Page 29 of The Club Princess

“For what, princess?”

“For always being there for me. For letting me join the club when I knew you and Shaw didn’t want me to.”

My heart twists, and my throat aches. “Mikayla, we always wanted you. We just didn’t see it clearly at first. We were never going to let you go. You are a part of this family, you always have been.”

Dodge clears his throat. “We’re here. I’ll park the truck and be in the waiting room. I’m sure Shaw will be looking for you two.”

Shaw

Mikayla’seyesshinewithuncontained happiness as she watches Gage hold the small baby. Gage’s face is wet with tears as he rocks softly from side to side with the bundle in his arms. The hospital had a limit of only one person in the delivery room with her. I was upset at first, but after a while, I realized I couldn’t take this moment away from either of them.

Her gaze locks to mine, and her smile deepens. “Hi, Daddy.”

“Hi, princess,” I say, stepping around the bed to kiss her temple.

Gage’s hands tighten slightly on the blankets before he nods to me. “Hey, old man. Want to hold him?”

Swallowing down the emotion, I shake my head and sit on the edge next to Mikayla. “Maybe later. Have your moment with your son.”

Mikayla frowns, her small hand reaching out to hold mine. “We don’t know…who is–”

I bring her knuckles to my lips and kiss them. “It’s not mine, sweetheart. I entertained the idea for a bit, but I got confirmation from my doctor. My vasectomy hasn’t failed at all. I’m shooting blanks.”

Her mouth opens, and she glances at Gage before turning back to me. “We were never going to test to find out. It’sourson.”

Shrugging, I smile at her and then Gage. “I’ve raised a kid already. Two actually. I think it’s time to step back.”

I clear my throat and get off the bed. Mikayla tries to reach for me but winces and presses a hand to her stomach. I push her to lie down. “Stay, sweetie.”

“No. You’re freaking me out. It feels like you’re saying goodbye.” Tears stream down her face.

“It does,” Gage agrees, moving to set the sleeping infant into the small plastic crib to the side. “What are you saying?”

“I’m not saying goodbye, I would never leave. But I think I need to step back,” I give them a half-smile. “It’s always been you two. I’m just trying to slot myself in where I shouldn’t.”

Mikayla lets out a choked sob. “I don’t understand. I thought you wanted to be with me.”

Gage’s eyes sharpen as he sees how upset she is, and he turns to me with a hard glare. “Is this really the appropriate time to do this?”

My chest caves in. “You’re right. God, I’m sorry. Fuck.” I rub a hand down my jaw.

“How long have you felt like this?” Mikayla asks, wiping at her face.

Gage folds his arms across his chest. “Since before the baby shower, huh? I knew something was up with you.”

“We can talk about this when you guys get home from the hospital.”

Mikayla shakes her head. “Please, I’ll just worry about it the entire time. Plus, we’re just waiting around at this point.”

I sit on the edge of her bed again, grabbing at her hand. “I never meant to hurt you, baby. I just think you and Gage are good together, and I don’t want to screw it up.”

Gage scoffs, moving closer to Mikayla’s side. “I didn’t take you for an insecure coward.”

I tense. “Say that again.”

“Gage…” Mikayla whispers.

“Nah. Listen, old man. Neither of us has said or done anything to make you feel like we don’t want you here. And honestly, I would prefer you with Mikayla than one of those greedy bitches at the club. Love those girls, but they are so desperate for a man, it’s sickening.”

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