Page 32 of Gunner

“You good?”

“Yeah, I’m good. Everything straight?” I ask him.

“Yeah, it’s all good. Everything’s runnin’ smoothly. No issues right now. We’re good.”

“Thank fuck. It’s almost Christmas.”

“You buyin’ me a present, Prez?” I shove at Locke and flip him off.

“Fuck no. I don’t like you that much.”

“Speakin’ of. Kiki is draggin’ all the decorations up from the basement.”

“I bet she is. She’s always loved Christmas,” I tell him.

“Well, it’s about to look like Christmas in here.” He nods toward Kiki and the stack of totes she has in her hands.

“Go help the woman.”

“Hell no, Prez. I was told to stay out of it.” I watch Nat rush over and grab one of the totes. Instead of letting her, I walk over and grab it from her hands.

“No liftin’.”

“What?”

“You’re not liftin’ shit.”

“The doctor didn’t say that,” Nat says, looking confused.

“No. I did. You want somethin’ moved, you tell me.” She smiles, and it takes my breath away.

“Yes, sir.”

“Keep sayin’ that, and I’m gonna bend you over that table again,” I warn. Her cheeks turn pink as she smiles at me. I carry the tote over to Kiki and set it on the floor. Then I turn back to Nat, who has made her way over to us and wrap my arms around her. I pull her in close and inhale her scent.

“What do you want for Christmas, Nat?”

“I don’t need anything.”

“Didn’t ask you that.”

“I have everything I need right now, Gunner. Thank you.” I press my lips to hers and kiss her gently before pulling back.

“I’m glad I can give you that.”

“You give me more than I deserve.”

“No. You deserve the world, Nat. And so does this baby,” I tell her as I slide my hand down to her bump.

“And you’re sure you’re ready for this?” she asks, a smile on her face.

“Damn right, I am. I can’t wait to see what he looks like. I bet he looks just like you.”

“I don’t know. Hodge looks a lot like you, and he’s not bad to look at,” she teases.

“You got a thing for my son, Nat?”

“No. I’m just saying.”

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