Page 96 of For The Chances We Take

I hugged my boy tighter, smelled his hair, and gave him back to Izzie, who sensed my agitation as I got up from the bed. “What happened?”

“I need to talk to Mia and Danny.”

“What did you do?” Despite her words, there was no judgment in her question. I could even feel her understanding.

“I need to talk to them,” I repeated as I stormed out of the room.

She was covered in blood when I saw her. Her head was bleeding. She saved my woman and baby’s lives. She could’ve died. That thought took charge in my head. She could’ve died. It pained me to consider it was probablyhisgoal.

I stomped into the waiting room, and my sight zeroed in on her again. She noticed my approach and stood up from her chair, once again getting ready to apologize. I was probably looking like a madman, because from the corner of my eyes, I was aware of two forms running toward us to stop whatever was about to happen. I was on a roll, and nothing would keep me from doing what I had to do.

When she was within reach, ignoring the men’s warnings, I pulled Mia’s arms and crushed her right into my chest. My arms enveloped her tightly and lips pressed her temples as I chanted, “Thank you.”

She hugged me back, and I sensed the rigidness leave her body, which made me feel worse knowing I was part of the reason for her discomfort.

“I’m so sorry.” I squeezed her tighter until she winced, and I had to say sorry for other reasons. I released her yet still held her shoulders to take a better look at her.

She was dressed in clean clothes this time, but she still portrayed an unhealthy shade of pale. Aside from the purple shadow to the side of her face.

“How are they?” I didn’t even have time to ask about her.

“They’re great.” My smile formed of its own accord. “They’re healthy and resting, and I can’t wait to take them home.”

She beamed at me and shrieked. “I can’t believe you’re a father.” She hugged me again, and just then I acknowledged the two goons guarding her back.

Ignoring Aaron’s wary observation, I asked Zach, “Where is Danny?”

“He went to my parents to stay with Sofia and keep an eye on everyone else. So, I came here to congratulate you.” He pulled me closer for a hug and slapped my back. “I’m so proud of you, man.”

Even Aaron came to me, once he realized I wasn’t a threat to Mia. “I see congratulations are in order.” He shook my hand and slapped my shoulder, with a small smile forming on his lips. I’d forgotten he could smile.

“I can’t believe I’m a father. And I can’t believe what happened out there. By the way,what happened out there?” I stared at Mia. “How are you? You should see a doctor.”

“I know, but where could I find one?”

Chuckling, I pulled her against me once again. “Stop being a little shit and go check yourself.”

“I don’t wanna leave without knowing they’re really fine.” Her demeanor changed, abandoning all banter. She was still worried about my family. “All people said was that they were going through exams. Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” I reassured her. “I swear they’re fine. I can’t wait for you to meet him. He’s so beautiful and—” Before I could say anything else, Dr. Ariel Miller walked into the waiting room. I was about to freak out, worried about my woman and boy, when she sauntered to Mia.

“I think now it’s time you check yourself—Aaron?”

“Ariel?” His voice was uncharacteristically loud. “What are you doing here?”

“I work here,” the doctor snapped.

Zach, Mia, and I looked between them as I asked the stupid question. “Do you guys know each other?”

“Mr. Scott is...afriend.”

Am I the only one who saw him wincing?

“Wait.” Mia stared at Aaron in shock. “Do you have other friends besides me and Danny?”

“We used to hang out...our families know each other,” he mumbled in clear discomfort.

“Wait again. Do you have a life besides the DEA?” She infused as much surprise in her voice as she could.

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