Page 13 of Hollywood

“Carrie doesn’t want her with you,” she said sharply. “I’ll come get her. Shit. I just…the kids are down for the night. I’ll need a few minutes to get someone to watch them.”

My heart tumbled. Maybe this was what should happen. Kelly was a mother. Carrie would probably prefer that she keep Ruby. But when was I ever going to get another chance to know my little girl?

Was it selfish to want to be her father?

Ruby’s eyes fell shut, and she slept against me. My chest warmed, even though she was probably exhausted enough to sleep on anyone. Maybe when she woke up, she’d trust me more. See that I was still there for her. I didn’t want to hand her off like a stray bit of luggage.

“You should focus on Carrie,” I said. “She’s in emergency surgery. She’s going to need someone there when she wakes up.”

“How bad is it?” she asked.

“I don’t know. A doctor is supposed to come update me soon.”

“Okay, I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

We ended the call, and I slumped back in the chair, my limbs suddenly heavy. I’d been running on adrenaline, shaking with it, but now there was nothing to do but wait and my body wanted to shut down.

“I don’t have any kid stuff,” I said. “No clothes or diapers or anything.”

Did she even wear diapers? I wiggled my arm. There was definitely some padding under her pants, so probably.

“We’ll figure that out,” Knight said. “Let’s just wait and see what Aiden says. We can help you with whatever you need.”

I snorted softly. “Like you helped me when she was crying?”

Ghost glanced between us. “What? Knight didn’t save the day?”

I smirked. “He looked more scared than Ruby.”

Joyride snickered. “I’ve never seen him so unsure before. It was weird.”

Knight rolled his eyes, but the corners of his mouth twitched up. “Guess you’ll just have to be the best dad here.”

I smoothed a stray bit of Ruby’s hair from her forehead, gazing down at her. It was a strange feeling, holding something so precious, this life that I’d helped create. Already, she meant more to me than any other creature on the planet. I wondered how I’d gone all these months without realizing she was the center of my universe.

I’d wanted to be her dad. I’d tried to have a relationship. But it had all been an abstract concept. I had a daughter, and I should be part of her life. I’d been unhappy when Carrie refused, when she insisted I’d only get to see Ruby if thecourts made it happen. An ex-con up against a strong single mom. I didn’t have a chance of winning, and she knew it.

But here and now, finally holding Ruby in my arms, I couldn’t let her go again.

The guys made quiet chitchat while we waited for Kelly to arrive—or for Aiden to return with an update. We were in limbo. Ruby slept, which was good. Part of me wanted to wake her up, to see those bright eyes fixed on me, to show her I could be her person. To maybe see a bit more of her personality come out. Would she giggle again while I pretended she stole my nose? Would she want to get down and explore the lobby or stick close? Was she independent? Was she curious? Dozens of questions crowded my brain.

But Ruby was at peace now, and that was more important than my need to know my daughter better.

The energy of the room shifted as Kelly came in. She didn’t hesitate at all. Just rushed toward me, only stopping when she saw that Ruby was sleeping.

“Carrie?” she asked, voice tight.

“Still in surgery.” I waved a hand toward the guys. “Knight’s boyfriend is a doctor here. He’s going to update us soon.”

She glanced at Knight, eyes widening as she took him in. The leather and tattoos didn’t exactly sayI date a doctor, so I got it. Her gaze flitted to Joyride and Ghost next.

I introduced them by name, but she didn’t really take it in. Instead, she just paced restlessly. “Why can’t they tell ussomething? Maybe I should go find someone.”

She started toward the door, but it swung open before she got there, and Aiden came in.

We all stood reflexively. Kelly glanced at me. “Is that?—”

“Yes, that’s him,” I confirmed.