Page 18

AUDREY

W e’ve been on the ranch long enough at this point; it’s time I quit procrastinating and do it.

“This is the fifth time, it’s like riding a bike,” I mumble to myself as I close the bathroom door.

I dig around under the sink in my bag until I come back with one of the pregnancy tests I’d pre-purchased before ever getting on my plane to visit again.

I knew without a doubt in my mind then, this is what I wanted, and I still do.

Tearing off the packaging, I lift my skirt, shove my underwear down to my ankles, and sit on the toilet.

I can already imagine the sweet face of another baby from Gavin.

He truly does make the most beautiful babies.

So why am I hesitating? Is it because it’s different this time?

I won’t be getting pregnant and then leaving, never to return.

This child we have together will be for both of us.

Somehow, I already know that when it’s born, it’ll be calling Gavin ‘ Daddy’ from the start.

This baby won’t only be mine, and instead of feeling territorial, I’m excited to share all the wonders being a parent truly brings. With that resolution, I shove the stick between my legs, pee on it, slam the cap on, and release a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

It’s done. No more questions about whether or not I’m pregnant, we’re about to find out. There’s no going back, not as if I’d ever want to.

Once I’m fully clothed and my hands are washed, waiting the full three-minute timeframe is always the hardest, and it makes me jittery inside, my stomach tumbling around. However, I’m quickly put out of my misery as almost immediately the digital screen lights up with the magic word.

Pregnant.

A scream of excitement, of triumph, of pure love escapes me.

Feelings overwhelm me as I can't stop staring at the word ‘Pregnant’ on the screen.

A rush of emotions floods through me all at once - joy, gratitude, and anticipation.

It feels like a dream come true, as if our family is expanding in the most fulfilling way possible.

Tears momentarily crest as I silently utter a prayer, a whispered thank you to up above, promising to do everything in my power to be a good parent to this new life growing inside me.

“Darlin’, you okay in there?” Gavin interrupts with his sexy Texas twang. He is every bit a cowboy and nothing like my type, but it means absolutely nothing when you love someone as much as I’ve realized I do with him.

I can't wait to tell him the news. My heart races with exhilaration as I think about his reaction. Opening the bathroom door, I meet his panicked stare. With my voice barely above a whisper, I offer, “We’re going to have another baby! It’s happening, the test is positive.

I-I didn’t want to wait for the doctor or Sher to make their next stop and run the test, so I brought my own to take. ”

His expression quickly changes from worry to happiness as his mouth blossoms into a wide smile. Then his hands are on me, lifting me under my thighs, and I quickly lock my legs around his waist to stay rooted in place. “Amazing news, I’m so happy for you, beautiful.”

“For us, Gav. For us.” I softly correct, then plant my lips on his. My hands move over his shoulders, wrapping him up in my hold as my hands find the back of his nape and play with the soft strands of hair there.

“Mom, seriously? You’re making out in the hallway right now?” We’re interrupted by Piper, and it’s enough to have Gavin pulling away, carefully setting me back on my feet. He keeps hold of my hand, though, so we’re still connected in some way.

“Yes, and I certainly was. We’re having a baby!”She rolls her eyes. “Another one? As long as you’re happy. I’m waiting on a call.” She says flippantly, exiting the hall.

“Can’t say I’m surprised; she’s connected at the hip with her friends and they’re not even in the same state,” Gavin comments, making me laugh.

“I take it you didn’t grow up with any sisters?” I say, realizing I don’t know much about his family.

“Oh no, I did. She died of breast cancer.”

“My goodness, I’m so sorry!”

He offers a soft, sad smile. “Appreciate that, darlin’, but it’s been a long time. She was a lot older than me, so when it happened, I was able to do much in ways of helping.”

“I’m sure just having you around made her grateful.”

He shrugs his shoulders, looking a little lost for a moment.

“I hope so. Anyway, it’s what made me seek out the club.

I was twenty, angry at the world for stealing my sister and damn near putting my parents in an early grave from all the grief.

I needed an outlet; some place I could forget about all my problems and be angry without hurting my family. ”

“A motorcycle was the answer?”

“At first,” he nods. “Yeah. Then it became the brothers I surrounded myself with.

“And your parents?”

“Mom passed five years ago, in an accident. My dad remarried quickly after, and I wasn’t able to forgive him for erasing my mother so easily.”

I give a jerky nod. No wonder he’s never brought any of it up before, and I’m glad I didn’t ask until now. “You’re a loyal man, Gavin. I can understand why it would hurt you so deeply, and you’d cut him out for it. Maybe one day you’ll be able to forgive him?”

He shrugs again. “I’m not sure, we’ll see. I’d rather think of you and the kids, my club, and the ranch. Anything else is just added noise.” He leans in, pressing his lips to my forehead in a tender kiss.

Tugging his hand, I pull him along behind me until we’re in the living room with the others.

River’s playing with Hazel while Lincoln's watching a Hard Knocks training camp episode. The kid is obsessed with football, and it’s way too soon in my opinion, but I have a feeling he gets it from Gavin, as I’ve caught them watching games together sometimes when I get busy.

“Hey guys, we have news.” I interrupt them and grin at the big biker by my side. “We’re having another baby!”

River exhales, then stands and comes over, wrapping me in a tight hug. “Congrats, Mom. The kid is lucky to have you.”

“Thanks, Riv,” I’m suddenly all choked up again.

Lincoln jumps at Gavin, and somehow, he ends up catching him and making it look easy. He lifts him high, making Linc giggle uncontrollably before Gavin sets him back on his feet. “Does this mean we’re going to be a family? Here? On Gavin’s ranch? Uh, can I call him Dad now?”

I glance at him, trying to gauge his feelings on the matter, but he doesn’t seem bothered in the slightest. “Um, Gavin? How do you feel about us sticking around more when the summer’s over? Is it something we can discuss?”

“It would make me a very happy man if you all were here more. As for what to call me, Lincoln, as long as it’s okay with your mom, I’d love to be Dad to you.”

He holds his hand out, and Lincoln goes in for a loud high-five. He immediately breaks into his football dance, making all of us laugh.

Hazel comes over to us, hands raised, and Gavin swings her up onto his hip. “What do you think, little princess? You ready to be a big sister?”

Hazel giggles, tucking herself into his chest, batting her eyelashes up at Gavin. “Ice cream?” And of course, her father nods in agreement.

Princess is right, she’s going to rule that man easily if he doesn’t catch on quick. So much for the big, bad biker president. He’s more like a squishy teddy bear when it comes to his family.