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She can’t make that promise—because there’s no way for her to guarantee it.
“Hey, man,” I look up in the dark room and find Maddox leaning against the wall. “Sorry. I didn’t want to wake you, but Mom said I needed to bring you something to eat.”
I look at the bag in his hand and shake my head. “I’m good, man. Thanks.”
“Callen, brother. You haven’t left her side in two days. You’ve made sure she eats and drinks and sleeps. Who’s doing that for you?”
I sit up in the pleather chair that doubles as a bed and face him. “I’m good. Both our moms have been here around the clock. Both dads too.”
Sam hasn’t seen her.
He hasn’t wanted to upset Cait.
I’m pretty sure he feels responsible for this, even though it’s no one’s fault.
I don’t bother telling Maddox I wish they’d all back off. Cait’s scared and uncomfortable and hates having people fussing over her.
“Yeah. They’re here. But you’re surviving on coffee and sheer willpower.” He lifts the bag again. “It’s Nonna’s chicken parm. She knows it’s your favorite. Fucking eat it, so I can tell her I did my good deed,” he whisper-yells at me, and I shake my head.
“You, I’m not scared of, asshole. But Nonna... I think Nonna may have buried a body or two,” I tease, but I might actually be right. Either way, I take the bag and inhale the heavenly scent. “Will you thank her for me?”
“Yeah, man. I gotcha. How’s she doing?” Caitlin doesn’t want siblings and friends in here, and I agreed. She’s supposed to betaking it as easy as possible. Our shit show families won’t help with that.
“She’s so fucking brave, Madman. I swear if she can will our baby girl into a healthy existence, she’s going to do it. I’m in awe of her strength.”
Maddox’s chest vibrates with a silent laugh. “Maybe one day it will be normal to hear you talk about Caitie like that, but right now, it still freaks me out a bit.”
“Better get over that shit quick. Soon, you’re going to be Uncle Maddox. That’s going to trip you out worse,” I warn him.
“Man . . . You’re gonna have a kid, and she’s going to be my niece. Fuck . . .”
“Yeah... She’s going to have us both wrapped around her little finger too. You know that, right?” I smile, so ready to meet my daughter.
“Yeah. Just like her mother always did,” Maddox agrees, and I smile as I look at a sleeping Caitlin.
“Yeah. Just like that.”
CALLEN
Until I deliver this baby, I have two brains to work with, Callen. You have one. Don’t argue with me.
Not sure that’s how this works, kitten.
The fact you’re dumb enough to argue with me is proof enough.
—Argument between Caitlin and Callen.
“Callen—” Caitlin reaches out for me as they lay her on her left side, and a nurse rushes out of the room. “I’m scared.”
I clasp her hand in mine and press my forehead to hers. “Don’t be scared, Caitie. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere. Try to relax, sweetheart. Your blood pressure is really high. That’s all.”
“It’s more, Callen. I feel funny.” Cait’s voice shakes and breaks my fucking heart before she presses on her stomach and winces. “It hurts. This isn’t right. Something is wrong.”
“What the hell is going on?” I yell as the nurse changes one of the drips in her IV.
Kenzie walks in with her tablet in her hands, and the nurse who ran out moments ago is by her side, filling her in on what’s going on, while Caitlin cries and squeezes my hand.
“Kenzie. What the hell is happening? This just started. She was joking around one minute, then crying the next,” I yell at her, desperate for an answer.
