Page 64 of Ronny

Maverick is standing behind her, grinning. “All right, you’re going to drown them in tears.” He pulls her away and we all laugh at the glare she throws at him.

He dries her eyes for her. You can see how much they love each other; they found each other a little later in life, but the love they have for each other is true.

She beams at us. Bell is beautiful when she smiles like that. “There is some dinner in the refrigerator for you to heat up later, and call us if you need anything.”

Ronny takes his dad to the side, both wearing serious looks on their faces, and I know without a doubt that they’re talking about going after Ronny’s aunt, Laura.

If it wasn’t for Ronny’s concern for me, he would have left already to go track her down.

He walks his parents to the door before turning to me. “You look exhausted, angel.”

My body feels like I have been hit by a truck. Today was really shitty but one of the best days of my life, because I found out that I am pregnant.

He scoops me up bridal style, carrying me up the stairs to our bathroom. “I will be right back. I’m going to go get our baby girl.” He sets me on the toilet.

I take off my clothes, turning the temperature of the spray to cooler than I usually do. I can hear Ronny walking up the stairs, talking softly to Madeline.

I wonder if I’m going to have a boy or a girl. I hope it’s a little girl that looks just like Ronny.

I cup my still flat stomach. I can’t wait for the day I start showing. Honestly, I never dreamed I would get pregnant this quick, but I’m happy about it. I’m happy about the fact that I got the surgery years ago so I can carry a baby.

It was terrifying, being put under, while a bunch of strangers worked on me, and not knowing what would happen during that whole time.

It was worth it, though.

Through the glass shower, I see Ronny coming into the bathroom, taking off his clothes before stepping into the shower with me.

I lean my head back, letting the warm water wash away the god-awful hospital smells and the horrors of the day.

Ronny’s large hands grasp my hips, his fingers running along my sides to the back of my head, until they start massaging my scalp.

“You’re the most beautiful thing in the world, my girl.”

I smile, fluttering my eyes open. His eyes are bright. I can see the love he has for me as he takes the soap from the shelf in the shower.

He washes me thoroughly, massaging my shoulders and back, easing my sore muscles. “You scared the life out of me today when I saw you lying there on that gurney in the ambulance. I never want to see that again, I couldn’t handle it if something happened to you.” His voice is gruff with emotion.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I reassure him. “I could have lost you today, when I heard you were shot. I couldn’t fathom a world without you in it.” My voice comes out in a sob as I think about the moment we got the call.

“I would die of a broken heart, because a world without you in it is a world that I can’t fathom. You are my whole heart.” I press his hand to my heart. “It beats for you.”

His forehead falls against mine, and he brings my hand to his heart. “Feel that? We are beating as one.”

“As one,” I repeat.

He wraps his arms around me, tucking me flush against him. “I don’t think I’m going to let you leave my sight again.”

I kiss his chest. “You have to.”

“I know, and it will be over.”

He literally tucks me into bed, demanding that I nap while Madeline sleeps. Ronny makes sure that I have everything she needs next to the bed so I won’t have to get up.

He kisses me long and hard, making my toes curl. Making me want to do a lot more than sleep right now.

He looks back at me one last time, putting on his cut before walking out the door. I pray that he is safe and that it will soon be over.

I can’t bring myself to feel a shred of regret, knowing that this woman is going to be killed, but hearing she was stalking Madeline to kidnap her and get more money from us?

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