Page 34 of Bones

She scowls and then throws a pillow at my head. “I was adopted and treated differently my whole life. I’d never do that to another child.”

I know she wouldn’t. She’s a good person and has a kind heart, but I know this is a shock to her. I don’t know how I’d feel if the roles were reversed.

Pulling her onto my lap, I lift her chin to make her look at me. “Things are new with us, but I just wanted to tell you about her. She’s the cutest little baby… you will love her.”

“It’s way too early for me to be around your daughter, Nate,” she says softly, while I run my hands through her hair.

She’s still here, not running away and telling me to get out, so that’s a good thing, right?

I decide to change the subject and keep it light. “What do you want to do today? Go for another ride? We can take a longer one if you like.”

“I took a long ride last night,” she replies in a dry tone, making me laugh.

“You sore, Doc? I can kiss it better.”

“If you do that, we’ll never leave this room.”

Standing up with her in my arms, I kiss her neck. “Ride. Food. And then I’ll come with you to help you at the shelter.”

She lifts her head, perking up. “Really?”

“Yeah, of course. I want to be wherever you are, baby. Even if that means picking up dog shit.”

She laughs and peppers kisses all over my face. “You can walk Saint, the hundred-kilo XL American Bully. He’s so sweet, but damn, he’s strong.”

Her face lights up when she’s talking about the animals. It’s so cute.

“Why don’t you have a dog of your own?”

“I don’t really have the yard for it. And sometimes I foster, so…” She shrugs, then flashes me a smile.

I have a yard in my new house… a big one. Pushing that thought away, I put her down and lead her outside to my bike.

Time to spend some time with my woman.

Janet is on her knees in the pole room, deep throating Suit’s dick. I’m sitting back with a drink in my hand. Brandy and Rose are dancing on the pole, but I’m not really paying attention. I’m glad I didn’t bring Doc here tonight. I can’t imagine what she’d do if she walked in on this.

My mind is on my phone.

After spending the weekend with Meredith, it’s now Tuesday, and I haven’t heard from her since Sunday. I know that she’s okay. In fact, right now she’s making herself some dinner in her kitchen, but she’s left me on read, and now I’m fucking wondering what she’s thinking. If she doesn’t message me back soon, I might have to kidnap her again. It went well last time, so it must be a communication strategy that works for us.

Is it even kidnapping when she’s mine?

“Why do you look like someone has told you that you knocked up another club girl?” Haze asks, sitting next to me.

“Where’s Lu?” I ask, frowning. He’s normally never in here. Haze might have fucked around in the past, but he’s been nothing but loyal to his old lady since they got together.

“Wanted to have a drink to celebrate, but the bar was empty. All you fuckers are in here.” He smirks, lifting his glass to click with mine.

“What are we celebrating?” I ask.

He smiles wider than I’ve ever seen him smile. “Lu is pregnant. We’re having a baby!”

“Fuck, man.” I grin, clapping him on his shoulder. “Congratulations!”

“Yeah, it took us a little time. I was worried because I knew she wanted one more than anything. And then this morning the test was finally positive.”

“Everyone needs to be here for this.”