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G abby rested her hand on her stomach as she listened to Nugget and Bryanna compromise. The little girl seemed determined to win as her friend gave out a tired sigh.

“Nugget. How about one chapter tonight and Daddy can read you two tomorrow?”

Nugget threw her head back dramatically. “Mama, you don’t have to read it. I do. I want to win the medal for reading class. Tommy Harding’s two chapters ahead of me. He says girls can’t read as fast as boys. If he beats me, I’ll have to listen to him brag until the end of school and that’s like forever.”

“Okay. Two chapters and then to bed. You’re home tomorrow and can take your e-reader with you to Emma’s.”

“Mama,” she complained. “It’s a sleepover and Rolo drools on our readers. Plus, Aunt Kassie gets sleepy and Emma says we have to stay quiet ‘cause she’s got two babies in her tummy and they wrestle inside there all night, making her tired.”

“Aunt Kassie invited you over to play. When you have quiet time, you can read,” Bryanna reminded her daughter.

“Are you carrying twins? Emma says her mama gets cranky, and Gran Victoria and Gran Maddie make her go to bed early, as if she’s grounded. You sure sound a lot like her.”

Gabby giggled behind her hand.

Bryanna narrowed her eyes at Gabby. “Don’t encourage her. I swear she’s gonna be a lawyer when she grows up. She can argue until I don’t have any excuses left.”

Gabby knew her best friend didn’t mind as she stared at her adopted daughter with love in her eyes.

“Upstairs, young lady. Two chapters or none at all. Take your pick. Aunt Gabby came to visit me and you’re not using your manners.”

Nugget’s lip came out in a pout. “I’m sorry, Mama. Sorry, Aunt Gabby.”

“Whatcha you reading?” Gabby asked as Nugget came to give her a hug.

“I’m reading about a wizard and a dragon. It has magical powers. LJ says it’s not really a dragon ‘cause they don’t exist. It’s a helicopter disguised as one.” The little girl rolled her eyes. “Boys. He has no imagination.”

“Nugget,” Bryanna warned.

“I’m going.” She gave up stalling and wrapped her arms around her mama’s neck. “I love you, Mama.”

“I love you, too. I’ll be up in a minute,” her friend assured her daughter before turning toward her.

“Drink your tea. She’s a fast reader. We’ll break out an apple pie and homemade ice cream when I come down.”

“I’m fine. Take care of your daughter. We have all night to chat while the men are gone. I know I won’t sleep until Marcus returns anyway.”

“Don’t worry about him. Saint mentioned he’s only observing.” Bryanna struggled out of the chair.

“I’m excited for him. His text included emojis. You know he must be excited to use those.” Gabby laughed.

Bryanna shook her head. “I’m glad you two worked it out. You make him happy. When he moved here, he seemed lost and angry. When he drove you here tonight, he smiled the entire time. Thank you for giving him another chance.”

Gabby rubbed her tummy. “We gave each other another chance. I love him even when he’s a butthead.”

“Thank goodness. If he acted any more stupid, I thought about bringing out my bat and giving him a couple of whacks across his head.” She laughed as she climbed the stairs. “I must be getting cranky. I may need grounding tomorrow,” she said dramatically as she made her way to her daughter.

Gabby’s phone rang in the kitchen and she struggled to rise and get to it before it stopped ringing. Fearing it might be Marcus checking on her during the raid, she didn’t want to miss him.

“Hello,” she answered breathlessly.

“Gabby? Gabby is it you?” a woman asked on the other line.

“Yes,” she answered as she attempted to recognize the voice.

“It’s me. It’s Jackie.”

“Jackie? How? They said you died,” Gabby exclaimed, trying to make sense of how her friend was alive.

“They’re trying to kill me. They shot another woman and put her in my car. I have the files. I know why you asked for them. Please can you meet me? I’m scared,” Jackie cried into the phone.

“My husband went to Seattle. I can have him meet you and bring you to me. You’ll be safe here,” Gabby assured her.

“I don’t have much time. I escaped and they’re searching for me. I’m not in Seattle. I’m in Redmond.”

Gabby calculated the distance between Serenity and Redmond. She could get to Jackie before Marcus.

“Tell me where you are,” she demanded as she grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil.

Jackie paused. “I’m at a gas station. Here’s the address. Hurry, Gabby. If they find me, they’ll kill me.”

“I’m leaving now. I’m in my husband’s truck. It’s navy blue. Give me about twenty-five minutes.” The call disconnected and she heard Bryanna upstairs reminding Nugget to wash behind her ears. She scribbled a note, leaving it on the kitchen table. Grabbing her purse, she rushed out the door, thankful Marcus gave her a key to his truck.

She backed out of the driveway and pressed on the gas, worried for her friend. It seemed like forever before she made it into town. She turned where the GPS led her. She pulled into the gas station and drove around the back. Jackie stood against a tree, with her arms crossed, gathering the thin sweater closer to her body. Gabby pulled the vehicle to a stop and leaned over waving to her.

Jackie searched both ways before running to the truck and jumping in. “Drive,” she ordered.

Gabby took off and turned back onto the street.

“Take a left here,” Jackie commanded roughly.

“No. We’re returning to Serenity. My husband and his friends?—”

Jackie removed the gun from her purse and Gabby’s heart leaped in her throat. “I said turn left up here.”

“What are you doing? My husband and his friends can help you. You don’t need to feel afraid, Jackie. They’re raiding Mr. Wilkinson’s house as we speak.”

Jackie laughed, making her tremble in fear of the woman she thought of as her friend.

“I’ll have to remember to thank your husband. The old man was becoming a pain in the ass,” Jackie confessed. “Now turn right at the next road.”

Gabby glanced at the gun pointed at her stomach and did as Jackie ordered. When they turned onto the deserted industrial road, she trembled as she scanned the area, searching for a place to run or hide.

“Stop the car,” her former friend ordered. Putting the truck in park, she shut the engine off.

“Get out of the truck slowly. I’m not the only one here. If you try to run, they’ve got orders to shoot your stomach first.”

Gabby slowly slid out and put a protective arm over her belly.

“Please, Jackie. You know how much this baby means to me. Don’t hurt an innocent child.”

Jackie poked her in the back with her weapon, making her wince. “Open the doors.” She waved the gun toward the rusted metal opening.

Gabby yanked on the handle, but it refused to move. “It’s stuck.”

“No, it’s heavy. Hurry up.” Jackie held the gun on her and refused to help.

Grunting, Gabby pulled with all her might and it slowly creaked open.

“Stop. Get inside and close it,” Jackie demanded.

Gabby managed to close the heavy metal and bent over, panting. “Why are you doing this? You’re my friend.” She watched as Jackie flipped on lights. The inside resembled a meat packing plant. Giant hooks hung from the ceiling, sending shivers down her spine. Fresh blood covered a table and another remained covered in plastic. Under it, she made out the pads used on patients in the hospital. Cold fear trickled along her neck as her eyes turned back to Jackie.

“It was you. The manager I replaced. Did you kill him?”

Jackie slowly grinned as if proud of herself. “It’s good I subbed for his assistant and discovered how close he came to outing us all.”

“I didn’t know anything about it. You pretended to be my friend. Why did you involve me?” Gabby asked as she moved in a circle hoping to evade the woman.

“Poor little Gabrielle,” Jackie laughed. “Don’t you get it? I know you’re smart. You caught on in mere days. Wilkinson warned me, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.”

“You traffic humans,” Gabby whispered.

“Here you walked right into the firm with a big old bullseye painted on your forehead. Poor Gabby. Her husband kicked her out and refused to speak to her. Her best friend didn’t return her calls. She lived in a shitty neighborhood where people disappeared regularly.”

“Why? I didn’t do anything to you,” she exclaimed as panic rose inside her. Gabby scanned the tables, searching for a weapon. Spying a surgeon’s scalpal sitting on a tray covered in clear plastic, she backed away from Jackie as she advanced.

“Let’s just say, I couldn’t pass up a good deal. You’re beautiful, Gabrielle. Your new owner will love your silky skin and long, black hair. As for your baby, it’ll go to the highest bidder. Babies sell faster than I can breed them. Don’t worry. I’ll implant a tracker under your skin in case you try to run away. Then, implant birth control unless a breeder wants you. You’ve grown lovely as you’ve rounded.”

“Please, Jackie. I’ll pay you,” Gabby offered.

She chuckled. “Did you suddenly become rich? Hit the lottery?”

“My husband and I reconciled. We have savings. You don’t need to do this,” she pleaded.

Jackie cocked her head and nodded toward the table. “It’s happening. For six months, I ensured you ate all the right foods and drank your milk like a good girl. At the first opportunity, you ran through a drive-thru for greasy tacos,” she sneered in disgust. “You risked my investment.”

Jackie moved closer, caging her between the bloody bed and the one covered in plastic. The gun remained pointed at her child.

“Pull the plastic off and climb on the bed. The doctor will be here soon.” Her voice turned low and menacing.

“I’m not due yet. I still have a few more weeks,” she said, trying to remain calm.

“Before you disappeared, you measured on target. The doc says it’s viable.” Jackie motioned toward the table. “Time to meet the little tyke.”

“I’m not in labor,” she reached for an excuse, knowing Jackie didn’t intend to let a little thing like labor stop her.

“Remove it and climb on.” The cold metal of the gun seeped through her shirt onto her belly, making the baby move in protest. Gabby didn’t like it much either.

She reached for the clear plastic and yanked it to the ground, still holding the edge. Gabby attempted to climb onto the bed, yet her belly hindered her.

Jackie let out an exaggerated sigh. “Poor Gabrielle. Now I know why your husband left you. You’re too fucking needy.” She placed the gun out of reach and neared Gabby to heft her onto the table.

Gabby threw the plastic around Jackie’s legs and yanked. The movement ripped through her belly as a sharp pain tore through her. She refused to stop as she reached for the tray. Jackie yanked her hair, sending her reeling and toppling over the instruments.

“You bitch,” Jackie screeched as she pulled on Gabby’s top.

Filled with desperation and panic, Gabby screamed in rage. She refused to let Jackie take her from Marcus when they finally found their way back to each other.

The gun lay to her left as she reared back, smashing Jackie’s nose and she rolled to her knees, trying to catch her breath. Jackie screeched and held her nose, giving her time to grab the blade from the floor and go for the gun.

Jackie fell on top of her and Gabby fought to scratch and bite her as they moved closer to the weapon. The pain in her belly turned sharper with the weight of the woman. She screamed and bucked with all her strength.

Jackie leaned over, within reach of the firearm and Gabby closed her eyes. Marcus’ face appeared and he urged her to fight for him and their child. Her fingers grasped the metal of the surgeon’s blade. As Jackie turned to shoot, Gabby thrust the blade upward into her foe’s neck and punched it hard. The feeling made her sick as she watched in horror as Jackie clasped her neck in surprise. Blood poured from the wound as Gabby shoved the gun away.

Pain tore through her abdomen and she crawled away toward the weapon, while Jackie stared at her in disbelief, trying to stem the blood running through her fingers. Gabby sobbed as she wiped her wet hands on her sides, refusing to taint her belly with Jackie’s blood.

She picked up the gun and pulled herself up. Gabby hung onto the rusty tables as she painstakingly made her way to the darkened corner, afraid the doctor Jackie mentioned might find her. Would Tex realize she was in trouble? The pain shot through her again, sending her to her knees. She whimpered, trying to remain quiet. The sound of the heavy door moving sent her scurrying.

Men dressed in black entered and stealthily cleared the room. One spotted her and held his hand up, signaling the other men. He slowly approached. Gabby raised the gun.

“Don’t come any closer. I’ll shoot you. If you don’t believe me, go find your friend,” she gritted out as her hand shook, thankful Marcus trained her how to use a firearm.

The man turned and signaled again. The door slid open, and Gabby scooted farther back as she held her stomach. The other men spread out, and a man ran toward her.

“Gabby, sweetheart. It’s me, Marcus.” He rushed toward her and took the shaking weapon from her hand.

“Marcus?”

“Yes, baby. Tex told us where to find you. Where are you hurt?” He leaned down to pick her up.

“No. There’s a doctor on his way. You have to stop him. He’s stealing babies,” she gritted out as a pain shot through her.

“Patch,” Knight called for his friend, who ran in with a bag.

Leo spoke through the coms, ordering the men as they prepared to catch the doctor.

“Gabby. Listen to me. Tell me where you feel the pain, darlin’.”

She moved her hand under her stomach and bit her lip to keep from crying out.

“Knight, grab the plastic on the table,” Patch ordered.

He ran, pulled the plastic sheet and returned, handing it to his friend.

“Gabby, I’m moving you onto the plastic. Even though we’re carrying you to the helo, it’ll still hurt. I’m not gonna lie. I can give you something for the pain.”

“Give it to her,” Knight demanded as he helped her slide onto the clear barrier.

She shook her head. “No. It might hurt the baby.”

Patch nodded and motioned for Knight to grab the other end. They exited from the back of the building, trying to remain gentle. Every bounce seemed to jar her as the men worked. Knight paused and scanned the area. He held up his hand, giving the signal to move. The two men raced to the helo and Patch spoke into the com.

“Leo, I gotta get her to the hospital.”

Gabby didn’t hear the reply as Knight dove for the door and Patch covered her as gunshots sounded. When it stopped, they lifted her inside, causing the pain to shoot through her. She cried out.

Patch turned toward the pilot. “Go!”

The helo rose in the air and sped away from the scene.

Patch immediately pulled out supplies and set up an IV. He winked at Gabby. “Knight, you didn’t tell me you married a SEAL,” he teased Knight. Then he focused on her. “Where did you learn to use a knife like that?”

“Marcus taught me self-defense,” she panted. “Something’s wrong.”

“We’ll be at the hospital in a few minutes. Dr. Beecham and Doc will be waiting on the helo pad,” Patch reassured her as he cut through her pants and undies. “Hey, Knight. Make yourself useful. Grab some wet towels in the cabinet behind you and wipe down her face.”

Knight turned and searched through the cabinets.

“I feel pressure,” she winced as another pain shot through her.

“Knight, she’s going into labor. Hand me the scissors and a new set of gloves.”

Gabby watched as her husband frantically searched and handed the items to Patch. “I need to see if you’re dilated.”

Gabby held her stomach and water gushed from between her legs. “I’m sorry,” she apologized.

“Don’t even worry your beautiful head about it. This kid’s a SEAL. Did you see all that water? It’ll probably come out wearing fins,” Patch kept his tone light, yet his firm mouth indicated he worried.

“You’ll feel some pressure, Gabrielle. Tell me when the next contraction ends,” Patch ordered.

Knight moved behind her, positioning himself for her to lean against him.

Another contraction hit. She squeezed Knight’s hand and nodded to Patch.

“Gabby, I’m checking you.” A minute later, he moved faster, pulling stuff from bins and covering Gabby’s legs, giving her a bit of privacy.

“I hope you’re ready to become parents. This kid can’t wait to meet you. Gabby, on the next contraction, push.”

The helo landed, the door flew open as Gabby pushed. Patch moved out of the way as Dr. Beecham climbed in. Patch reported Gabby’s vitals. “Hello, Gabrielle. It appears we’re having the baby right here.”

“It’s too soon,” she cried between contractions.

“The baby has other ideas.”

“You’ve got this Gabrielle,” Knight encouraged as she pushed again.

“One more push and we’ll have a baby’s head. Are you ready?” Dr. Beecham encouraged.

Gabby nodded, pushed, the baby’s head came out and Doc handed Dr. Beecham a suction for the baby’s mouth. “Oh, It’s beautiful, Gabrielle. You’re doing great,” she reassured her patient.

Gabby didn’t feel wonderful. She lay against Knight like a limp noodle. “I don’t think I can do it.” Gabby peered at her husband. “I’m tired.”

“I’m right here. We’re doing this together,” he encouraged.

“Uh huh,” she replied weakly as the contraction started. She grunted and pushed.

The rest of the baby slid out, Doc placed something over her as Dr. Beecham laid the baby on her chest. “Congratulations, Mommy and Daddy, you have a little boy.”

Gabby weakly smiled and stared down at her son. “We have a little boy. I told you I wanted to see him.”

Marcus gazed at his newborn son and kissed Gabby’s temple. The words hit him like a brick as Gabby’s arm fell to her side. Dr. Beecham shouted orders and Doc pushed him out of the way as they transferred her to a gurney and he rushed the baby inside. Knight jumped from the helo and ran, following them to the surgical unit. Gabby’s head turned toward him, her arm stretched out to take his hand. “Tell him I loved him. I forgive you?—”

Patch held him back as he heard Dr. Beecham give orders. “She’s hemorrhaging people, get me blood.” Marcus struggled to follow her.

“She’s the best. Gabby’s in good hands. We got her here in time,” Patch assured him.

“She’s gonna die. Her mom died giving birth to her. Gabby told me she didn’t see herself holding the baby.” Panic hit him. Dark spots clouded his vision.

“Awww, shit. I’m gonna pay for this.” Patch reared back and smacked him hard in the jaw.

“What the fuck did you do that for?” Knight asked as he shook his head and held his face. Rage filled him and he punched Patch in the nose.

“Fuck,” Patch swore as he stomped his feet. “I’m getting hazard pay from this, asshole.”

Knight shoved him. “My wife’s dying and you picked a fight with me?”

“No. Your wife’s fighting for her life and you’re acting like you don’t have responsibilities. They took your son to the NICU. Michael’s already down there. Man up. You’re a dad, now. What does Gabby want you to do?”

“She made me promise to take care of him,” he responded, recalling the vow he made her. “I can’t leave her.”

Patch grabbed a tissue and stuffed it up his nose. “I’ll check on her every ten minutes. Keep your phone on and go see your kid.”

Knight hesitated.

“Gabby’s gonna make it,” Patch said firmly. “Keep the faith. She fought until we got to her.”

He swallowed and nodded before walking to the small unit where his son lay in a tiny plastic crib. Michael examined the infant from head to toe.

When he finished, he scooped the child in his arm and carried him to Knight. “Congratulations, Knight. You have a perfectly healthy baby boy. Did you and Gabby decide on a name yet?”

He shook his head. “No. Gabby’s in surgery. Can I wait until she wakes up to name him?”

“Absolutely. Kimberly, my pediatric nurse will stay with him. Whenever Gabby wakes, she’ll bring him over to meet his mom.”

He stared down at his child and smiled. He passed him back to Michael, shrugging off his vest and unbuttoned his shirt. “I read skin to skin is good for newborns. Does it matter if it’s me or Gabby?”

Michael smiled. “No. It only matters you’re doing it.”

Knight put the baby up to his skin and kissed his soft head. Michael placed the baby blanket around him. “Kimberly will take him when you visit your wife.”

Knight nodded as he counted his son’s fingers and memorized his face. He wanted to tell Gabby the baby did have his nose. She was right.

Bryanna walked in and sat beside him. “Congratulations, big brother.” She leaned against his arm and smiled at the baby. “Awww, he’s got Gabby’s nose.”

Knight laughed and held his child closer, praying his mama woke to decide for herself.

Kassie entered the room. “Patch checked on Gabby. He reported they gave her blood and they’re working on stabilizing her.” She sighed. “I promised to tell you word for word, please don’t be offended. “Hey Asshole, your wife’s a fighter. Stop worrying. Doc and Dr. Beecham have it under control.”

Knight snorted. He watched as the women of Serenity congregated in the hall to greet his little one. Soon his new team arrived. Saint led the men as he approached his wife, brother-in-law and nephew. “Congratulations, Knight. How’s Gabby?”

“She’s fighting.” Someone handed him a cup of coffee and he drank it after glancing up to make sure Victoria didn’t hand it to him.

The clock ticked on while they all waited for news. Knight fed his son and Bryanna snapped photos for him. When he saw Doc walking toward him, he passed the baby to his sister.

“How’s she doing, Doc?” he asked as he held his breath, bracing for bad news.

“She’s in recovery. Gabby’s weak, but her vitals appear steady. Dr. Beecham asked me to bring you down. Kimberly will bring your son in a few minutes.”

Knight followed him to the recovery room. Patch stood in the corner, watching over his wife.

Dr. Beecham entered the room. “She lost some blood. We’re giving her fluids and replenishing blood to prevent shock. We’re giving her extra oxygen and surgically removed the placenta tissue from her uterus. We’ll keep her here a while. She woke up for a minute and fell back under, but it’s expected. She’ll wake soon. Under the circumstances, only two visitors at all times and the baby can visit Mom when she feels up to it.”

“Thank you,” he murmured and took his wife’s hand.

Sensing he needed time alone with his wife, Patch followed the doctors from the room and guarded the door.

“You once accused me of becoming everyone’s knight in shining armor but yours. I want you to know I’m only yours. When I came home and saw your confidence as you tore down walls and learned how to wire the house for new fixtures, I worried you didn’t need me. The thing which bothered me most was I worried about becoming like my dad. Then, I turned into someone I didn’t know. I missed the old me when I was with you. I became a different man. I didn’t feel proud of him and I lashed out at you.” Knight took a shaky breath as he clung to her hand, waiting for her to respond.

Patch brought him some food and coffee and silently left the room. Doc and Kassie entered and reviewed her vitals.

The sweet woman placed a hand on his shoulder. “Keep talking to her. Remind her of the love worth fighting for.”

Doc closed the door behind them and he watched her heartbeat on the monitor.

“Gabrielle. You fought for our child tonight and I’m so damn proud of you. I didn’t even know you listened when I told you how to use a knife. Maybe you don’t need a knight after all. I need you to save me. Please come back, baby,” he pleaded as he laid his head against the bed rail.

“I’ve missed you, Marcus,” she whispered sleepily.

Knight stood and peppered her face with kisses. Relieved, she finally opened her eyes.

“Where’s our son?” she asked as she gazed around the room.

“He’s sleeping in the nursery. When you wake up more, the nurse will bring him to us.”

Gabby turned her head to the side as he sat down still holding her hand. “I’m fine with you needing to be everyone else’s knight in shining armor. Save the people Jackie hurt. Find those babies and bring them home. I may not need you to save me, but I hope you want to share your life with us.”

“I will. We need to come up with a name for the baby since we never discussed it.”

“I have one,” she confessed.

Knight leaned in, waiting for her to reveal the name she hid from him.

“I want to name him after his dad and my dad. Marcus Edward Hutchins.

Knight smiled. “What did you plan on for a girl?”

“I didn’t. I might’ve peeked at the first ultrasound, but I didn’t want to tell you.” She giggled groggily.

He narrowed his eyes and scowled playfully at her. After all, he put her through hell, but she still loved him, and now their son promised them a bright future. Recalling Patch’s words, Knight smiled as Kimberly placed the baby in his wife’s arms. Her radiant smile lit up the room as she gazed lovingly at their son. There was no room for doubts or second guessing. He finally realized what Patch referred to. His wife and son represented the life worth living. For them, he’d fight the demons and the guilt for things beyond his control. After all, their love was worth fighting for.