Page 47 of Fighting for Family

“Yeah, I can make it up if I hold on to the railing. Can you carry the supplies Doc left me? I’m dying for a hot shower.”

“I think we can arrange it,” she said. “I know a nurse who would love to get you out of these clothes.”

He grinned at her cheeky comment as she picked up the hospital bag by the front door. “I noticed you changed the alarm. It’s a good thing the team installed it and knew the bypass code.”

“Yeah. I decided it needed changing,” she said as she waited for him to start climbing the stairs.

“You go first, in case I fall,” he suggested.

“I won’t let you,” she promised. “Take it slow.”

Addyson supported him as he climbed the stairs, led him to the bedroom, and turned around.

She bit her lip as she glanced at him, feeling uncertain.

“What’s the matter, Addy?” he asked, concerned.

“I’ve changed since you last left,” she whispered. “I guess I’m a little afraid to tell you.”

Caressing her cheek, he kissed her forehead. “There’s nothing you can say to make me change my mind about you. I love everything about you.”

“I did some remodeling,” she said slowly.

He gazed around the room, noticing the colored accent wall and some shelving. He peeked into the bathroom and noticed a new tile floor, a shower with a seat added, and a double bathtub. “Change can be good. I like it,” he said, assuring her.

“I did some other work. May I show it to you?” she asked nervously.

“Of course, if it’ll make you feel better,” he said, his brows drew together in concern at her unease.

“We’ll have to go down the hall to Sam’s old office,” she said, leading the way.

He slowly walked with the crutch as she opened the door

“I hope you like it,” she murmured, stepping off to the side.

Hollywood’s eyes grew round, and his mouth dropped as he took in the crib against the wall. Paintings of puppies, curiously resembling Zeus and Apollo, decorated the area behind it. A large cushy rocking chair sat in the corner. A bookshelf sat beside it, filled with children’s books and a stuffed teddy bear. A changing table covered the wall across from the crib. Paw prints decorated the drawers.

“Addy,” he stammered as his gaze fell on her. She stepped forward and moved her sweater aside, revealing a small, rounded belly where it once lay flat.

“We’re having a baby, Liam. It happened when you came home to have your cochlear implant checked. I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t want you to worry,” she said, thinking he might be upset with her deception. “I’m four months along.”

“How did you keep this a secret?” he asked.

“I haven’t told anyone,” she said with a relieved sigh. “You needed to know first.”

“We’re having a baby,” he whispered, still in shock.

“I have an appointment next week with Dr. Greene. She says we can find out the sex then,” she said softly. “I know I’ve given you quite a shock. I couldn’t help you shower without you noticing,” she babbled.

Putting a finger to her lips, Hollywood shushed her. “I’m over the moon.”

“You are?” she asked, searching his face.

“There’s only one thing,” he said, reaching into his pocket. “Before we left Germany, I asked Knight to take me shopping.” He pulled a ring from his pocket, making Addyson gasp. “I chose an emerald because it represents unconditional love. I fell for you the moment you entered my room at the hospital. It means renewal, which seemed to fit us. We’re starting something I never imagined and couldn’t be more excited. Lastly, it’s a symbol of fertility. I guess we don’t need to test that theory,” he said. Balancing his crutch, he took her left hand and peered into her eyes. “Addy, will you marry me?”

Nodding, she cried, “Yes, yes, a million times, yes.”

Tears gathered in his eyes as he slipped the ring on her finger.