Page 17 of Property of Shotgun
“You gave us all a scare tonight,” I say as my gaze latches onto his little hand that lays flat against the only spot on my chest that doesn’t have any ink. I wish I had a marker. I’d trace his little hand, and tattoo it to that very spot, making sure I added his birthday to the center of it like I did with the tributes I have on my skin, honoring his brothers.
“He looks perfectly content,” the nurse comments. “And his stats are good. You’re doing great, dad.”
Dad.
The single word entices shame, reminding me I’m just a stand in. A brother who made a promise. But as I sit here holding Irish’s son I decide to ask for forgiveness later. I’m done sitting in the shadows. Jade needs help whether she likes it or not, and I’m done waiting for her to give me permission to step in.
I trace my fingers down the baby’s back, bending my head to touch my lips to the top of his head. “I hope you’re comfortable because you guys are stuck with me.”
SIX
JADE
My heart startsto race the second I open my eyes and stare up at the fluorescent lights. The last thing I recall is being in the shower, clutching my stomach, and seeing all the blood drip down my legs.
So much blood.
Too much.
I struggle to push the sheet off me, my hands immediately falling to my stomach. It looks just as it did before, but I can tell my baby is no longer inside of me. I can feel it.
“Easy.”
My gaze snaps in the direction of the gruff voice, and my eyes land on Shotgun. He sits in the corner of the hospital room, his hands braced on top of his spread thighs, exhaustion clouting his face. I don’t know why he’s here or how he found out I was in the hospital. I don’t even know how I got here. A million questions swirl around my muddled head, but the most important one manages to leave my lips.
“Where’s my baby? Please tell me my baby is okay.”
“He’s perfect,” he says, hoarsely. Pushing out of the chair, he comes to stand at my side. “He’s in the NICU?—”
“The NICU?” I cry, tears immediately filling my eyes. “But you said he’s perfect.”
“He’s having some trouble breathing on his own, but they’re doing everything they can to help him. He’s going to be okay, Jade. He just needed a little more time inside of you, but he’ll catch up. Everything else is good. Ten fingers, ten toes. A strong heart.”
He extends his hand, his thumb brushing across my cheek, wiping away my tears. I close my eyes briefly, allowing myself a moment to revel in the comfort of his touch.
“He looks like you,” he rasps.
My eyes spring open and I stare at him for a beat, my mind reeling. I don’t ask him how he knows what my baby looks like. I don’t ask how he knows he’s having trouble breathing or why he’s even allowed to be in my room. We’ll get to all of that eventually. What I need to know now, is how he knew to come for me? I’m assuming Fuckface had something to do with it.
“How did you know I needed you?”
“Legend called me. He heard you scream but was too afraid to check on you himself.”
That breaks my heart, and I feel more tears slide down my cheeks. He must’ve been so scared. My poor boy. “Where is he now?”
“Biggie took him and Raiden back to the clubhouse. They’re good, Jade. They’re relieved their mom is okay and excited to meet their brother.”
Relief washes over me, and I drop my head back against the pillow. I want to see my baby. I want to hold him, and make sure he’s okay, but my eyelids feel too heavy. My body too weak. My mind entirely too loud.
“I’m tired,” I whisper.
“Then close your eyes and sleep. I’ll be right here.”
“No,” I whisper. “Go stay with Killian. I don’t want him to be alone.”
“Killian,” Shotgun murmurs.
“That’s his name. Killian Duke Callahan. It means little warrior.”
