Page 69 of Accepted Precedent
“Mickey was right—you’re the anchor.”
A pounding on the door startles us. “I can only hold him off for so long!” Andy shouts.
“We’ll be out in a minute. Pissing on a stick isn’t easy when you’re a woman,” I holler, then whisper to Kristin, “Who can we trust?”
“I don’t know. Ileah and Jaclyn seem innocent, but everyone is tied to the Gallaghers at this point. Keep a low profile, but I don’t trust anyone after what went down last night. On top of the guy I shot, Tim is dead, the hitman is dead, and Christopher Blake is also dead.”
“What?” I screech and turn on the water, washing my hands longer than necessary.
“I’ll fill you in later, but Chris’ death was a fluke. Alex is stepping in for Chris like he did at the wedding. It’s a fucking mess. Okay, you have to get out there or they’ll suspect something.”
“I know,” I groan. “Fuck all of this.”
I walk out, head held high, until I reach the kitchen. Andrew looks like a wounded animal and the hope Mickey possesses could electrify a major city. I brace myself on the counter, unable to meet their gaze. Kristin is by my side and covers her hand with mine. After closing my eyes and several deep breaths in and out, a strong hand splays across my stomach, pulling me to them. Breathing a shaky sigh, I whisper, “I’m sorry, Mick.”
Mickey kisses the small spot between my neck and shoulder and whispers against me, “I don’t care what the result is. I love you.”
My gaze lifts to Andrew and my truth tumbles from me, “I love you… I’m sorry.”
A mix of love and horror mar his expression, and thankfully Mickey misses it. Eternity passes and I’m sick to my stomach. Thankfully, Kristin spots my discomfort and places the test in Mickey’s hand. “Mr. Gallagher, Mrs. Adams is with child.”
He stills, then turns me to face him. “Then why were you apologizing, angel?”
“You know what has to happen.”
“I don’t care.” He peppers kisses on every inch of my face. “You and Andrew are my world, angel. We’re going to figure this out together.”
“Even if Andrew decides to raise them with me?”
His eyes search mine. “Them?”
“She’ll confirm with a doctor,” Kristin offers.
“I don’t understand.”
Likely fed up with our theatrics, she blurts, “Evelyn’s test was positive after only a few minutes, which means there’s a good chance she’s pregnant with twins.”
“Fuck.” Andrew pinches the bridge of his nose.
“Yeah… fuck,” Kristin echoes.
Chapter 29
Mickey
Christopher Blake is dead from CPAP failure—which is actually a blessing. Timothy McKinnon is dead because of my brother. The hitman we hired to kill Tim’s opponent is dead because of Ileah. Tim’s opponent is dead because my angel and her sister are miracle workers. Delaware is now free for the taking. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.
But Evelyn is pregnant with our child—children. I’m going to be a father.
I’m done fulfilling my family’s legacy. The moment Jaclyn Taylor is sworn in as President, I’m out. No child of mine will follow in my footsteps.
I keep a hand on her belly, shutting my eyes tight. I don’t deserve her or these children, but I’m going to keep them safe all the same. “Evie, I?—”
“No, Mick. You, me, and Andrew need to talk about this. I also want Kristin here… just in case.”
A gun cocks behind me, making all of us turn. “I never returned this to you, Mr. Gallagher, but I won’t hesitate to use it if you hurt my sister.”
“If I ever hurt Evelyn or our children, you have my permission to kill me.” I step toward her and grip the barrel, forcing the gun to my forehead. “I’ll ensure everything is left to them, with a hefty bonus for you.”
