Page 43 of Zone Protection

“I mean … a little, but it’s probably for the best. Self-control and whatnot.” She giggles as she gets into the bed.

“Oh, hey, I don’t have a charger. My phone battery is low, and I can’t miss my alarm.”

“There should be an extra around here somewhere.”

She pulls open the drawer of the nightstand next to her side of the bed, and I spy a hot-pink vibrator sitting right on top.

“Found one. Here you go.”

She reaches across the bed, and I take it from her.

“Thanks, baby.”

I plug the cord into the outlet on the wall and sit on the edge of the bed. Opening my Alarm app, I set the alarm for seven a.m. I need to make sure I wake up early enough to run back to my house, eat, and get to the field by nine.

I set my phone down and move fully onto the bed. Emma is already lying down on her side and facing me.

“Hey, Archie? Thank you for asking me about my sister. It means a lot to me that you care, but it is something I needed to tell you about anyway. One of the biggest reasons this pregnancy scares me is because Sunny’s condition was hereditary. So, thereis a chance our baby could have the same defect.” She reaches over and places her hand on my shoulder.

I turn onto my back and hold my arm out to her. “Come here.”

She scoots over and rests her head on my shoulder while bringing her hand to my stomach.

“I’m really glad you told me about her. But, Emma, if he or she does have the same issue, we’ll do whatever we need to do to make sure our baby has the best life. And like the doctor said, there have been advances in medicine between then and now.”

She nods. “You’re right, and logically, I know that. I mean, that’s what I’m in school for, but I never thought about it for myself, if you know what I mean. Just surreal, honestly.”

She looks up at my face, and I meet her gaze.

“Going through this with you though is making that fear lessen. I’m not sure why I feel this sense of peace or ease with you, but I do.”

I kiss the top of her head. “Good. I’m glad I can help you feel better about it all. I’ll do everything I can to take care of you and the baby. You won’t ever have to question that.”

“I’m just so used to taking care of everything on my own that it’s hard to trust, but I do trust you.” She strokes her hand up to my chest, and it rests right over my heart. “You ever going to tell me what this tattoo means?”

“The cards?”

“Yeah, I noticed it the first time we were together and have been curious.”

“Well, it represents my brothers. Aiden, the ace of hearts. Aston is the ace of clubs. Ace is diamonds, and Austin is spades. The Joker is Jesse. He was also a surprise baby.”

“I love that. Can I see a picture of them? I don’t know why I didn’t think to ask sooner.”

I grab my phone off the nightstand and pull up my photos. “This is my mama, my dad, Aiden, Ace, Aston, Austin and Jesse. And this good-lookin’ guy on the end is yours truly.”

She takes the phone from my hand and really looks at the picture.

“I think you and Aiden look the most alike, but you can definitely tell you’re all related. I wonder what my relationship with Sunny would have been like as we got older. Are you all pretty close?”

“Yes, we are. I don’t know what I’d do without them. I love my friends, and I know they have my back, but nothing beats the bond I have with my brothers. Emma, I know you’ve been alone in a lot of ways since your sister died, but letting someone in and allowing others to help you don’t make you less of a force. In the small amount of time we’ve spent together, I can see you’re strong and very capable of taking care of yourself. But I’m asking you to let me take care of you. I promise to never forget how strong you are.” I lean in and kiss her lips.

“Okay, Archie, I’ll try.”

She kisses me this time, but before we get carried away, I break the kiss.

“Let’s try to get some sleep. Big Griff and Baby Griff are growing and need the rest.” I reach down and pull her shirt up slightly to touch her lower belly, where my baby is.

She hitches a breath. “That tickles.” She places her hand on top of mine. “But, yeah, I don’t think I can keep my eyes open.” She yawns. “A year ago, would you have guessed you would be spending Halloween in bed by nine p.m. with your …”

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