Page 48 of Fighting for Family

“It’s stunning,” she said in awe. “I love it.”

“I’ll be here to watch you grow. Now I know why Patch and Knight acted crazy. Have you gotten ill?” he asked as she stared at her ring.

“No. In fact, I’ve never felt better,” she assured him.

He sighed in relief. He pulled her to him as he gazed around the room. “I love the puppy theme.”

“It seemed appropriate,” she said, smiling. “Shall we take a shower?”

“Yes. I need to introduce myself to my child,” he whispered as they left the room.

Addyson turned the water on and pulled the shower seat from the wall. Pulling Hollywood’s shirt over his head and having him sit on the tub’s edge, she removed the rest of his clothing and covered his bandages with the supplies from the hospital. She helped him to the shower and then undressed. She blushed, feeling the heat of his gaze on her. She let the sweater fall to the floor and unbuttoned the undershirt. A small smile played on his lips as he glanced at her stomach while she removed her bra.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmured.

She shimmied out of the rest of her things, leaving everything in a pile on the floor. She stepped inside and closed the glass door. Hollywood pulled her to him. Her hands ran through his hair as he bent his head and kissed her stomach.

“Hello in there. I’m your father. Thank you for not giving your mother a hard time while I was gone. I’m here now, and I don’t plan on going anywhere. I can’t wait to meet you,” he said, choking up.

“I’m happy you’re thrilled,” she said. “I didn’t want to tell you over the phone.”

“It can’t make this day any more perfect,” he informed her as she shampooed his head and soaped up the scrub brush, washing him from head to toe.

“Have you a preference of a boy or a girl?” she asked as she rinsed him.

He took the soap and washed her where he could reach. “No. He or she was created out of our love. I once met your Sam. I can’t tell you about the mission, but he seemed like a good guy. He mentioned you, and his face lit up. I think he may have led me to you. If you don’t have any objections, we can honor him by naming our son Sam.”

She cupped his face and smiled. “How about Liam Samuel Miller?” She suggested. “If it’s a girl, we can name her Samiya.”

“It seems we’re on the same page,” he said, kissing her stomach and smiling in wonder.

“Let me finish, and we’ll get you dried off and in bed,” she coaxed when he traced the outline of her bump.

She rinsed off and shut off the water. Grabbing a towel, she wrapped it around him as she dried off with another. Tucking the ends between her breasts, she bent to help him dry his feet and placed a towel down to help him exit the shower.

Grabbing his crutch, Hollywood balanced as she removed the plastic bandage coverings and finished drying him off. Feeling exhaustion taking over, Hollywood hobbled to the bed. He tugged at the towel covering her and threw it toward the bathroom. Addyson helped him into bed and went around the opposite side, crawling under the covers he held for her.

* * *

Two hours later, Hollywood stirred, listening to Addy’s breathing as she slept. His hand moved to her stomach, unable to believe his luck. Questions swirled in his head. Did she take prenatal vitamins? Did she eat enough for herself and the baby? Maybe he needed to borrow some of those books from Patch and Knight. When was she due?

Addy never moved, sleeping soundly. She no longer resembled the woman he met. Her skin glowed, and her long brown hair seemed thicker.

Moving slowly, Hollywood pulled the covers off the bed and grabbed his crutch. Seeing his T-shirt draped over a chair, he picked it up and pulled it over his head. He opened the dresser drawer and found a pair of boxers, noticing she’d put all his clothes on the opposite side of the dresser.

Gratitude for this life hit him. Taking small steps, he hobbled down the hall and opened the door to the nursery. He sat in the rocking chair and pulled a book from the bookcase, noticing a soldier hugging his child on the cover.

The book put his concerns about staying with the team to rest. Without knowing what he planned to do, Addy prepared to tell her child about his or her dad. That was him.

He wiped his tears as he read the book. When he finished, he put it back on the shelf. Joining this team meant everything to him. Leo built a band of brothers and sisters who made honor and loyalty into a found family. He and Addy were now part of something bigger, something special.

CHAPTER 17

Claire sat on the couch smoothing her shirt over her belly as Patch brought in the presents from the truck.

“How many people live in this town?” he grumbled. “The presents seem endless.”

“You know we’re a small community,” she chastised. “It’s a wonderful gesture from all of them.”