“Yeah, crazy, ain’t it.”
“Why?”
“To get rid of her mom’s ghost. Harper doesn’t like bad memories.”
I’ve been known to act crazy on occasion. I’ve even been called crazy more times than I care to admit. At least I’m not alone in the crazy stakes around here. I’m going to fit in perfectly.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Shane
Istay awake long after Annie falls asleep. I’ve spent the last few hours thinking of ways to help her and failing every time. Her only method of help is treatment but she’s adamant she’s going to see the pregnancy through. So that’s off the table too. I should get up and do something, but I don’t want to leave her. I want her in my arms exactly where she’s been since she crashed.
What a woman she is, prepared to give up her life for a life that hasn’t been born yet. I wouldn’t want her getting an abortion but when it’s your life to consider, it has my head spinning. I want my kid, but I don’t want her to die.
She begins to stir and when she wakes, it’s like I’m seeing her for the first time. Her beauty takes my breath away. She looks up at me with wide eyes and then breaks out a grin.
“You’re still here?”
“Don’t sound so surprised.”
She sits up beside me and takes hold of my hand. I must admit her hand fits perfectly in mine.
“You’re so fuckin’ beautiful, Annie.”
Her smile widens but it’s her blush that sets my dick off. I don’t know what comes over me. I kiss her hand and get up. Not only is she pregnant, she is also sick, the last thing she needs is me climbing on top of her.
“You need breakfast. Get dressed and we’ll go to the diner before you show me this house you found.”
It doesn’t take me long to wash and dress and I head over to the bar while Annie finishes getting ready. Leo is sat alone, and I join him.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“I’m sure ya gonna whether I want to hear it or not.”
“I don’t wanna drag up old shit for you, but the woman I knocked up is… she’s got cancer and cause she’s adamant she’ll see the pregnancy to term she can’t have treatment, and by the time she can, it’s gonna be too late.”
He arches his brow. “What is it you wanna ask?”
“I know your daughter has Holly now, but do you think your kid knew her mom wasn’t around, like, do you think it affected her even though she was a baby.”
Leo leans back in his chair and sighs. “I always believed that Rayna knew her mom was gone but I was determined to be the dad she needed. That’s what you have to do, be a good dad, so when they are missing their mom they’re safe to knowing they have you there with them.” I nod and he goes on to continue, “You’ll need help, it’s not easy and parents who do it alone are fuckin’ heroes.”
“I suppose,” I murmur, mulling over what he’s saying.
“My advice whether you take it or leave it, get shit sorted before she gives birth. It’s easier fighting a war in the club than it is raising a kid on your own.”
“Cheers.”
I push up out of my chair when Annie walks in.
“Shane, there are plenty of women around here that will help, especially when you let them ride your cock.”
“Fuckin’ hell, Prez. I ain’t even thinking like that.”
“Maybe you should. If it’s true what you say, that day ain’t that far off.”
Before Annie can hear any of this, I tap out of the conversation I wish I never started and meet her by the bar.
