Page 103 of Because of the Dar

Mags snorts, and from inside Grizz's office comes a barked laugh. I peer over my shoulder and see that Grizz has recovered himself. Facing Dean, I say, "I am." I place a hand on my stomach, glancing down to my daily growing Nugget.

"That is…wow." He props his hands on his hips. "Who's the father?"

"None of your fucking business." Mags steps in front of me. I'm grateful for her taking over. I have no desire to hash out my fucked-up situation with a coworker before I get to speak to the father of my baby.

Dean holds his palms up. "Understood, Drill Sergeant Mags."

She lifts her fist as if to punch him, but he sidesteps her. Focusing on me, he pleads, "Please tell me you're back. Mags has been a raging bitch for months, and your replacement is useless."

My replacement. God, I hate that word. Grasping how my life was intertwined with so many, after having been on my own for the better part of fifteen years—Kiwi excluded—my heart sinks. Heaviness pulls on me like a weight drags one to the bottom of the ocean. I hollow my cheeks and shrug, pretending that this didn't affect me.

Mags, still in charge, addresses Grizz. "What's the verdict?" This would be the first time she would give him any say in a decision.

"Are you good to work on your feet?" His concern chases the dark blanket of guilt away and turns my insides to mush. This tattooed bear of a man has never been anything but kind to me.

"Yes, I've been working twelve-hour shifts in…" I trail off. It's not important where I was.

Grizz nods. "Okay, but you take breaks whenever you need them. We'll keep Kira on as a backup. She can help you grab stuff, and you focus on mixing. No heavy lifting." As he speaks, he stands and comes around his desk. I can't help my emotions spilling out and launch myself at my boss. We had never touched beyond a handshake when I first started working for him. But this moment, right now, I'm wrapped around his midsection, and it's where I'm meant to be. The Grizz is home. He drapes his arms around my shoulders, holding on tight. "Glad you're back, King."

My door flies open,and I shield my eyes against the sudden glare coming from my ceiling light.

"Rise and shine, bitch!"

My pillow disappears from under my head and lands on my face. This means war. She has no idea what it means to assault a preggo with not enough sleep.

"WHAT THE FUCK?" I swat at the pillow.

My friend drops on the mattress next to me, propping her head with her hand. "We're going shopping. Get up!"

Huh?

"I don't need anything. I grow out of it in two days anyway," I grumble, trying to push her off my bed with my foot.

"Not for you, dummy. For your little bowling ball." Is dummy an up- or downgrade from bitch?

"I still can't believe you refuse to tell me the gender." Mags's toothy grin dims, and she juts her bottom lip out.

I push myself up to sit against my remaining pillow. I don't want to hope, but at the same time, I do. It's a constant tug-of-war in my heart. "Not until I talk to Wes, and who knows when that will be?"

My friend growls. "That drunk dimwit needs a good kick in the ass."

"Don't call him that!" I snap at her. I'm not happy with him running away either, but hearing her call him names instantly makes my body tense up. "Owww." I double over.

"WHAT?" Mags looks at me, alarmed. "What happened? Do you need a doctor?"

"Nugget didn't like you calling Wes names either." I grind my teeth as my baby goes to town on my full bladder. I don't even want to think about what she can do when she's bigger in there.

Mags leans close to my belly. "I'm sorry, little one. Your daddy needs to stop being a stubborn ass, though."

Kick.

"MAGS!" I wince and laugh at the same time.

She makes a zip motion over her mouth, eyes twinkling. Getting up, she scratches Echo's head, who lays in her bed in front of mine. "Get dressed. I want to buy my new little bestie some attire."

I blink several times. Damn hormones. "Give me a few. I need to shower."

"Okey dokey. I'll get your decaf ready," she quips, leaving my room.

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