Page 63 of Renewal After Dark

“That’d be me, making a ruckus everywhere I go on thisthing.”

“Where’s your helmet?”

“Oh damn, I knew I forgot something.”

“Don’t tell me you ride that beast without one.”

“Okay, I won’t.”

“Duke! That’s not safe!”

“It’s fine. I don’t go far. Just a couple of laps around the island to take in the scenery.”

“Don’t you know that the worst accidents happen within a mile of home?”

He got off the bike. “Been doing it for years. Never came close to having an accident.”

“Yet.”

“Aw, are you worried about me?”

“What if I am?”

“That’s very nice of you, but there’s no need to worry. I’m super careful.”

“I’m sure you are, but you told me yourself that people drive crazy on the winding island roads. You don’t want me walking on them with Jax. I don’t want you driving that monster of a motorcycle on them without a helmet.”

He gave her a side-eyed look that was equal parts amusement and aggravation. “If I agree to wear a helmet, do you promise to never walk into town?”

“Fine. I promise. You’ll start wearing the helmet immediately?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Do you even own one?”

“I’ve got one kicking around here somewhere.”

“Find it.”

He grinned as he came over to tweak Jax’s bare foot, making the baby giggle. “Better watch out, pal. Your bossy mom is gonna be a big problem when you’re a teenager.”

“That’s right, and he’ll toe the line or else.”

Duke’s laughter made his eyes twinkle. “Hope I’m around to see that.”

“Where else would you be?”

“Nowhere. I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

Chapter14

Adam McCarthy was having trouble breathing as he stood outside the cubicle while David and Victoria tended to Abby.

They’d begun an IV that was intended to stop her early labor, but what if it didn’t work?

Twenty-two weeks was a long way from viability.

Could the babies survive at that age? A quick web search had answered the question he didn’t want to ask in front of Abby when she was trying so hard to remain calm. Yes, the babies could survive, but it would be a roller-coaster ride of probably months in the neonatal intensive care unit with no guarantee of a happy ending. It was also possible that the babies could endure life-long challenges as a result of their early births.

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