Page 23

AUDREY

Thirty weeks later…

“ T his is it, it’s actually happening.” With a sudden sharp pain in my abdomen, I gasp and double over, hands instinctively clutching at my swollen belly.

“Careful little momma!” Gavin practically jumps out of bed, rushing to me. His hands go over mine, as if he can lift some of the weight for me.

“It’s like driving a spaceship around! Do you have any idea how to be careful when you have this massive thing attached to you? If I’m going down, there’s no stopping it, just tumble over and try to protect the beach ball attached to my stomach.”

I can feel him shaking through his hands as he laughs a full-body laugh, but attempts with everything he can to not laugh out loud.

He knows I’m serious, and these pregnancy grouchy mood swings are nothing to mess with.

I will bite a head off if I have to, kind of the way I feel about a pineapple smoothie at the moment.

“I need a smoothie! It’s an emergency.”

“Baby doll, it’s not an emergency. We have time. I’m counting your contractions right now, just like you and the online video taught me. We’ve got this, and you are a strong woman.”

It’d be wrong to throw something at him right now, since he ended that with saying I’m a strong woman, so I’ll let it go for the moment.

I move my hands away, resting them on his wide shoulders to help me keep my balance.

I don’t dare sit down in a moment like this, I may never get up again.

His big, warm palms stay rooted to each side of my belly, offering me the security and comfort I didn’t realize my body needed until now.

River rushes into the room, and the others are quick to follow. “I heard Mom yell.”

“River, thank God! Get me a pineapple smoothie, right now, please. It’s an emergency.”

His wide eyes meet Gavin’s, expression conveying that he’s freaking out inside. Gavin shakes his head, “Not an emergency. She’s doing just fine, kicking ass even. Please go ask for the smoothie, and let Benita know it’s time to contact Audrey’s assistant to organize the nanny flying in.”

“Yeah, no problem.”

“Thanks, son.” He says as River hurries out of the room.

Gavin then trains his stare on Hazel. “Make sure your momma’s bags are by the door.

Grab my phone from the nightstand and send Shadow a text.

Ask him to get the SUV ready, we’ll be heading to the hospital as soon as she’s ready.

Then text the doc and let her know we’re having contractions.

They’re both at the top of my contacts.”

“Yes, sir,” She responds, moving into action.

“Good girl.”

He turns to Lincoln next. “Bud, I need you to take sister to the couch and turn on her favorite movie. Stay with her so she doesn’t get into anything while we’re helping your momma, ‘kay?”

“You got it, Dad!” He spins around, ready to take off, but pauses a beat. “Is Mom gonna be okay?”

“Of course she is. Where do you think you get your superpowers from? Not me, it’s all her.”

Lincoln’s mouth drops open in shock. Then he’s fist pumping and racing out of the room, Hazel in tow.

I tear up, unable to help myself. “Why did you go and tell him that? We both know if anyone has muscles and athletic ability in this relationship, it’s you.”

Gavin shrugs, glancing up at me with nothing but love and obsession radiating from his gaze.

“Auds, one day he’ll grow up and realize those things don’t make a superhero.

Carrying my child, being the smartest person I know, your thoughtfulness, along with the way you adore me, and care for our children…

those are the things that make up a real superhero. Not muscles.”

I grit through a contraction, panic and excitement warring within me as the truth hits me. They’re coming much faster now. This baby is almost ready to meet the world.

“Gavin,” I whisper as tears trail down my cheeks. I press a kiss to his forehead, then each of his cheeks, his nose, and finally his lips. I sniffle, wiping the wetness away. “Dumb biker, I can’t be soft right now. I have to push out a baby today!”

He chuckles, face lighting up as an amused grin overtakes him. “I know, babe. I’ve been timing your contractions. I think it’s finally time.”

“Finally? I’ve been pregnant forever. This kid is way overdue.”

“Nope, right on time. Had it marked on my calendar this entire time.”

With a huff, I move away and slide my feet into a pair of comfortable slippers, waddling around the room, being followed by Gavin like a shadow.

“What are you doing? We have to leave. Put some more clothes on!” There’s no way we’re going in public with his shirt off, I’ll end up having someone fired for gawking at him while I’m bursting with his child.

“Ready?” He asks, finally wearing a shirt, and slides his feet into a pair of Hey Dudes. Those seem to be the only shoes he has aside from his biker boots and cowboy boots.

“Waiting on you, I’m ready to go.”

He comes at me, leaning down with his arms wrapping around me.

“Uh, what are you doing?”

“Carrying you to the SUV.”

I giggle. I can’t help it. He’s ridiculous. “I can walk, thank you.”

“I can carry you faster than you can waddle.”

“Did you just say I waddle?” I turn a fiery stare in his direction, and panic flashes through his gaze.

“Nope, that did not leave my mouth. I was saying if you get tired, I’ll happily carry you.”

“Good answer,” I mumble, leaving the bedroom. We manage to make it to the front door, where we find River waiting next to the stairs with the Mule.

Gavin nods, “Good thinking.”

I couldn’t agree more. The last thing I wanted to do was huff it all the way to the SUV. We’re loading up, getting the kids situated, when the SUV comes barreling in our direction, Shadow behind the wheel.

“What is he doing?”

Gavin grins, “He must’ve gotten the message to prepare and thought it meant to get his ass over here right away.”

I’m grinning as he helps me out of the ATV and then into the SUV. These men panicking is extremely amusing and works to help keep me distracted as I’m bombarded by contraction pains. This baby is determined; that’s for sure.

“Can you drive the speed limit, or will you freak out if I’m in pain and then speed?” I question Shadow once I’m buckled in.

“I’ll do the limit, but if Prez tells me to kick it up a notch, best believe I’m speeding. Not having the club’s ol’ lady in jeopardy while I’m at the helm.”

Gavin growls from beside me. “She’s not the club’s, she’s mine.”

I’m quietly laughing, “We’re not in a boat, there’s no helm. But drive on, good sir.” I tease, and he beams in response. River’s up front beside him, and the littles are staying behind with Piper and our chef until the nanny flies in.

“You okay, little momma?” Gavin checks, his gaze full of worry now that we’re on the road and the younger kids aren’t around.

“You’re beside me, Gavin. It’s all I’ve ever wanted in the past when I’ve had our babies. So yeah, I’m more than okay.”

He leans in, kissing me tenderly, and I’ve never felt more loved by a man before.