Page 48 of Gunner

“Then he’s going to be a good-looking kid,” she teases. I smirk at her and shake my head.

“You’re gonna pay for that.”

“Look forward to it,” she teases back.

“I don’t need to hear this. Let Uncle Rick see him,” Rick chimes in as he walks over to me. He looks at the little bundle in my arms and sighs.

“You two did good.”

“He’s perfect, right?”

“He is. He surely is,” Rick says once more before heading for the door.

“Where are you going?” Nat asks.

“I’m going to give you a little time together. I won’t be far,” he smiles before heading out of the room.

It doesn’t take long for them to clean Nat up and move us to a different room. Now that we’re both more comfortable, I sit in the chair next to her bed and hold my little boy.

“What’s his name?”

“Jesse. You liked that name, right?” she asks.

“I did. I think it’s a good name. Look at you, Jesse. A strong name for a strong boy, just like his momma.”

“You’re good at this,” she says.

“I had practice. You wanna hold him now?” Nat shakes her head as she yawns and closes her eyes. I’m sure she’s worn out. That takes a toll on a woman’s body.

“I’m tired, Gunner. So tired.”

“Then sleep, baby girl. I’m not goin’ anywhere.”

“You promise?” she asks through another yawn.

“I promise. You’re stuck with me now.” She smiles as her eyes flutter closed. I slide my phone out and snap a few more pictures, sending them to everyone I know. Rick went to grab us something to eat while I stayed with Nat and the baby.

The nurses have been in a couple of times to check on things and make sure he’s eating. He eats every last drop I offer him. They said that’s a good sign of a healthy boy. It makes my heart swell with pride that we did this. We made this.

I know at first, I wasn’t sure about raising another kid. I’ve raised mine, and now I’m older, but holding Jesse in my arms changes things. It changes everything. I don’t think I could ever give this up. I wouldn’t want to. This family means everything to me.

Chapter 22

Natasa

We’ve been back at the clubhouse for a few weeks now. Things have changed. I’ve changed, and I don’t know if it’s for the better either. I’ve felt disconnected from everything and everyone.

“Nat?”

“What, Gunner?”

“What’s goin’ on with you?”

“Nothing. I’ve told you that multiple times.”

“It’s been two weeks, Nat, and you haven’t held Jesse once.” He’s right. I haven’t. I don’t know why I can’t hold my son. I don’t know why I feel the way I do.

“Yes, I have.”

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