Shit, that’s just fucking adorable.
I couldn’t wait to cuddle with the newest Speed baby.
“So, all we need now is for his godfather to wake up.”
Buddy, if I could snap my fingers and make it happen, I would. It’s not as easy as everyone makes it sound.
“Dude, your dog is just as hyper as you.” Braxton’s humor-filled voice reached my ears. “I always thought I wanted one, but I’m starting to re-evaluate. His energy level is off the charts, and he’s wearing me out.”
Yeah, he really is the best.
“So, I wanted to drop by and let you know I’ve reconsidered my stance on that bet you wanted to make a while back.”
Wait. What bet?
“You know, the one where you wanted to see who could knock up their girl first?” He let out a soft laugh. “It’s the damnedest thing. Dakota’s been around Ollie and Bailey, and Jenner’s trio of ginger babies, but the minute she held Kit in the hospital, she looked right at me and said she was ready. Shocked the hell outta me, but I’m not gonna say no. That’s the last missing piece of the puzzle in my picture of our future.”
I was happy for him. He’d wanted this for a long time.
“So, we’re officially trying, and it won’t be any fun if I’m competing against myself. And I can fully condone this bet now that it’s come to light that you’remarried. Like, what the hell? I know I was apprehensive about your relationship with Gemma, but I wish you’d told us. We would have wanted to be there for you like you’ve always been there for us.”
It was almost laughable. There was nothing to tell, and no one had missed out on anything, but I had to hand it to my resourceful girl. She’d found a way to ensure no one could force her from my side while I battled my way back to her.
Gemma’s scent filled my nostrils, setting my mind at ease. Having her close was the only bright spot in this seriously fucked up situation I’d found myself in.
Softly, she whispered, “I miss you.”
I’m right here, baby.
Being stuck in limbo like this was a fate worse than death.
As I did every time I felt Gemma’s hair brush my fingertips, I tried to move my hand, to glide my touch through the silky locks and offer her comfort.
A gasp sounded. “Sasha?”
The monitor measuring my heart rate beeped at a faster clip, and I attempted the move again.
“Oh my God.” Gemma’s body shifted, and her palm slid against mine. “Baby, can you squeeze my hand?”
Focusing all my energy on our connection, I willed my fingers close around hers.
“That’s it! You’re doing it!” Her beautiful voice took on a high-pitched, excited quality that made my heart sing.
If my limbs were obeying, maybe it was time to try opening my eyes again.
I can do this. She needs me.
They were heavy, but my eyelids cracked open the tiniest bit, and light peeked through.
Warm hands cradled my face as wetness splashed onto my cheeks from above. Pressure on my forehead indicated Gemma’swas pressed against mine. And she was crying tears of joy instead of sadness.
Her shaky inhale sounded as I managed to raise my lids a bit more, desperate to lay eyes on the woman I loved—the woman I was going to marry.
“I’m gonna go get a doctor.”
The loss of her touch made me shiver, and I croaked out, barely above a whisper, “Stay.”
“Sasha,” she tried to protest.
