Page 73 of Gunner

“What the hell is going on?” King barked.

Banshee walked toward our table, ignoring King, and the new dog followed.

Squatting down in front of Aspen, he said, “Baby girl, this is Diesel. He’s Tucker’s brother.” Banshee looked at the dog then hitched his chin toward Aspen, and Diesel moved closer, nuzzling his nose under her hand.

When Banshee walked away, King hollered, “What the fuck is going on? When did we become a fucking animal rescue?”

“Come down, little brother,” the sheriff admonished. “Maybe now I can keep my woman home in the morning.”

“Declan!” Maureen smacked his stomach.

“I’m sorry, Sheriff. I didn’t mean—”

The sheriff held his hand up. “That wasn’t directed at you, Aspen. I’m just busting his balls. He needs to loosen up.”

“Don’t worry, Aspen, I’ll still be here in the mornings.” Maureen winked. “Especially now, so Tucker can play with his brother.”

“TWO DOGGIES!” Charlie came screaming into the room, and my heart jumped into my throat as both dogs ran toward her.

“Can I have a doggie, Daddy? Please?” Charlie was on the floor with the dogs, who both rolled around on their backs in front of her.

“Banshee, what the fuck, man?”

“Charlie, we talked about this. No dogs until the house is done,” Sam reminded her.

I had learned Jack and Sam were building a house on the club’s land. It wouldn’t be ready until the fall.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, the new dog is for Aspen. He’ll be living here in the clubhouse.” Banshee winked at the little girl, and she ran over and hugged him.

“Thank you, Uncle Banshee.”

Banshee lifted the little girl up in the air and she laughed. Aspen watched in awe; a small smile tugged at her lips whenever her eyes were on Banshee.

“Ok, Shortcake, we need to go.” Jack plucked his daughter from Banshee’s arms.

“We gets to see the baby today!” Charlie cried excitedly.

“Didn’t you have an ultrasound last month, Sam?” Maureen asked, concern edging her voice.

“I did, but I am measuring a little big, so they want to do another more in-depth one.” She shrugged, unfazed.

“Maybe this time we can see the sex,” Jack grumbled.

“I told you we were waiting. Besides, it’s too early.”

“I don’t want to wait,” Jack whined.

“No uterus, no opinion.” Sam headed toward the door, followed by Mimic.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” Jack grabbed Mimic’s arm.

“With you.”

“Fuck no. You don’t need to be there while my woman is all opened up.”

Sighing heavily, Sam stepped between them. “Jack, the ultrasound is external, as you well know. I will be fully clothed. I invited Mimic to come if he wanted to.”

“I wanna see my little sister, too.” Mimic pulled Charlie from Jack’s arms and walked outside.

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