Page 34 of Unexpected Delivery

“Dumb questions do exist,” Nana says from behind me.

“Right, that was silly.” Hayes steps back, and I instantly miss the warmth from his body.

“It wasn’t terrible,” I say, refocusing my attention. “Morris helped a lot; he was a godsend.”

“I knew we raised him right.” Nana chuckles. “I was going to keep you company while the boys run into town, but I think I’ll go with them. Hayes, I’m sure that gym of yours can function without you for another day or two.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he agrees, bowing his head respectfully.

“Now, Arbor, make us a list,” Nana says. “I’ll make sure the boys don’t come back with something completely different than the brand you asked for.”

I glance over my shoulder, offering her an appreciative smile. It’s easy to see where Morris got his generosity and welcoming nature.

Would it be inappropriate to ask her if she knows any natural methods to make my breasts stop aching?

Hael, Morris, and Morris’s grandmother head out.

Hayes leans against the counter across the kitchen from where I sit at the table. He’s got Gracie resting on his chest, and the sight does funny things to my heart. There’s something about his soft smile as he stares down at her that makes it dangerous to watch him for too long.

I haven’t let myself obsess too much about the reality of my situation, but it’s always in the back of my mind.

Adam could show up at any time and try to fight me for custody. I know him well enough to anticipate the threats he’ll make. First, he’ll tell all about his family’s resources. Then I imagine he’ll offer to ignore my transgressionsifI go back to Arizona with him. When I say no, it’ll turn into flat-out threats about taking her away from me.

That’s the one thing that scares me the most. If it came down to a lengthy and expensive court battle, I wouldn’t have the financial capacity to fight him.

Before I ditched my old phone, I emailed myself copies of every picture I had of things he broke around the house, every mark he left on me, and even screenshots of the veiled and flat-out threats that he texted me. I’m confident it’s enough to show a pattern of abuse against me. I’m just not sure a judge would view all that as enough to keep Adam away from Gracie.

“Well, Mom, she knocked out. Do you want me to put her down in her bassinet?” Hayes asks, tilting his head when he catches the look on my face.

“I’m sorry you had to miss another day of work to be here with us,” I say, swallowing around the rocks that have formed in my throat from thinking of Adam.

“I’m not. I want to be here with the two of you.” Hayes swaggers closer, still with his head at an angle, and comes to a stop by my chair. “I know it’s a sign of past abuse to apologize for things that aren’t your fault, but I need you to try to stop. It makes me feel like you’re afraid of me, and it sets my instincts on edge, trying to figure out what I’ve done wrong.”

“I’m so sorry,” I whisper, grimacing.

Way to do the exact thing he asked you not to do.

“You haven’t done anything wrong,” I assure him. “I just feel bad about how much I’ve disrupted your lives. Once I heal a little more, I’m going to look for a job.”

Hayes shrugs. “If that’s what you want to do, then absolutely, have at it. Just don’t try to rush your healing process because you feel obligated.” He holds out a hand. “Come on. I realized how ridiculous my comment was earlier. I would suggest that the three of us snuggle in the living room, but getting a new couch is on the guys’ to-do list.”

I place my hand in his and scoot my chair back as he pulls me up. Gracie manages to sleep through the entire transition, and I run my fingers over her cheek.

Hayes moves his hand to my hip and guides me toward the hallway that leads to the bedroom I slept in last night. “When you’re putting in applications, drop one at the gym. I’ve been meaning to hire a receptionist to greet customers and take membership payments. You could even bring the baby with you. I’m not sure if she could sleep through the chaos, but at least you wouldn’t have to worry about day care.”

We make it to the bedroom door, and he reaches out, giving it a shove open.

I head in first and grimace at the unmade bed.You really should have handled that.It makes it look like you're completely incapable of cleaning up after yourself.

Stomping over, I grab the comforter and shake it out, but it’s not a great plan. My lower half and my chest throb at the movement.

I hiss as Hayes puts Gracie down in her bassinet.

He spins around, frowning. “What’s wrong?”

“N-Nothing,” I stutter, gritting my teeth. “Sorry. I need a bathroom visit.” Waddling away, I pray I didn’t pop a stitch or something ridiculous. It would also be nice if I didn’t bleed through my clothes. Man, I had no idea the time after giving birth would bemoreembarrassing than being pregnant.

Chapter Thirteen

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