Page 28 of Road to Absolution

Art tried to take the plastic sack, but I pulled it tighter to my belly, wanting Maverick as close to me and our baby as possible.

The doctor was already grabbing an IV bag. “And what would Mr. Handsome say about you not having his baby properly tended to?”

My mouth gaped. This woman knew my husband. Our hometown being small, we were now in the city next door. “You’ve seen him before?”

She grinned. “He’s a boxer. As you know, sometimes they get hurt.” She winked. “He sure doesn’t shut up when it comes to his Lilah. Nor does he want her worrying for him.”

Maybe it was weird, but my eyes suddenly welled with joy. Hearing a complete stranger talk about how much that man loved me took away some loneliness. I whispered, “Isn’t he wonderful?”

She wiped the crook of my arm with a sanitizing swab. “Those dimples when he smiles?” Dramatically, and playfully, she rolled her eyes. “Melt my heart.” After inserting a needle into my arm, she sighed. “That’s why I know he has a strong chance of pulling through.”

My face distorted as I tried to stay composed. “You believe that?” She was a professional in the field, keeping Maverick alive. Her words were hope lacing around my heart.

“I do,” she promised. “I really, really do.”

We both looked to the saline drip hydrating me. It was a needed quiet moment.

She grabbed my hand. “Without sounding ‘medical,’” she smiled, and it was gentle, “shock is tough on the system. And it can dehydrate a pregnant woman in no time.” She patted my hand in hers. “I’m going to get you checked out by an OB right away, but my gut said you needed this bag.” She pointed to the stand the saline was hanging from.

Already feeling a chill from the hydration, I thanked her, for more than one reason.

With a sleeping Bailey on his shoulder, Tucker had joined me by the time I had been examined by another doctor. It was determined that I was, indeed, dehydrated. To show Tuck, I pointed to all the leather over-sized Ryder boots showing from under the white curtain. It was actually cute and warming my sad heart. Almost smiling, I told them, “Guys, I’m okay. Go home. Get some rest.”

I jolted when I heard Art growl, “No more fucking secrets. Tell her. Now.”

Tucker was about to step into the hallway but stopped when seeing black sandal high heels appear from under the corner. Jaw tight, he nodded, resuming his rocking of Bailey.

The blood-red toenails told me who it was before I heard, “Tell Pretty D what?” That sexy shoe stomped when V didn’t get an answer fast enough. “Big Bro, I’m about to take the pistol in my satchel, the one you personally taught me how to use, and fire it in your kneecap.”

All pairs of black boots took a step back, except for two.

Viola’s stance readjusted as I heard her growl, “Art, do not fucking touch me, or your knee is next.”

Another set of biker boots stepped away.

The only one brave enough to face Vixen right now was Diesel. He quietly told her, “Mav warned Torque… the one at his truck told him that Delilah will ‘get hers, too’.”

Tucker, rubbing Bailey’s back, began to pace.

Not able to handle any more complications, or downright shitty news, I rolled over to my side taking, Maverick’s boots with me. I stared at the saline drip, begging it to distract me from more worry. Each drop held my attention while Viola lost her mind, ready to blow away anyone who got near me.

She wanted answers.

Answers that no one had.