He huffs out a heavy sigh of laughter. “Sure… whatever you need. One of my guys lives a mile from you. I’ll send him over. Tighten those ropes on the tree and head back to your girl. Forget about this asshole. He won’t be coming back around.” Kane disconnects the line as quickly as he answered.
As much as I hate not finishing this job, I need to be with Ash more. I’m all she has. Besides, this is when a small town is good. Everyone is anxious to fuck over the bad guy, and I know Kane won’t let me down.
As I walk toward my truck, I dial Hawk’s number. When he doesn’t answer, I call Ashley’s. She’s not answering either.
Fuck!
My stomach turns and my fists clench around the steering wheel as I lay into the gas. The roads are dark and winding, and my old truck isn’t the sports car it should be. It’s used for hauling, not sharp turns at high speed. That said, I could be driving my tractor right now, and I’d open it to top speed and race toward Ashley as fast as it would go. I don’t know how it happened, but today I stepped ass backward into the family I’ve always wanted, and if anything happens to either of them… I’ll never forgive myself.
Chapter Nine
Ash
The door creaks open and Dodge’s head pokes inside. The sight of his big, strong frame immediately soothes me. Something about him is magic. I’m convinced of that now.
He glances down at the baby boy in my arms, suckling at my breast, then looks toward me. “What the fuck?”
I can’t help but laugh. “I know. It all happened so fast.”
“Are you okay? We should go to the hospital and get you both checked.”
I nod and reach for Dodge’s hand. “The friend you sent already looked me over to make sure we were both stable.” I gesture for him to join me. “We’ll go to the hospital soon, but I want to lay here with you for a second.”
The weight of his body bends the mattress slightly as he climbs in bed next to me, kissing my forehead gently. “Hawk looks like he’s the one who’s gone through labor. You look like you’ve gone for a light jog.”
I chuckle. “Yeah right. I’ve made a mess of your beautiful room and I’m sure I look like hell. What happened with Mark? Are you okay?”
Dodge pulls me into his chest, staring down at the baby boy in my arms. “A buddy of mine is taking care of Mark. We won’t hear from him again. What did you name the boy?”
I grin and ignore all the details of what‘not seeing Mark’again might mean. This is the mountains. Up here, the laws are a suggestion and people disappear all the time. I’m just glad it wasn’t Dodge who vanished.
I let out a heavy breath. “I was going to name him Charlie, but as I was pushing, I focused on that carving on the dresser. The one with the eagles and the trees.” I nod toward the furniture I’m referencing.
“So, you’re naming him Eagle?” Dodge narrows his brows as though he’s confused.
Nuzzling into his chest, I laugh. “No. There’s a coyote to the right. I’m naming him Coyote.”
“Coyote?” Dodge’s voice rises and falls as though he isn’t sure it fits. “I like it. He’ll be our wild boy.”
Ourwild boy? My heart squeezes and a rush of warmth washes over me. I glance up at Dodge whose broad frame and dark eyes shine down as he looks at Coyote. “Did you just claim my son?”
He nods and smiles with genuine tenderness. “No. I claimed you both, and I have plans to get you pregnant again.” He rubs my belly with his big, rough hand. “And again, and again, and again. I want a litter of coyotes.” His hand wanders to our son’s head.
I stare up at Dodge. There’s something about his eyes that soothe me immediately. Maybe it’s hormones. That would make sense. I’m sure my body is releasing all kinds of wacko things right now.
“Ash,” Dodge says, brushing my hair away from my face, “I’m so sorry I didn’t believe this age gap thing would work.”
A tear rolls down my cheek. I’m overwhelmed with emotions I can’t define.
Dodge keeps talking, his voice deep as he says, “I want a family with you. I want a life with you. Ash,” he pauses, “I love you and I don’t have a ring right now, but I need to know you’ll be my wife.”
I bite my lower lip and look up at the man whose strength makes me stronger. A family is all I’ve ever wanted, and with Dodge that reality would be sweeter than ever. He’s everything, and I’d spend eternity having his babies, calling him daddy, and submitting to him every night.
“Yes, I’ll marry you, Dodge!” I lean back against his chest and stare up at him as he bends in and brushes his lips against mine. His mouth is hot, and he smells like the forest after a sunny day.
“Good,” he says, dotting kisses all over my face. “Then let’s get you and the baby to the hospital. I need to make sure you’re both okay so I can get this wedding planned.”
Given that I’ve brushed off the hospital for the last two hours, I figure maybe it’s best that I listen to reason.
