Page 38 of Nick

“I was just making sure he didn’t harm my babies.”

“Are you okay?” Amber asked.

“I was terrified he would hurt my babies. I’m not very nice because I was hoping he was dead when I punched him in the throat.”

“I would have blown his head off. He could have killed you and the babies.” I looked at Amber, and she was crying.

“Pull over. I’ll drive.”

“Are you crazy? I’m just upset that you were shot. You could have died.”

“But I didn’t. I’m fine. Plus, I bought myself some maternity dresses.”

“I bet they make you look hotter than a firecracker.”

“I’m pregnant with twins, how am I going to look hot?”

“Oh please, your hot without trying to be. Speaking of hot, when is Nick coming back?”

“I haven’t talked to him. Did I tell you he asked me to marry him?”

“Do you love him?”

“More than anything.”

“Does he love you?”

“Yes, he loves me. He fell in love with me in Italy.”

“So, the twins were conceived in Italy.”

“Yes. The same night I met him. I fell in love with him. We had the most beautiful night together. I left before he woke up. I was embarrassed that I went to bed with a stranger.”

“I love that story. How are you feeling?”

“I feel fine—my shoulder aches. At least the bullet went through, so I won’t have to have it dug out of me.” When Amber pulled into the emergency entrance, Angel stood there frowning. “God, I hope he doesn’t start lecturing me.”

“Why would he do that? You aren’t the one who tried robbing the clothing store.”

“I need to get home and shower. I can feel the blood running down my chest.”

Angel opened the door and helped me out. I had that tight dress on, so getting out of the vehicle was a bit awkward.

“Opal, sweetie, are you okay?”

“Yes, I might need a few stitches, but my babies are safe in their little cocoon,” I smiled and would have fallen on my face if Angel hadn’t caught me. I blacked out. So I missed him shouting orders and Amber crying. I missed Ruby charging into the hospital, wanting to know what the heck was going on. I would have woken by then, but Angel gave me a shot while he cleaned my wound and sewed me up.

I was in a hospital gown and a private room when I woke up. I looked at Axel, who was as white as a ghost. “Axel, I’m fine. I only have a tiny hole in my shoulder, so you don’t need to be scared. Come and hug me. They shouldn’t have called you. I’m ready to go home.”

Angel walked into the room. “Why am I in a room? I’m fine.”

“We are watching the babies for a couple of days. The pediatrician checked the babies, and one of them had a heartbeat that was too fast.”

“Are you telling me that something is wrong with my babies?”

“We don’t know. That’s why you are here.”

“Get the sonogram. I want to see my babies.”

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