Page 230 of American Hellhound
She hung up and sat, staring at the wall, letting Ash finish. He was a warm, solid weight in her arms. Soft. Sweet. Hers.Hersand Ghost’s. He already looked just like his daddy, she thought. Those eyebrows, the downy soft hair at his crown, the shape of his lips. He would look like his brother and sister, all the spitting image of their old man. So handsome.
When he was done, eyes closing and pink mouth going slack, she eased him up onto her shoulder, patting his back.
“My sweet little man,” she cooed into his tiny, velvet ear. “I love you so much. You have no idea.”
She found Ava in the kitchen, starting the day’s third pot of coffee. A tea kettle steamed on the stove.
Ava got one look at her face and said, “Oh no. What’s wrong?” No doubt her mind was no the boys, the club conflict.
Maggie said, “Your grandpa’s had a heart incident. Mom called an ambulance.”
“Oh shit.”
“I’m gonna join her at the hospital.”
“Mom.”
“I have to go. It’s my dad. And after I bitched about Mom not telling me last time…” Her throat was tight, eyes stinging.
Ava looked devastated. And fierce – always fierce, her girl. “Dad wouldn’t let you.”
“I know. But he’s not here.”
Ava turned away, muttering under her breath. Ghost’s offspring, through and through. When she looked back, she was resolute. “I’m going with you.”
Maggie smiled at her. “You have three babies.”
“So do you,” Ava fired back.
Maggie touched her face, cupped her cheek with one hand. “I have to do this. I’m gonna leave your little brother with you.”
Ava’s eyes glimmered. She glanced away, biting her lip. “Don’t go alone.”
“I won’t.”
Maggie reached for her the same moment Ava leaned in, and they embraced, careful of Ash between them.
“Please be careful,” Ava whispered.
“I will.”
They traded I-love-yous, and Maggie passed the baby over, heart grabbing at the sight of the two of them together.
In the common room, she was met by unhappy, but resigned expressions.
“I’m coming,” Harry said, shrugging into his jacket.
“You too, Roman,” Maggie said. What else was he doing besides staring into his coffee cup? And besides, he knew these Saints assholes. If something happened, he might prove useful.
“I’ll come too,” Kristin volunteered, to Maggie’s surprise.
She gave the girl a long look, finding her fearful, but clear-eyed.
“Okay.”
She glanced at Ava. Mercy wasn’t an officer, but every woman in the room knew who was in charge in the queen’s absence.
“Be safe,” Ava said, a wealth of unsaid cautions in her eyes.
