Page 53 of Justice

"We'll get through this together, Elle," Christopher murmurs, his hand stroking soothingly along my spine. "I won't let anything happen to you, or our baby. I promise you that."

I tilt my head up to meet his eyes, seeing the fierce love and protectiveness blazing there. I know he means every word. With Christopher by my side, I feel like I can face anything. Even a twisted serial killer.

As if sensing the dark turn of my thoughts, the baby delivers a strong kick against my ribs. I gasp, my hand flying to my stomach. Christopher places his hand over mine, wonder crossing his face as he feels our child's movements.

"She's a fighter, just like her mama," he says with a proud grin.

I manage a small smile in return, warmed by his unwavering faith in me. I have to stay strong, for our daughter's sake if nothing else. I refuse to let my fear rob me of the joy of these final weeks of pregnancy.

“We should start thinking about names," I suggest, eager to focus on something positive. "We can't keep calling her 'baby girl' forever." An idea forms in my mind. “How do you feel about Miracle?”

Christopher's smile widens, his eyes shining with emotion. "Miracle," he repeats softly, testing the name on his tongue. "It's perfect. Our little miracle." He leans down, pressing a tender kiss to my belly. "Hello, Miracle," he whispers. "Your mommy and daddy love you so much already. We can't wait to meet you."

Tears prick at my eyes, hormones and love for this man and our unborn child overwhelming me. In this moment, cocooned in Christopher's embrace, the outside world and its dangers feel distant, unable to touch us.

An hour passes before we get up to shower. I have to have him at the clubhouse in ten minutes for Christopher, Mason, and Reid’s surprise party.

“Mom wants me to come to the clubhouse because some more baby things came in and she wants my opinion on the nursery at the club,” I sort of lie, but we are planning a nursery at the clubhouse in case we need to stay there.

This little girl is so spoiled. She has her own nursery at my mom and dad’s house, then Amelia has one at her and Lane’s.

My reflection in the mirror still surprises me. I'm huge and I waddle like a duck at this point.

Christopher gives me a quick peck on the lips and helps me in the driver’s door. We are going separately since he’s riding his bike. I had to talk him into it without him getting suspicious because I know he will want to go riding with his brothers after.

"All right, I'll see you at the clubhouse in a second.” He looks like he’s going to change his mind about us riding separately even though it is right down the road.

I roll my eyes fondly at his overprotectiveness. "I'm pregnant, not an invalid," I tease. "But I promise to be careful.”

He flashes me a grin and a wink before shutting the door. I take a moment to just breathe, my hand rubbing soothing circles over my belly. "All right, Miracle, let's go surprise Daddy and your uncles."

The ride to the clubhouse is uneventful, for which I'm grateful. I'm still on edge from the news about Melissa, flinching at every shadow. I hate feeling so paranoid, but I can't seem to shake the sense of being watched—hunted.

I push those dark thoughts aside as I pull up to the clubhouse. Today is about celebrating new life, not dwelling on death. I heave myself out of the car with a grunt and I catch Christopher’s glare as he runs over to me, not liking me getting out on my own and exerting myself.

Amelia greets me at the door with a broad smile and a gentle hug, mindful of my bump. "There's the mama-to-be! You look radiant, Elle."

I snort because at the moment I don’t feel like it. Christopher puts his hand at the small of my back. Most of the people here are parked around the back so Christopher and Mason don’t get suspicious.

Right on cue, Mason pulls in right next to Christopher’s bike and walks over to us. “Lord, I swear you get bigger every time I see you.”

I don’t know why, I know he is totally joking but I start crying dramatically.

Mason looks absolutely horrified. "Elle, I'm so sorry! I was just kidding around. You look beautiful, I swear!" Mason scrambles to apologize, his eyes wide with panic at my sudden tears.

Christopher shoots his brother a death glare before pulling me into his arms, rubbing my back soothingly. "Shhh, it's okay, angel. You know Mason's an idiot who doesn't think before he speaks. You are absolutely stunning, glowing with our little miracle."

I sniffle against Christopher's chest, feeling a bit foolish for my overreaction but helpless against the hormonal surge of emotions. Amelia comes to my rescue, looping her arm through mine and tugging me toward the clubhouse.

"Come on, Elle. Let's get you inside and off your feet.”

As we enter the clubhouse, Amelia steers me toward a plush armchair, fluffing the pillows before helping me settle in. The main room is suspiciously empty and quiet. I exchange a sly glance with Amelia, the anticipation building.

Christopher and Mason walk in a moment later, deep in conversation, then everyone pops out from different places through the main room, yelling, “Congratulations, Mason and Christopher!”

In the center of the room is Lane and Wilder, their dads, holding out cuts.

Christopher and Mason stand, stunned, emotions playing across their faces as they take in the scene before them. The clubhouse is packed with their brothers, their family, all here to celebrate the two of them.

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