Page 47 of Penn

“They’re right where they need to be at the moment,” I say as the rest of the club walks over. “They’re coming home with you, Zep. I believe that. And you have to, too.”

His tears mix with mine from earlier, and my shirt is soaked. But I don’t mind. “It’s really fucking hard right now, Dixie.”

“Then I’ll believe it twice as hard for you,” I say. “So will Phoebe, and I don’t think there’s anything that woman can’t pull off with her positive vibes.”

“It’s true, man,” Pacino says, holding Phoebe close to his side. “We got you.”

My heart breaks seeing him in this much pain. It also shatters realizing no one would react this way for me. Penn and I are building something, but it’s still new. And fragile. He’d move on eventually, but poor Zep won’t.

“Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you cleaned up,” Jolene says.

He slowly stands. “I’m sorry for ruining your shirt, Dixie.”

I look down to see the blood transferred from him to me, and I push down the panic. This isn’t a premonition of what’s to come.

Misty will be okay.

And so will I.

I have to believe that, or I might not be able to get out of bed again.

Chapter 18

Penn

Dixie refuses to leave, but I knew we had to let Princess out and feed her. I was only gone for less than thirty minutes, but it felt like a lifetime.

Any amount of time away from Dixie feels like a lifetime now.

The way she handled Zeppelin, especially after having a breakdown of her own, was admirable. Impressive. She’s going to make one hell of a mother.

I can’t blame her for her panic. Being only months away from giving birth herself, this can’t be easy. I never thought about it when I brought her, and seeing her break down damn near killed me.

Especially when she said she’s completely alone. I know what she’s been through, but what I can’t figure out is how she could ever think she’s alone now. Not only because she has me, but the rest of the club. Nancy. Lainey. The entire fucking town of Gravelton.

Minus the Venom, but we try to forget them whenever possible.

Hearing her beg me to promise to take care of her child if anything happens to her scared the hell out of me. The last thing I want to do is think about anything possibly happening to her. But I do know one thing for sure. That kid will never be without me. Not if I can help it.

I arrive back at the hospital with a fresh change of clothes for Dixie and a stack of pizzas from Nancy. Word got around fast, and she told Dixie to stay at the hospital. She and Demi have it covered.

“Here,” I say, stepping into the waiting room. “We all need to keep up our strength. And the order to eat comes from Nancy, not me.”

A few chuckles are all I get in response, but Capone and Rooster take the pizzas from my hands. Dixie rests her head against the wall with her eyes closed, and I gently shake her knee.

“Hmm?”

“Hey, baby. I brought you clothes to change into after letting Princess out.”

Her eyes flutter open. “Did she get into anything?”

“Nope. She was a perfect angel.”

“Who’s Princess?” Phoebe asks.

“Our puppy,” Dixie says, her voice thick with sleep as she takes the clothes I hand her. “She’s not quite six months old yet.”

Pacino lifts a brow, and I swear he gives me a smile. A ghost of one, but still a smile. Usually, they’re reserved for Phoebe. “You two got a puppy?”