There was nothing Chance could say to justify what an ass he’d been, so he only nodded. “Thanks for bringing her here.”
“Chance.” Ruby’s fingers tightened. “Don’t fuck this up.”
“The labor? It’s not up to?—”
“Not that.” Her gaze pierced him. “You know what I mean. This is it—don’t let your father or whatever you think you should be ruin this. She’s too special.”
“I won’t.” He said it as solemnly as a vow. “I know I had my head up my ass, but I’m going to be there for her from now on.”
“Good.” Ruby patted his chest. “Good luck. I’m going to the waiting room. I have to call Quint. Tell Cordy I’ll be here waiting.”
“Ruby.”
She looked back at him.
“Thank you. For everything.”
His sister-in-law nodded and then walked away.
Chance opened the door, ready for what came next. Or at least he thought he was.
Cordy was propped up in one of those awful hospital beds, her eyes watering and her chin wobbling. Shit, she’d thought he wasn’t coming.
“What took you so long?” she demanded.
“Had to close out my tab.”
His hand shook as he took hers, the one that didn’t have a needle stuck in it. Why did they have to do that? She was wired up like something was wrong, an IV in her hand, some monitor strapped around her belly, the hospital gown slipping off her shoulder. It terrified him, but he couldn’t let her know that.
“You only had water,” she said.
“Jack charges extra for water. Says drinking it brings down the atmosphere of the Red Dog.”
“That place couldn’t get any lower.” She swallowed. “Don’t tell Jack I said that.”
“That was my last visit there for the rest of my life.” He squeezed her hand. “How you doing? You need anything? Water? Food? Are they letting you have food?”
Cordy shook her head. “They won’t let me eat. I can chew on ice. But I hate ice.” Her gaze searched his. “What do you mean you’re not going back there?”
“Don’t worry about it. We need to focus on you. Has the doctor been in? Have they checked you? Where’s your bag?”
“Quint’s coming with it. Ruby asked him to bring it.”
Thank God. Chance owed Ruby big time. “I texted Rye. He’s going to bring Iggy to his house.”
“Poor Iggy. He has no idea what’s going on.” Tears started to sneak out of her winter-green eyes. “I’m going to ruin his life with this.”
“Shh.” Chance stroked her hair. “He’s going to love the baby. That’s a family dog right there, I can tell. Do you want me to braid your hair so it’s not in your eyes?”
“You know how?”
“No, but I’ve got the internet. And listen, when Rye gets home with Iggy, I’ll have him do a video call. That’ll make Iggy feel better, hearing and seeing you.”
She blinked, splashing tears onto her cheeks. “Thanks. I’m sorry, I’m not being very brave.”
Christ, how did she manage to turn his heart inside out like that?
“Cordy.” He could barely choke out her name. “You’re about to have a damn baby. You’re the bravest person I know.”
