Mason (Striking Back #2)

by S. M. Shade

  “He relies on you too. I’ve seen it. I’ve never seen brothers as close as you three.”

  Parker reaches to squeeze Mason’s hand. “You wake the fuck up, you bastard. You got people who love you, who depend on you. Cody needs you to teach him to be a man. And there’s a beautiful woman here you need to make your wife. Wake up, buddy, or she’s fair game.”

  “He told you?” I whisper.

  “Yes.”

  “I didn’t say yes. I should’ve said yes.”

  Parker chuckles and shakes his head. “When have you ever given into him the first time he’s asked? I laughed my ass off watching him chase you.” He takes my hand. “He knew you were going to marry him, Ev. Wasn’t a doubt in his smug little mind.”

  “I am going to marry him. Because he’s going to beat this. Can you give me a minute with him?”

  “Of course, honey.” He kisses my cheek. “I always wanted a sister,” he adds before walking out.

  The steady beep of the heart monitor drones on as I lay down beside Mason, careful not to disturb any tubes or wires. I rest my forehead against his head, closing my eyes at the tickle of his hair on my face. “Yes, Mason. Yes. I’ll marry you. Do you hear me, sweetheart? You have to fight harder than you’ve ever fought in the ring. You’re a champion. You can do this. I love you, and I’m waiting. I’m right beside you where I belong. I’m waiting.”

  Two days pass while I camp by Mason’s bedside. Two excruciating days begging him to open his eyes, to squeeze my hand, to show me he’s still here. Still beside me.

  The doctors aren’t sure why he won’t wake and can’t predict when—or if—he will. They’re starting to talk about the possibility of brain damage from lack of oxygen. The waiting room is always full. His brothers, fighters and members of his gym, and women he’s helped over the years flood in to show their support. I don’t really see them since I don’t leave his room. I have to be here when he wakes up. He has to wake up.

  * * * *

  The gray sky fits the day perfectly. Ian pulls me closer to him, tucking me against his side as thunder rumbles in the distance. It mixes with the drone of the minister’s words until I can’t differentiate between them.

  I don’t want to be here. This isn’t where I’m supposed to be. “It’s okay to cry, Pup,” Ian whispers as we watch the silver casket sink into the earth.

  “I can’t.”

  Alex and Parker take turns hugging me before leaving me to stare at the gravestone. “It’s not his real name,” I murmur. “He couldn’t even be buried under his real name.” For some reason, that pulls me under and I’m able to shed a few tears for the man I once worshipped. Don’t all girls worship their daddies?

  “You know who he is, and I’m sure that means more to him than anything. He got to see his daughter and hear her forgiveness before he died.”

  “Thanks to Mason,” I sob. “Take me to him. That’s where I belong.”

  Ian insists on stopping to eat on the way back to the hospital. “You’re wasting away, Ev. Mason will never forgive me if you’re skin and bones when he wakes.”

  When he wakes. We all keep saying that, though the chances grow slimmer each passing day. It’s late afternoon when I return to the hospital. Mary, Mason’s day nurse smiles at me when I enter and chirps, “Good strong heartbeat today.” She always tries to say something positive and I’m so grateful for it. Before I can respond, a strange buzzing fills my ears and the floor rushes to meet me.

  Shit. My jaw hurts. And some asshole is flashing a bright light in my face. “What happened?” I mumble, trying to get up.

  “Sit up slowly, dear,” Mary advises. “You fainted. Does your head hurt?”

  Parker kneels on my other side, a worried look on his face. “Did you hit your head, Ev?”

  “No, my jaw, but I’m all right.” They help me into a chair like I’m an eighty year old lady.

  “Are you dizzy?” Mary asks.

  “No, just a bit nauseous. It comes and goes. It’ll pass.”

  “Damn it, Everly.” I look up in surprise at Parker’s stern tone. “You can’t do this. You need to eat and get some sleep.”

  “I slept nearly seven hours last night,” I inform him, gesturing to the cot beside Mason’s bed. “And Ian force fed me a roast beef sandwich not an hour ago.”

  “Probably stress,” Mary says softly, turning to Parker. “But why don’t you step out and I’ll give Everly a quick exam?”

  “Really, I’m fine,” I insist.

  “Do what she says,” Parker growls, pulling the door shut behind him.

  “Are you pregnant?” she asks.

  “No.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Unless scar tissue can miraculously heal, yeah, I’m sure.”

  “I’m sorry. You’re probably a little dehydrated. Why don’t you let me take a small urine sample? Then I’ll set your bodyguard’s mind at ease.” She nods toward the hall where Parker waits.

  “Okay,” I relent, eager to take the focus off of me and put it back on Mason where it belongs. Mary returns quickly with a little plastic cup, and I take it to the restroom. There’s no way to hand someone a warm cup of your piss without it being awkward. After I give it to her, she excuses herself, and Parker comes back in.

  “I wish you’d go home and rest,” he says.

  “I’m just a bit dehydrated. I’ll grab a Gatorade and be fine.”

  “I’ll get you one,” he volunteers, dropping a kiss on my head on his way out. These Reed brothers really know how to take care of a girl. All three of them have such soft hearts under those hard muscles.

  I’m lying in bed beside Mason, tracing his flower tattoos with my fingertip when Mary returns, a guarded look on her face. “We need to talk, Everly,” she warns, and I sit up as she takes a seat.

  “So, not dehydrated?” I guess. Shit. I really can’t get sick right now.

  “Everly, dear, you’re pregnant.”

  My laugh is bitter at the sound of words I know can’t be true. “That’s impossible.”

  “What exactly did your doctor say about your condition?”

  “That the formation of scar tissue would make the chances of conceiving astronomical.” She doesn’t need to know how I was scarred.

  “But not impossible,” she points out. “I ran the test three times. I don’t know what it means for you, whether you can carry to term, but you are pregnant.” Oh god. A baby. Mason’s baby. I’d give anything for that to be true. “My husband is an O.B. in this hospital. Let me call him and I’m sure he’ll see you.”

  Numb, I nod, and she smiles, making the call. “Half an hour, room 114.”

  I’ve been so focused on our conversation and the bombshell she’s dropped on me, I failed to notice Parker standing in the doorway, his jaw on the floor. “You’re pregnant?” he whispers, a smile spreading across his face. “I thought you were…”

  “Barren? Me too. Don’t get your hopes up. I won’t believe it’s possible until the O.B. confirms it.” It’s a wonder I don’t have whiplash, the way he grabs my hand and pulls me from the room.

  “Room 114,” Mary calls after him.

  * * * *

  Emotions and feelings have never been my friends. I’ve spent years developing a stunning lack of give a shit. It’s how I cope. There have been times I wondered if a person can become a sociopath by choice. Just stop feeling. For years, my emotions were stunted, inhibited. All I wanted was stability and peace so I avoided anything that threatened my little bubble of safety. And I confess, I sometimes want to crawl right back to who I was.

  But calm and predictable devolve into dull and mundane. By running from the pain, I also missed the joy. It’s true I never cried, but I also rarely laughed or felt real happiness. Until Mason’s persistent pursuit changed everything. He splashed color across my monochrome existence, let the sun burn through a somber sky to illuminate my path back to happiness. He made me feel again.

  Emotions I’ve spent a lifetime r
epressing surge through me as I sit at Mason’s bedside contemplating the life-altering news I’ve just received. I’m going to have a baby. The obstetrician assured me after an exam and ultrasound, that I should have no difficulty carrying to term. Apparently, the only obstacle was conceiving, and Mason’s super sperm burrowed right through that.

  Joyful tears mingle with tears of sorrow and despair. I’m going to have Mason’s child. My mind conjures a mini Mason with bright blue eyes and a crooked grin while my hand travels to palm my belly. There’s a part of him growing in there, part of both of us, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. But he doesn’t know. He may never know.

  “Stop it,” Parker scolds, handing me a tissue. He stayed with me during the O.B. visit, even when they ran a probe up my vagina for the ultrasound. I made him stand by my head where he couldn’t see anything, but still, it was awkward having his hand in mine while the doctor rooted around like he was searching for treasure.

  “What?”

  “Whatever you’re obsessing about. Think about how fucking thrilled Mason will be when you tell him.”

  “And if he doesn’t wake up?” I finally put a voice to my worst fear.

  A wave of pain flows over his face before he forces a smile. “You’ll still be stuck with us, Ev, so get used to it. You’re family. I’m going to be amoeba’s favorite uncle.”

  “Amoeba?”

  “That’s what it looked like to me.”

  “It’s not an amoeba.” I giggle.

  “Okay, how about parasite? I mean, technically it is.”

  “Now you’re asking for a foot in your ass.”

  Alex rushes into the room, his blond curls bouncing, and stares at me in shock. “Is it true? You’re pregnant?”

  How the hell? “Parker!”

  He holds his palms up. “I texted him. No one else knows.”

  “Oh, Everly. This is the best news.” Alex hugs me like he may never get another chance. “You have to take care of yourself. Eat, rest. You can’t keep staying here.”

  “I won’t miss a meal, but I’m sleeping here,” I insist.

  “You should at least go home at night. We won’t leave him alone.”

  “Not going to happen. My ass is right here until he wakes up.”

  Before Alex can respond, a hoarse voice replies, “Give up, Alex. She’s stubborn as hell. You’ll never win.” My tears before are nothing compared to the deluge I let loose on Mason’s shoulder. I don’t even remember crawling in his bed.

  Parker fetches him some water, and Alex goes for a nurse while I completely lose it. “Shh, stop, Panda. I’m okay. I’m good.”

  “I was so afraid I’d never talk to you again. I talked your ear off when you were unconscious.”

  “You said yes,” he says, cupping my cheek.

  “You heard me?”

  “Yep, and I’m holding you to it. A near death yes is still a yes.”

  “I don’t know. I read the loss of a spleen can dull your sexual performance.”

  “I’ll disavow you of that notion soon enough.”

  His cocky smile makes me laugh. “I missed you.”

  “I knew you were here. I just couldn’t make myself wake up. But I knew you were beside me.”

  “Always.”

  * * * *

  Mason spends a few more days in the hospital before he’s released with orders to rest for a few weeks. I still haven’t told him about the baby. The man’s heart stopped twice and I don’t want to be responsible for a third time. I need to tell him soon, though, or his brothers are going to give it away with their excitement.

  He’s such a damn grouch after being cooped up at home the last two weeks, and it doesn’t help that he’s been warned off all sexual activity for the next two. A month without sex is an eternity to him. To me, too, if I’m being honest.

  Tonight’s the night. I’m going to tell him. My hands shake all day at the thought. I told him I couldn’t get pregnant. What if he thinks I tricked him, trapped him into having a kid with me? He’s already gained one kid unexpectedly. What if he doesn’t want another? I’m sure my psycho pregnancy hormones aren’t helping my judgement toward the situation.

  Parker shows up to pick up Cody for a sleepover, and grins at me. I nod at him, assuring him I plan to tell Mason today, and get a wink in response.

  Mason scowls. “Quit flirting with my girl before I kick your ass.”

  “Take it easy, old man. Don’t want to give yourself heart palpitations. I’m going.”

  As soon as they’re out the door, I turn to Mason, my stomach churning. “I need to tell you something.”

  His look is guarded as he sits across from me. My hands twist in my lap, and he reaches to still them. “What’s wrong?”

  There’s really no way to sugarcoat it so I just blurt out, “I’m pregnant.”

  His mouth falls open. “Pregnant?” he whispers as if tasting the word. Confusion clouds his face. “But I thought you couldn’t?”

  “So did I,” I reply with a heavy sigh. My chest aches with the deep desire for his reaction to be positive. “Chances I would conceive were infinitesimal. I know you trusted me when I told you we didn’t need condoms. I swear I thought we were safe.”

  Leaning forward, he puts his hands on my knees. “Evie, is this going to put your health at risk?”

  “No, the doctor assures me my pregnancy should progress normally.” My anxiety increases the longer he fails to react one way or the other.

  “We’re having a baby,” he says.

  “Yes.”

  I’m stunned when he falls to his knees, wraps his arms around my waist and presses his face to my belly. My hands thread through his soft hair as he’s overcome by the news. His eyes are glassy and red rimmed when he looks up at me and murmurs, “Thank you.”

  “You had a little something to do with it,” I reply, swallowing the lump in my throat.

  “Fuck, yeah I did!” The couch shakes as he bounds to his feet and shouts, “How badass are my swimmers!” A giant smile is plastered on his face and he paces the room like a caged panther. “Wait until I tell Alex and Parker! Evie!” I’m swept into his arms and spun around the room. “We’re having a baby!”

  Relieved laughter pours from my lips. “I’m so glad you’re happy.”

  “Happy? Sweetheart, I’m fucking ecstatic. I don’t know what to do with myself.”

  “Your brothers know already,” I tell him.

  He stops pacing and stares at me. “You told them first?”

  “I found out when you were in the hospital. A few hours before you woke up, actually. Parker went to the doctor with me, then he told Alex. I told him to keep his big mouth shut.”

  “You’ve known for two weeks? Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “You were sick. I didn’t want to give you a heart attack.”

  He pulls me into his arms again. “I should take you over my knee.”

  “Hmm.” I burrow my face into his neck, inhaling the scent of his skin. “That would probably lead to activities you aren’t cleared to participate in.”

  “Are you happy, Panda? Is this what you want?”

  I gaze into eyes the color of a summer sky. “More than I’ve ever wanted anything.”

  “I love you.”

  “Enough to marry me before the baby’s born?”

  “Let’s go to Vegas tonight.”

  Laughing, I kiss his jaw. “Vegas sounds good, but we have to wait until everyone can go. Alex and Parker would never forgive you if we eloped, and Ian would kick my ass.”

  Mason caresses my belly and murmurs, “A little Evie.”

  “A little Mason,” I retort.

  “Or one of each. Twins do run in the family, you know,” he teases with a smirk.

  Damn. Hadn’t thought of that.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Mason

  “I want to take you ring shopping today,” I inform Evie, sinking my fingers into the soft curve of her waist. Her hesitation sends a streak of
fear down my spine. Is she backing out?

  “I wanted to talk to you about that. I’m not big on jewelry and I have an idea.” She peeks up at me. “What would you think about tattooing our rings instead?”

  Christ, this woman is perfect for me. “It’s permanent,” I remind her.

  “So are we.”

  “I fucking love you, Evie.” Her lips part in surprise, and I slip my tongue between them. If Cody wasn’t in the next room, I’d throw her down and taste every inch of this woman. She drives me out of my mind.

  Her hands run through my hair, settling on the nape of my neck. “So, you like the idea?”

  “I love it. It’ll hurt, though, love. Hands are a painful choice for a first tattoo.” Ridiculous, though I’m covered in ink, I can’t bear the thought of her under the needle. Of her hurting in any way.

  “It won’t be my first. I want another on my hip at the same time.” A smile softens her face. “You told me a tattoo should mean something to you. Something you’ll want for the rest of your life. I know what that is now.” She lays two fingers on the dip between her hip and pelvis. “And where I want it.”

  “Tell me.”

  She giggles when I lift her up and sit her on the kitchen counter. “Nope. Not until it’s done. Macy is a great artist. She drew it for me. I’m just not sure where to go.”

  “You’ll go to my guy.”

  “I will, huh?” she teases, and I step between her legs.

  “Yes, and since you’ll be practically naked in his chair, I’m going with you.” Her lips brush my neck as I trail my hands up her inner thighs.

  “Neanderthal,” she says fondly. “When can we go?”

  “I’ll see if Tony can get us in after hours tonight if you’re sure.”

  “I’m sure.”

  For someone who isn’t nervous about getting inked, Evie sure is fidgety on the drive to Tony’s shop. I rest my hand on her knee for a second before we get out of the car. “It’s not as painful as you think. Anytime you need a break, just say so.”

  “I can do this,” she says with a hesitant grin.

  “I know, baby.”