by Kate Stacy
“The baby is fine, Mads.”
He always knows. I love this man so much.
He takes my hand, bringing it to his mouth. Pressing a kiss to my palm.
“I was so afraid, baby. I felt like I was losing you all over again. I wouldn’t survive if I lost you.” he rasps.
The worry and fear etched in his features breaks my heart. I hate putting him through this.
“I’m okay, honey. We’re both okay.”
He nods, holding my hand against his mouth with both hands.
“Dr. Khaskia is on her way to explain everything to us. They already told me a little bit, but it’ll be easier to let her explain.”
“Our baby is okay, Jax. That’s all that matters. I can wait for the details.”
Holden begins to stir. I didn’t realize I’d been playing with his hair this whole time.
He lifts his head, smiling at me, just as my doctor walks into the room.
“Hi, Madalyn.”
“Hi, Dr. Khaskia.”
“Has anyone told you what’s going on?” she asks.
“Not yet. We thought it’d be easier to wait for you,” Jaxson explains.
“Okay. When you came in today, you were in the early stages of labor. You did a very smart thing by alerting me and getting yourself to the hospital. Your contractions were coming pretty steadily, so we gave you a drug called Terbutaline. It’s used when women go into preterm labor as a means to prevent, or slow contractions. It doesn’t always work, but in your case, it was successful at stopping your labor. You and baby are both incredibly healthy otherwise. I see no signs of distress, or anything indicating a reason for you to go into labor early, which is a little concerning.
“The good news is, you’re at twenty-nine weeks, so even if you were to deliver early, the baby should be fine. The survival rate for babies born at twenty-nine weeks is ninety-two percent. So you really don’t have too much to be concerned about. Ultimately, though, the longer the baby stays in there, the better. I just want you to know that early labor isn’t necessarily a death sentence.”
Jax and I both flinch at her words.
“Forgive me. That was insensitive.”
I wave her off, knowing she’s only giving me the facts. That’s one of the reasons I like her so much. She gives it to me straight without glossing over the things she thinks I might not want to hear.
“I want you to rest for now, but we’ll keep monitoring you overnight, and we’ll decide where to go from there.”
“Thank you.”
Once she leaves, Holden excuses himself, explaining that our family and friends are all in the waiting room. He’s going to fill them in on what the doctor said.
“Please give them my best but send them home. I don’t want everyone stuck in the waiting room all night. We’ll call them if anything changes.”
“Okay, sis. Be back soon.”
“You too, Holden. You don’t need to sit up here all night.”
He scoffs, closing the door behind him. Guess that means he’s coming back.
“Stubborn ass.” I laugh.
“You definitely take after your brother on that one,” Jax teases. “But you really should try to get some rest.”
“Will you hold me?”
“Is that even a question?”
He slips into the small hospital bed next to me. I snuggle into his side and I know he can’t be comfortable, but with today’s scare, I think he needs to be close to me too.
Madalyn’s entire family stayed at the hospital last night, despite her insistence that they go home to rest. I’m not going to be the one to tell her. They’ve taken turns coming in and out all morning, never giving her a minute alone. She slept restlessly last night. She’s exhausted and overwhelmed by the nonstop attention.
Her family means well, and they’re only trying to help, but they’re driving her crazy. Time for me to step in and clear them out. Luckily, I’ve got an idea how to do that without offending anyone.
Dr. Khaskia came by early this morning to check on Mads and the baby.
Everything looks good, but she wants to err on the side of caution. As of today, Madalyn is on full bed rest until the baby is born. She’s less than happy about it, but it gives me the perfect opportunity to get everyone out of the hospital until we’re ready to go home later today.
They wanted to keep her here another night, but her stubborn side came out in full force. She insisted that if she’s to be stuck in a bed, she’s going to do it at home where she can be comfortable and maybe manage to actually get some rest. I can’t really blame her. Trying to sleep in that bed with her last night was a joke. Neither of us got any sleep, but she wanted me next to her. I can’t deny her something so simple, not when I wanted her close, too.
The phone call yesterday scared the shit out of me, bringing up a lot of bad memories. I barely had time to tell Holden where I was going before I bolted out the door. I didn’t get very far before he was in step with me, hopping into my truck.
I’m going to be on edge for the rest of her pregnancy. There’s no doubt about it.
I leave Mads in her brother’s expert care while I talk to her family.
I explain to them how we’re going to need help once Madalyn is home. The words are barely out of my mouth before her mom and sisters start talking a mile a minute. Doesn’t seem like they need my direction at all, so I let them do whatever they’re gonna do. Mr. Sterling gives me a knowing wink as he leads the ladies toward the exit.
Unfortunately, my running out of work yesterday left a lot of work unfinished. It’s all shit that Holden can’t do, so I have to be the one to leave and go into the bar tonight. There’s no getting out of it. Holden is planning to stick around here and then hang out at home with Madalyn until I finish tonight.
I head back into her room, loving on her before I leave the hospital.
I know she’s in good hands with her brother.
An hour after I get to the bar, we get slammed. My shit gets pushed aside so I can help behind the bar. I don’t mind. I love the rush. I turn to grab some extra garnish from one of the small coolers when the rush starts to die down, and a familiar voice reaches my ears over the noisy volume in the bar.
“I’ll take a shot of your finest whiskey.”
Turning slowly, I reply. “No fuckin’ way you’re old enough to drink. I’m gonna need to see some I.D.”
I barely have time to empty my hands before she flies across the bar and lands in my arms.
“It’s so fucking good to see you, Henny.”
I squeeze her tight as fuck. Hell, at this point I might never let go.
I’ve seen my baby sister exactly once in the last six years, and that one time was four years ago.
“I’ve missed you so much, big brother!”
I pull back, really taking her in. Christ. She’s not a kid anymore.
“When the fuck did you grow up, half-pint? I’m gonna have to buy a shotgun now, ya know?”
She laughs.
“Seriously, Henley. You’re gorgeous. And I really can’t believe you’re standing in front of me in my bar right now.”
“It’s finally over, Jax. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Hopping back up on the bar, she sits there with her legs dangling as I make a couple drinks.
“You’re really done with them? Forever?”
“I owe them nothing, Jaxson. They’re horrible people. They found out about you visiting me at school. That’s why I stopped responding to any of your messages. I never got them because they took my damn phone. I had no way to contact you. I’ve missed so much, and I hate them for taking it all away from me.”
“Fuck, Henny. I’m just glad you’re finally free from their bullshit.”
“Me too. I’m grown. I’m a trained chef. I have my own money and no debt. The world is my oyster. I can do whatever the hell I want from here on out. I only need one small favor from you, but we’ll get to that in a minute. What’s been goin
g on with you? Oh my God, I heard what happened to Madalyn. I tried to sneak away to the hospital, but I swear they had a tracking device planted on me or some type of spy bullshit because anytime I got close, they busted me and threatened my degree. I almost gave it up then, Jax. Right then and there I almost told them to eat a dick because I knew you needed someone there for support. The only thing that stopped me was knowing you would kick my ass for giving up my dream.”
Her rambling is fucking adorable.
“Did you even breathe through all that?’ I tease, chucking an ice cube at her. “When did you get such a dirty fucking mouth?”
“Work in a professional kitchen, Jax. Those chefs make you sound innocent.”
“Ha! I can only imagine. I’ll stay behind the bar, thanks.”
I look around, making sure my guys are okay before I pull her ass off my bar and have her follow me to the office.
“Easier to talk back here where it’s quiet.” I say, relaxing back into my chair. “To answer your question. Mads and I are married…”
“Jax!” she squeals.
“And...you’re gonna be an aunt.”
“I’m so happy for you, Jaxson! Looks like you’re getting all your dreams, too,” she says, giving me another hug. “Not too bad for two kids with our fucked-up parents.”
I have to laugh at that. She’s not wrong at all.
“I know Mads will wanna see you. How about you come home with me tonight. It’ll be a nice surprise for her since she’s just getting out of the hospital today.”
I see the look on her face and backpedal a bit. “She’s fine. She went into labor early, but they were able to stop it. She’s on bed rest from here on out, though.”
“I’m glad she’s okay, and I’ll definitely be coming home. I kinda wanted to talk to you about that anyway.”
“You have my full attention.”
“Do you think I could stay with you for a while? I could even help with the things Mads isn’t able to do now. I can clean, or pay bills, or even rent—”
I scoff, waving her off. “You’re not giving me money. But you are moving in. We have a lot to catch up on. I’d love to have you stay with us.”
“Shouldn’t you talk to your wife about that first?” she asks, popping her brow and cocking her head to the side.
Baby sister has sass.
“Nah, I think I’ll surprise her.”
“Your funeral, brother. How ‘bout you give me a tour of this place?”
We leave the office and I show her everything in the back of house. The storage rooms and the areas we haven’t even renovated yet. She goes crazy when she sees the kitchen.
“This kitchen is every chef’s dream. Why are you not serving food here?” she asks, wandering around to check it all out.
“We do a few appetizers, but we’ve never been able to keep any good kitchen help.” I shrug.
My focus has always been on the bar itself. It does seem like a waste to have this big kitchen sitting here unused.
“Let me do it. Let me design a menu. I can run the kitchen, hire staff...I’ll take care of everything. With your approval, of course.”
I think about what she’s saying and it’s not a bad idea. Working side by side with my baby sister. Our last name on the front of the building. Would definitely be a big “screw you” to my parents. Beyond that, it could also attract a ton of new business, an entirely new demographic.
Running my hand across my jaw, I nod. “We’ll talk about it more later. We’ll have to have a sit down with Holden, but I’m definitely liking the idea.”
Watching the happiness and excitement on her face is enough to know it’s a really good idea. I finally have my sister back in my life and I couldn’t be happier.
“What do you say we get out of here? We can grab some dinner and take it home to Madalyn. She’ll love you even more if you come bearing food.”
Sweeping her arm out dramatically, she says, “Lead the way, brother.”
Can I just say that I love having Henley here?
She’s grown into such an incredible woman, I’m in awe of her.
I was excited when Jaxson came home the other night and surprised me with a visitor. Henley was the last person that I expected, but she was a very welcome surprise. And the food she cooks? It’s amazing. If she keeps feeding me like this, I’m never going to let her move out.
What I don’t love? Fucking bed rest. I’m bored out of my goddamn mind and it’s only been three days. If baby stays put, I have three months of this shit ahead of me. Three months of being in bed day in and day out. I’m going to go insane.
Henley’s been keeping me occupied as much as possible, but she’s busy today, off somewhere doing I don’t even know what. Lucky her. She’s free to come and go as she pleases, while I’m stuck here all by myself.
I may complain, but in reality, I’ll keep my ass here in this bed for the rest of my life if it means having a healthy baby.
All I have to say is thank God for Netflix. I’ve been binge watching Criminal Minds. Jax gets jealous of my crush on Derek Morgan, but c’mon. Who in their right mind wouldn’t want that man? All that swagger and the way he calls Penelope “baby girl?” Sexy. As. Fuck.
I’ve always been “baby” to Jax. Sometimes he calls me “love,” but never anything else. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t change it. Jax could call me a bitch and it would still sound sexy leaving his lips. He would never. I’m just sayin’.
The only other person with a pet name for me is my brother and there’s nothing remotely sexy about that. Especially when I think about the fact that he calls me “baby girl.”
And that just killed my whole Derek Morgan fantasy.
Day utterly ruined. Thanks, big brother.
Just when I think I’m seriously about to lose my mind, there’s a knock on the front door. I’m not able to answer it, but at least it gives me a temporary distraction.
The front door opens, and someone calls out my name, “Mads?”
“In the bedroom, chained to the bed!” I holler, recognizing my sister’s voice.
Cami and Presley practically bounce into my room laughing.
“I don’t see any chains!” Presley says.
“Me either, but handcuffs are always a good time.” Cami laughs.
Presley and I both look at her, our eyes wide.
“Got something you wanna share, Cami?” I ask.
She winks playfully but doesn’t answer me. She changes the subject.
“We’re actually here to spring you!”
I get excited for a minute, until reality snaps back into focus.
“I can’t, you know that.”
“You can. We have permission from your doctor and your husband. We’re only relocating you, really. Slip this on,” She tosses a dress at me. “Then we’ll help you to the living room. We’re having a party and you’re the guest of honor!”
She bounces out of the room, leaving me and Presley staring after her.
“Is she high?” I ask.
“I would fucking hope not. Get dressed. Yell when you’re done, and I’ll come back.”
Once I’m dressed and escorted to the living room, I’m instantly overwhelmed.
All the girls are here. My mom and sisters. Henley, Hailee and her mom. Derrick, because he totally counts.
“Surprise!”
My mom crosses the room to give me a hug. Everyone else follows, then they force me to sit in the big cushioned chair in the center of the room. I look around in awe.
Somehow my entire living room has been decorated for a baby shower and I had no idea.
“It’s been planned for a while, but your little field trip to the hospital pushed it back a couple days,” Presley explains.
My sister, the comedian, everyone.
Games, gifts, and tons of food. It’s your typical baby shower, but it’s even more special because it was planned by my husband. He did this for me.
I’m not sure they were supposed t
o tell me that, but I’ll be sure to thank him later either way.
“What do you want to do first, Mads?” Hailee asks.
“I’m pregnant. I want to eat first.”
The room explodes in laughter and my heart fills with joy.
This is exactly what I needed today. How is it that he always knows?
I slip my phone from the pocket of my dress and quickly send him a text.
Me:
Thank you, Jax. You always know just what I need.
Jax:
You’re welcome, beautiful. Relax and have a good time.
Me:
See you when you get home. I love you.
“Boo! No phones!”
Cami reaches out and snatches my phone, walking off and hiding it away somewhere.
It’s okay, I already know how he responded.
I’m pulled into the excitement of the baby shower.
By the time the games have been played, gifts have been opened, and everyone has “oooh’d” and “aaah’d” about all of the cute little baby things, I’m stuffed full of delicious home cooking and ready for a nap.
I thank everyone for coming, but they can tell it took a lot out of me. Presley walks me back to my room—surely on Jaxson’s orders that no one lets me out of sight—and promises to make sure everything gets cleaned up before they leave.
I’m too tired to worry about the mess. My head barely hits the pillow before I’m sleeping peacefully.
Movement on the bed rouses me from sleep, but it’s the kisses that wake me.
Kisses to my forehead.
Kisses to my cheeks.
A perfectly placed kiss to my lips.
“That sure is a happy smile, baby,” he says, nuzzling his face into my neck. He hasn’t shaved in a few days and the friction from his scruff sends a delicious shiver through me.
“More kisses. Don’t stop.” I demand sleepily.
Jaxson’s deep chuckle makes me groan.
“I have a surprise for you,” he whispers.
Wrapping my arm around the back of his neck, I pull his face to mine, tracing his bottom lip with my tongue as I spread my legs.
