Page 20 of Perfect Alpha

“No, I still have something else to tell you.”

“Tell me about Duncan first,” I insist, filing away the accusations she’s made against me for later evaluation.

“He called and offered to pay child support for Aidan,” Hannah whispers conspiratorially.

However, being quiet is unnecessary since Aidan is happily ramming ketchup-covered fries into his mouth while dunking the firetruck in his water.

“He doesn’t want to meet Aidan, but he wants to help. I guess he’s having some kind of guilt complex,” Hannah explains.

“This is huge,” I reply carefully.

Duncan should have been contributing and making her life easier all along, but Hannah doesn’t sound bitter about it. Better late than never, I guess.

She nods slowly. “I know. Things have been really tight with Cade paying for almost everything, so this money is welcome, no matter what amount it is.”

I interlace my fingers with Hannah’s and keep my eyes trained on hers. God, I wish I had been here for her when she needed me. “I’m really glad. Do you think you’ll see him again?”

She swallows and shakes her head. “No. We’ll do everything through electronic fund transfer. I’m not going to bother involving a lawyer.” At my long-suffering groan, she just smiles. “It’s not worth it to fight Duncan in court. And he’s going to pay now, anyway.”

“What about back pay?” I ask.

“I love how protective you are of us,” Hannah says, squeezing my hand. “He offered a lump sum to cover what he missed. It’s less than I would have gotten, but it’s something. The karma is better this way.”

“If you’re happy, I’m happy, babe.” I move the food around on my plate, but can’t bring myself to eat any vegetables yet. Instead, I take another swig of wine. It’s made of grapes, so it has to count for something.

When Hannah meets my eyes, her expression is haunted. She looks away, and I watch her swallow hard. “That’s the thing, Victory. I don’t know how I feel right now. Something else is going on that I need to tell you.”

My stomach drops as I imagine every possible scenario. Is she sick? Is Cade or Aidan sick? Oh, God, please don’t let them be sick.

“What happened?” I ask, with my heart in my throat.

Hannah squares her shoulders and takes three deep breaths before her big hazel eyes stare directly into mine. “I’m pregnant.”

Chapter 8

Cade

ThankGodforFridaysat the end of long-ass weeks. The life of a large animal vet is exhausting and far from glamorous, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Since ranchers can’t easily transport their animals into a clinical setting, I travel to my patients, many of whom are thirty miles apart. As a result, my office is my truck, and I bring everything I might need everywhere I go.

I did internships at both large and small animal practices, but something always drew me to working with the horses I grew up riding, and the livestock that earns so many hardworking ranchers their living.

I was a cowhand throughout high school and college, but always knew I wanted to be a vet. It’s my way of giving back to the ranching community that is part of my DNA while mixing in my fascination with science and medicine.

Work has been busting my balls with spring calving season, and I finally understand the term tired down to my bones. I haven’t made it home by five any day this week, and Julia has picked up the slack with watching Aidan and helping my dad.

The balancing act is impossible, and I’m living with perpetual anxiety in my chest. Nothing I do ever seems to be enough. It doesn’t help that Hannah is guilt-tripping me like crazy.

But my partner and I are two of the only vets in the area as many of our peers fled to bigger cities with easier work and higher pay.

Saying no to after-hours calls just isn’t an option. It could mean life or death, and I’m not comfortable making that decision because I’d rather be at home. We do our best to rotate weekends and, pending there are no emergencies, I have this one-off.

I’ll get to spend tomorrow night on a pseudo-date with an angry and reluctant Victory, which makes me smile despite the various horrifying substances I’m currently covered in.

It’s the closest I’ll ever get to actually dating her again, so I’ll take it even if I’m risking physical harm for the privilege. The temper on that girl isn’t for the faint of heart. But what’s a little maiming in the name of love?

“Uncle Cadestink. Pee-yew!” Aidan wrinkles his little nose and makes me chuckle at the welcome wagon.

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