with a grin, then disappeared out the door.

“Okay, now it’s your turn,” Slade said, grabbing her bag, then taking her elbow as he pulled her out of the chair. “Some of the mates made food since Sid is occupied. Get something to eat and then get to bed. I don’t want to see you back here until noon.”

“Okay, okay.” Dawn took the bag she kept in her office, filled with extra clothes and toiletries, then grabbed her purse. Walking toward the door, she paused. “Noon? I don’t even know what day it is.”

“Worry about that after you sleep.” Slade laughed, then followed her out before heading toward his own office and disappearing inside.

Dawn rolled her eyes, which almost closed completely, but she quickly popped them back open. The last thing she needed was to crash onto the hallway floor and be found hours later. How embarrassing would that be? Her bag felt like it weighed a thousand pounds as she dragged it along. Turning the corner, she spotted Kent leaning in the same spot she'd left him, his arms crossed and his head resting against the wall as he watched her approach.

“Have you even moved?” she asked with a frown.

The corner of his mouth tipped up in a small grin. “A few times.” He lifted his head from the wall. “I brought your car here.”

“Than—” Dawn stopped, glancing down at the purse in her hand before looking back at him. “Wait a minute. I didn’t give you my keys.”