Page 42 of Raven’s Claw (Raven’s Cliff #2)

“Atticus said she’s got them subdued but needs them picked up.

Guess she forgot she’s not still in the Coast Guard, too.

That seems to be a recurring theme with anyone associated with your team.

” Greer shook her head when Jordan stood.

“You’re still recovering. You’ve got four more days before I want to see you back in the office.

That should coincide with Kash’s schedule.

I figure you can work the same shifts since Bodie’s agreed to continue on for a while longer.

Not that you aren’t always on-call, but we can try to set more reasonable hours. ”

Jordan hitched out a hip. “I assume that only applies to me and Bodie since you haven’t had a day off since you were named sheriff.”

“Have I told you that your observation skills are a giant pain in the ass?”

“A few times.”

“I’ll see you on Monday. Foster, thanks for dinner.” Greer eyed Chase, then headed for the door, Bodie tagging behind.

The conversation lagged for a bit as they moved into the sitting room, Foster and Mackenzie glancing at each other, shifting on the couch as if they couldn’t quite sit still.

Zain broke the silence, first. “For the love of God, Foster, just tell us the news before Mac’s giving birth, already.”

Mac swatted Foster’s chest. “You told them?”

Foster glared at Zain. “Of course, not.”

Mac eyed Zain. “Then, how the hell do you know I’m pregnant?”

“Please, we’ve been flying with you for months. You never puke after a flight and yet, you’ve been chucking your cookies every day for the past week.”

Chase nodded. “Not to mention, you’re a lovely shade of green when you come back out. And don’t think we missed how you’ve been avoiding coffee.”

“And beer.” Zain pointed to the kitchen. “Foster’s supply of Smithwicks has barely been touched. I figure it’s also the smell so, he’s been avoiding it, too.”

Mac sighed. “Then, I guess there’s nothing to announce.”

“Oh, no.” Zain waved his finger. “We want to hear you say it.”

Mackenzie looked at Foster, freaking glowed, then shrugged. “We’re pregnant.”

“Hell, yeah!”

Zain jumped up, clapped Foster on the back. Chase followed suit, leaving Kash to bring up the rear. Foster beamed, even if he did look a bit shell-shocked.

Mac held up her hand. “Just so you know, it’s really early, but…” She smiled at them. “You don’t keep secrets from family.”

Jordan gave Kash’s hand a squeeze then walked over and drew Mac in for a hug. “Congratulations. I…”

She pulled back as the color drained from her face, then took off, hitting the bathroom at a full sprint. The door slammed behind her, leaving an eerie silence in the room.

Kash sighed. “I’ve told her she’s pushing her recovery too hard, but she’s stubborn.”

Chase frowned. “I don’t know, Kash. I don’t think this is from her previous injuries.” He held up his hand. “Hold that thought.”

He moved over to Mac, whispered something, then the two of them disappeared up the stairs.

Kash made his way to the bathroom door, leaning against the frame when Jordan finally opened it. Skin pale but with an odd glow about it. He brushed back her hair. “You okay?”

She swayed a bit, looking as if she might go back for another round of puking. “I might never eat pizza, again… In fact, let’s not mention food at all for a while.”

“Here.”

Kash jumped when Chase’s hand appeared between them, a box clenched in his fist. “Jesus, buddy, don’t scare her into another round.” He frowned. “What the hell is that?”

“Pregnancy test.” Chase thumbed at Mac. “In true Foster and Mac fashion, they’ve got like a dozen up there. You know, so they can test several times just to be sure. I suggest you pee on it.”

Kash glanced at Jordan, then back to Chase. “Why would you think?—”

“Please. No way you knew what implant she was referring to in Bodie’s office if you two hadn’t discussed the situation. And since it wasn’t for birth control, it’s not a huge leap as to why she’s puking a month later.”

Kash scrubbed his hand down his face. “It’s not like we weren’t going to eventually test, it’s just…”

“If you need some privacy, we get it.”

Jordan tilted her head to the side, looking past Kash to his teammates before grabbing the corner of the box. “I think here’s perfect.”

Kash took her hand in his. “Sweetheart, you don’t have?—”

“It’s like Mac said. We don’t have secrets from family.”

Kash snagged her hand. “You’re not going to disarm the alarm and shimmy out the window, again, if it comes back positive, are you?”

She smiled, and damn, he already knew what the test would say. “I think you should be more concerned about having to console me if it’s not. I just need a couple minutes.”

Was his mouth hanging open?

Had he passed out and this was a dream?

Because he was pretty damn sure she’d just told him she wanted to be pregnant. Or at least, wasn’t against it.

Chase clapped him on the back. “Breathe, brother.”

“You and Zain really need to stop telling me to breathe.”

“Then, stop holding your damn breath every time she walks in the room or smiles.”

“Sorry. That’s not gonna change as long as she’s breathing.”

“I’ll keep the oxygen close, then.”

“Jackass.”

Chase chuckled then stepped back, hovering just far enough away Kash could suck in air without worrying he sounded as if he’d just run a marathon.

The clock in the sitting room ticked, every second dragging on until he thought about running outside — double checking she hadn’t taken off — when the door creaked open.

Jordan stood in the threshold, the test clasped between her fingers. She smiled, and he knew he’d been right. She held up the stick, the big plus sign staring back at him. “Looks like there’s going to be another teammate.”

“Damn straight, there is.” He tugged her in close. Kissed her. “You sure you’re okay with this?”

“Better than okay.” She eased back then looked over at Chase. “But no one tells Greer or Bodie until I’m farther along. Clear?”

Chase balked. “Why are you looking at me? Zain can’t keep his mouth shut, either.”

“I can, and I’m not the one pining after Greer.” Zain avoided Chase’s slap. “Not that I think it’ll stay hidden long. The lady’s sharp.”

“Agreed. It’d just be nice to legally shoot a few people before I’m sidelined.” She laughed when his teammates sobered. “God, your faces.”

Kash grinned. “And that’s our cue to head home.”

He shook hands, gave Mac a kiss on the cheek, then twined Jordan’s fingers through his and headed home.

Nyx obviously knew something had changed, staying super close to Jordan, constantly looking for any threat until the stepped inside.

Even then, the dog curled up at Jordan’s feet, calm but primed.

Jordan sighed. “It’s going to be a long nine months if you’re both going to be on edge the whole time.”

“I’m perfectly calm, sweetheart. And Nyx is just showing you she’s ready to protect you and the baby…”

Baby.

Christ.

‘Breathe, Kash.”

“God, don’t you start, too. I’m fine. I just…” He leaned over, placed his hand on her belly and kissed her. “Why do I have the feeling you’re still going to be vaulting over counters and taking down wet squads when you can barely see your toes?”

“I’ll always be able to see my toes, and I’ll always be Ember. At least, a part of me will.”

“Good, because I love her, too. Now, how about we head into the bedroom, and I show you how much.”

Jordan jumped up, walking toward their room before stopping and glancing at him over her shoulder. “You’re on. And Kash… I love you more.”