Page 122 of Paternal Instincts
“I made it.”
“Did you find the boy?”
“I did.” Quaid met my gaze. “He’s safe.”
I was glad but didn’t miss the haunted expression and shadow behind Quaid’s eyes. Whatever happened didn’t go as planned, but now wasn’t the time to discuss it.
Bryn maneuvered onto her back and released my hand for the first time since I’d arrived, taking Quaid’s instead. “I knew you’d get him back.”
Quaid kissed her forehead. “I won’t leave you again. I promise. Can I do anything for you?”
“Can you fix my stupid hair or find a buzzer and shave it off.”
He chuckled and did what he could to pin it back. When she closed her eyes, I glanced at Quaid and mouthed, “Are you okay?”
He nodded but cut his gaze at Bryn too quickly as though not wanting me to read the truth behind his eyes.
“Quaid?”
“Flynn’s dead. We’ll talk about it later.”
A coil of sickness churned my belly as I imagined how the scenario had played out, resulting in a death. For an instant, Columbus’s face flashed through my mind. I shoved it away and refocused on thepresent. We’d talk later. I didn’t want anything or anyone to spoil this moment.
I reached for Quaid’s hand and turned it to admire the faint blue lines on his wrist, stroking my thumb over their length. He stilled, watching, knowing where my thoughts strayed.
He turned his hand and linked our fingers. “I’m fine, Az.”
“I know.” I glanced at Bryn. “Anytime, Quaid. This baby is almost here.”
This was it. Our life-changing moment.
“I love you,” he whispered.
Warmed by his words, I kissed his fingers and released his hands to tap my chest over my heart. “I love you, too.”
Tears brimmed his eyes.
“I can tell you guys are being cute over top of me, but I’m too tired to open my eyes and witness it.”
I chuckled. “Rest. You need it.”
“I am.” But in less time than I expected, she whined, “Oh no… Another one.”
And it was rough.
And it went on for what felt like ages.
And they came one on top of another on top of another.
We worked as a team to support her.
A nurse came in while Bryn gritted her teeth and fought to copy Quaid’s instructions for proper breathing so she wouldn’t hold her breath.
When it ended, the nurse explained she would do another pelvic exam. While she did, Quaid found a wet cloth and wiped Bryn’s face.
“Are you sure you don’t want anything for the pain?” I asked. Until then, she’d turned it down. “This is your rodeo, and there’s no shame.”
Bryn shook her head. “No. I can do it. I did it last time.”
