Page 6 of Doc's Decision

But I’ll keep trying for Kash.

The kid didn’t ask for any of this, but he’s mine now.

My responsibility.

“So,” I drawl, trying to lighten the mood a bit, “about those tricks of the trade . . . any chance you’d be willing to share a few? Feels like I could use all the help I can get these days.”

Mandy looks up at me, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “Oh, I don’t know. Some of these secrets are pretty valuable. Might cost you.”

I raise an eyebrow, enjoying the little spark of flirtation between us. “Yeah? And what exactly would be the going rate for baby whisperer wisdom?”

She pretends to think for a moment. “Hmm . . . how about a drink sometime? You know, when you can actually leave this little guy for more than five minutes without worrying he’ll bring down the clubhouse.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “You got yourself a deal. Whenever you’re free, I’m buying.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Mandy says with a wink.

We fall into a comfortable silence for a bit, just watching Kash as he sleeps peacefully in her arms.

It’s a good look on her, I can’t help but think.

Natural, like she was meant to be a mama herself someday.

The thought catches me off guard.

I barely know this chick, and here I am, imagining her with a kid of her own.

Something about seeing her with my son, so gentle and sure . . . it does things to me.

Makes me wonder about the what-ifs and maybes.

I mentally shake myself.

Now’s not the time for getting lost in pointless daydreams.

I have enough on my plate as it is.

Still, as Mandy carefully transfers Kash back into my arms, our eyes meeting in a loaded gaze, I can’t quite squash the tiny tendril of hope unfurling in my chest.

Maybe, just maybe, I don’t have to do this whole dad thing completely alone after all.

“So, have you heard from her at all? Sassy, I mean,” Mandy asks softly, settling onto the couch beside me.

I tense up, my jaw clenching tight. “Nah. Not a fucking word.”

“That’s rough,” she says, genuine sympathy in her voice. “I’m sorry you’re having to deal with all this.”

I just shrug, staring down at Kash’s sleeping face. “It is what it is. I’m not gonna waste my time worrying about someone who obviously doesn’t give a shit.”

“Still, he’s her kid too. You’d think she’d at least check in, make sure he’s okay.”

“Yeah, well, that would require her to think of someone other than herself for half a second,” I mutter bitterly. “Apparently, that’s too much to ask.”

Mandy’s hand comes to rest on my knee, a gesture of comfort and support that I wasn’t expecting but find myself deeply appreciating.

“Hey,” she says gently, waiting until I meet her gaze. “You’re doing a great job with him, Doc. Kash is lucky to have you. And fuck Sassy for putting you in this position in the first place. You both deserve so much better.”

Warmth blooms in my chest at her words, and I feel some of the tension bleed out of my muscles. “Thanks, doll,” I murmur, offering her a small, grateful smile. “I’m just trying to do right by my boy, you know? Be the dad he needs since he sure as hell ain’t getting a mom anytime soon.”

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