Page 35 of Heartbeat

“Princess.” The one word let me know there was no beating around the bush. He wanted a straight answer.

“I’m pregnant,” I rushed out. I couldn’t believe the little test had two pink lines. But my cycle was late, and I can set a clock by that thing. So, although I never pictured myself with kids, it was happening.

“My baby is having a baby.” Lennox’s bearded face broke out into a glorious smile. His eyes lit up, and I was in love all over again. “I love you so much.” He leaned down and kissed my lips softly.

“I love you too,” I replied, smiling. It was the first time we had exchanged the words, but we both knew how we felt. Sometimes though, we all need to hear the words.

“And I am going to spank your ass for trying to fight me while you’re pregnant.” Lennox arched his brow, and I smiled sheepishly.

“It’s the hormones.” I shrugged with a pout.

He chuckled, “Yeah, whatever. Your little ass better calm the hell down. You’re carrying our PJ in there.”

“PJ?”

“Yeah, Princess or Prince junior.” I laughed at his silliness. I really did love this man.

“Now, that all of that is cleared up. Why the fuck was Cullen McGregor hugging you.” And just like that, we were right back to the angry Lennox.

* * *

“Cullen was just extending his well wishes about my father. That’s all.”

“Well, if Cullen doesn’t keep his fucking hands to himself, someone is going to be extending their condolences,” Lennox replied with a completely straight face, and I knew he was serious, but I still chuckled.

“Aint shit funny, Princess.” But Lennox managed to smirk at my smile.

“I got it. No touching from Cullen.” I smiled, rubbing my hands down his muscled chest.

“No touching from anyone but me. And stop looking at me like that. Now is not the time for me to fuck you. I’m waiting for my father, and yours is in the ICU.” I felt heat creep over my face. I was ashamed that I had momentarily forgotten where we were and why.

“You’re right. My fault. We need to go back out there, and now that I’m not mad, PJ is hungry.”

“Yeah, and don’t do that shit again. You better take care of yourself and our baby, mad or not. But I do have a few questions. Why didn’t you tell me your family was mafia? And did you know that mine is too?”

At that moment, I could’ve been knocked over by a damned feather. I had no idea the Nash family was mafia. Hell, what was the likelihood of two mafia families marrying into one another?

“No, I had no idea.” I shook my head. Some things weren’t adding up. “How did your father get you to go through with the arrangement?”

“It was a dowry clause in my employment contract. I assumed it meant I had to donate to the hospital… I was wrong. How’d they get you to do it?” He asked, looking confused. We had never talked about the reasons we decided to go along with the arrangement. After our wedding night, it was sort of a silent agreement that we were going to stay married, so the reasons didn’t matter.

“My father said the hospital needed money, and your family had it. He was going to make Robin do it, but she’s married already.” I shrugged. At the news, Lennox’s frown grew deeper.

“Something about this doesn’t make sense. But I’m sure my father will have the answers we need,” Lennox finally answered.

“I’m sure he knows more than what he’s telling. Our fathers are two peas in a pod,” I agreed with a frown.

“One more question, then I need you to go eat something.”

“Okay, shoot,” I asked curiously.

“How long has McGregor known aboutthe ward?I thought only people related to the Bishops somehow had access to this part of the hospital.”

“Ummm, I’m not sure how long he’s known. But some special donors have access, it’s not just Bishops,” I replied.

“What type ofspecial? Like, how much money makes you have access to an off the books part of a private hospital?” Lennox asked me, and I have no idea where he was going with his questioning.

“Not sure. I can’t say that I was ever interested in the hospital business before. I just assumed that the McGregor’s had access because the pharmaceutical company and the hospital are somewhat intertwined. I didn’t live here when my father started up business dealings with them, so I really never asked.”

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