Page 17 of Doctor Do-Over

“I’m Rogue.” Ridley joins us, and I look between the two of them for a moment.

“Wait, as in theX-Men?”

“Yes. I’ve always lovedX-Men. When Gambit got his name, I was like his little sister, so it just stuck. Now it means so much more because of my abilities as a tactician.”

“I like it. There’s a Gambit too. Will I meet him next? You know, in the comics, Rogue and Gambit get married, right?”

“No, Gambit doesn’t work for Andreason and Black Securities. If we ask him or Striker to come in, it’s usually because all our men are busy. Plus, he’s married now.” She looks at her husband and smoothes a hand down his chest. “Our Gambit is like my brother, never even thought of him that way.”

“That’s funny. Well, I’m ready to leave. I’ll be going to my apartment tonight.”

“Excellent. We have it ready for you. We even swung by your parents’ and picked up Eddie. He’s waiting for you at your apartment. There was also a delivery left for you. Don’t worry. It’s not from your attacker,” Ridley says.

“Thank you.” I’m curious about what I got, but I can’t wait to see my boy.

I think about the fact that my brother, again, didn’t want me to have Eddie with me. J.D. is a good paramedic and has witnessed the effects of my heart condition, but I think he has an issue with jealousy. My brother has always been overprotective of me, taking the role of big brother seriously. Before Eddie came into my life, J.D. was there to watch over me. Maybe he feels Eddie took his job away.

Regardless of what’s going through his mind, I eventually need to sit down and have a serious conversation with my brother. However, that’s not going to happen right now while I’m pregnant and dealing with Tanner. That’s enough stress on me.

I hug Erika and Leif goodbye before Browser and I walk out. He leads me to a black SUV and opens the back door for me. On the drive to my new place downtown, I mentally list everything I need to do in the coming days and months. I have to get supplies for the baby and a car for myself. I also need to hire an attorney. I don’t mind Tanner getting to know our daughter and having visitation, but I won’t give her up completely.

When I step inside my fourth-floor apartment, Eddie is there to greet me. I move further into the space and notice a basket on the bar. I walk over to inspect it and find a sketchbook and graphite pencils—all things I would use. There are also candles, bubble bath, and several other personal care items. They are allvanilla chai scented, my favorite. I pull out the card and sit down in a chair as I take in the note.

Kitten,

I apologize and would like to have lunch with you soon.

Tanner

I hold the card to my chest, thinking for a moment that maybe he does really care, but then I remember he doesn’t even believe I’m carrying his child.

Seven

TANNER

Ipull up to the apartment complex and take a moment to admire it. It’s located downtown, in a brand-new construction. I don’t understand why Wryan chose this place instead of something in the art district, where she was a couple of weeks ago. I hated walking away from her that day, leaving her with that bodyguard who already had a nickname for her and was treating her the way I wish I could. But I had little choice.

Thank goodness Ridley took pity on me. After I watched Browser and Wryan drive off, she came out and tossed me a bone. She gave me Wryan’s new schedule for the month, which includes a doctor’s appointment this morning. She’s now having appointments every two weeks because of how far along she is and her heart condition. She also has an appointment with Dr. Harker concerning her heart.

I’ve been sending Wryan special packages every day since she moved into her place. I started with art supplies, but I’ve also included things for the baby and some fun surprises. The best basket I sent yesterday contained a negligee that I’m sure willfit her pregnant body, along with some massage oil and a note saying I wanted to rub it all over her.

Wryan is who I want my future with. I just need her to forgive me and understand that my outburst came from jealousy, not true anger. I want to be a part of our daughter’s life too. I’ve had my attorney put a hold on any further actions until I can talk to her. I know she’s softening because she responded to my email, thanking me for the gifts. She doesn’t know I’m here, but I’m going to surprise her.

I make my way up to the fourth floor and look around. She should be in a building with an elevator. Climbing these stairs won’t be easy as her pregnancy progresses.

As I approach her unit, I know Rio will be here shortly. Browser is currently watching over her. I knock on the door, and Browser immediately answers.

“Hello,” he greets me. He knew I was coming. I told Ridley I would take Wryan to her appointment. Rio will follow us in another vehicle.

“Hello. I’m here to talk to Wryan.”

“Tanner?” Wryan steps into view, already dressed for the day in a long black skirt and a comic book T-shirt. Her curly hair is styled and getting longer, a side bang hanging over her eyes. I move past Browser and right up to her. She tips her head up to look at me.

“Wryan, I’d like to take you to your appointment and spend the day with you.”

“Um.” She glances at Browser, but he steps out into the hallway and closes the door, giving us privacy. “I think they intend to drive me.” Her dog, Eddie, stands by her side, protecting her. He’s a large black and white Akita. From what I’ve learned, he’s trained to help her if she starts to faint and needs assistance getting up.

“I can drive you.”

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