“Thanks, I really appreciate it.” My voice cracks when I ask the next question. Even if Jackson broke my heart, I still ask, “Has anyone seen or heard from Jackson? He didn’t handle the news too well, and as much as I want to hate him, I don’t. I just, well, I don’t really like him either, though.” I bugger that all up, I’m sure. The way Ruger is smiling and attempting to hide his chuckle, I’d say it’s a known fact.
“Don’t worry about my son. You take care of yourself and my grandbaby, alright?” Ruger states, sobering up when he sees the tears start to form in my eyes, because why not have pregnancy hormones just add in on all the fun and excitement here.
“Okay, I love you guys, and you’re a bundle of fun, but I could really use some estrogen in my room right now.” They all laugh, but each man takes their turn with either squeezing my arm, placing a kiss on my forehead, or giving me some kind of affection, every single man. Shovel, Ruger, Razor, Bullet, Doc, and even Cannon. This reminds me that as soon as I’m back in my apartment, I should probably call home and let my parents know they’re going to be grandparents, which will mean needing to either go back home and visit or them coming to Texas. I don’t know which would be better, but it’s a subject that will have to get addressed, and quickly.
“You too, girl, you too. I’ll send them in, but don’t keep them long. They’ve been up worried about you all day, okay?” Shovel is in alpha protection mode, and I absolutely adore that this big, grumpy man is worried about everyone involved.
“I won’t. Just a hug and seeing them will do the trick. Then I’ll get some sleep like the doctor prescribed.” I don’t mention that the cops will more than likely ruin everything about said sleep, but that’s okay, too.
“Alright, your phone is right here, if you need it.” Razor places it on the rolling tray every hospital has along with a jug of water that I’ve already been told to drink even if that means double the bathroom necessity. I guess I’ll be ready for when my last trimester hits and I’m living on the toilet just to pee.
“Thank you, all of you, really, thank you.” The waterworks are starting up again, and once the men see it happening, they start shuffling out of my room. These men are a lot smarter than we women give them credit for. This is also when the women push in, rushing past them, and this time, I don’t keep the tears at bay. Instead, I let my guard down knowing that with this group of women, everything is going to be alright.
CHAPTER 18
JACKSON
“Sailor, baby doll, open the door, please.” It took me a full twenty-four hours to realize what a piece of shit I was, not to mention by the time I came back, Mom was waiting on me, her hands on her hips, foot tapping in annoyance. She gave me the talk, and I do mean the talk, that one you used to get when you were a teenager and missed curfew; not only were you grounded, but you also got lectured for what seems like hours. Yep, here I am, in my twenties, and received the exact same thing, not that I could blame her. I deserved it and more. She’s highly disappointed in me, but fuck if I’m not disappointed in myself as well.
“Go away, Jackson.” The prospect manning her apartment door left the minute I walked up, already knowing I’d be the one to stay all night instead of him.
“Not likely. You don’t wanna talk, that’s fine. Just know I’m not goin’ anywhere. I’ll be the one outside the door.” It’s her first night back in her apartment, and I know that’s gotta be hard on her.
“It’s your lack of sleep.” My ass goes to the ground, and l take out the picture of the ultrasound she left for Mom and Dad to give to me. Even though I acted like the biggest jackass on the planet, she thought about me.
“Yeah, I think I deserve the lack of sleep, Sailor.” My thumb glides over the picture. Sailor’s first and last name are in the top right-hand corner, as well as how many weeks along she is. There’s a sinking feeling in my gut knowing that I could lose it all if I don’t work to get my woman back.
“I think you do, too. How could you abandon me at a time I needed you? I mean, it’s understandable that you were practically bum rushed in that hospital room, but to walk away? You destroyed me, Jackson.” I can hear the anguish in her voice through the door, as if she’s standing on the other side not ripping my heart out. Fuck, but I deserve that and so much more. What I wouldn’t give to use the key she gave me, unlock the door, and hold her in my arms, let her cry it all out, kissing the pain away.