Page 131 of When You Blush

“I know. I’m actually a little excited and grateful that it’s not me. What’s next?”

I cringe. “Well, Blake’s working late again tonight and he works at the clinic tomorrow, and I start nights for two nights, but then we get three days off together, so I’ll tell him then. I think I should probably see a doctor and get an ultrasound and stuff.”

Ava’s nodding. “Do you want me to go with you?”

No, I want Blake with me.

I want my man. I want him so bad right now, but he’s busy saving lives, and I need to suck it up and deal like a big girl. Because if we’re going to make this work, I’ll be dealing with his schedule for a long, long time. How can we possibly do this? How are we going to raise a baby together when we hardly see enough of each other as it is?

I shake my head and feel the energy move right out of me. “No, I’ll do it. It’ll be okay.”

“I have to say, you might think you’re freaking out on the inside, but you seem to be taking this remarkably well. Do you want to yell? Cry? Break something?”

“I don’t think it’s real yet,” I admit. “I think the major freak-out is still to come.”

Chapter Thirty

BLAKE

It never ceases to amaze me the horrible destruction that humans are capable of inflicting on each other. The way they can literally tear each other apart and leave nothing behind.

Not even life itself.

That some people can take a life without thought. Without remorse.

I don’t often see humanity at its worst, but tonight was one of those nights, and I’m sick to my stomach as I pull into the garage next to Harper’s car and cut the engine.

There’s a light on in the kitchen. I’d normally come home to a dark house, but my girl left a light on for me, and it loosens the knot in my gut for the first time in hours.

I need her.

I changed out of my bloody scrubs and showered at the hospital, so I didn’t bring that mess home with me,and I’m glad because I don’t want to wait long enough to shower to touch her. I need hernow.

Walking through the mudroom and into the kitchen, I smile when I see the note on the counter next to a plate of cookies, illuminated by the soft glow of the light above the stovetop.

B-

Missed you today. I made you some cookies.

*Heart*

-H

Leaving the cookies where they are, I shut off the light and carry the note with me to the bedroom, where I tuck it safely away in my bedside table and strip out of my clothes. Harper is sleeping peacefully, her hands tucked under her chin, all that gorgeous dark hair fanned out on the pillow behind her, and I’ve never needed to get my hands on someone so badly in my life.

Slipping between the sheets, I wrap myself around my girl and pull her against my chest, press my nose to her hair, and just hang on.

“Hmm.” She nuzzles into me and loops her arm around my waist. Finally, my nervous system calms down, and I can take a deep breath. “You okay?”

I love her sleepy voice and her warm skin against me.

“Better now. Don’t wake up, baby.”

“Need to talk,” she whispers, burrowing into me even tighter.

“Is it life or death?” Christ, I’m tired.

“No.”