Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 60268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 201(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 201(@300wpm)
“Come on, I’ll take you home.”
He helped her down the steps of the clubhouse until they got to the main room. Rose stopped as she took in the sight of the club. The members were all gathered together as a family. Tate had finally given birth to a baby girl in the last couple of days. Rose had visited her at the hospital to drop off flowers.
Murphy, Simon, and Tate were standing together, with the little bundle wrapped in her arms.
“I’m sorry, I completely forgot that she was coming home today,” Hardy said.
“It’s fine. It’s not like I’ve been a huge part of the club for some time.”
She looked around the room and knew deep in her heart that this was what she’d missed. The Skulls wasn’t just a regular MC; they were a family. They cared for each other, loved one another.
Even Sunshine and Alex were here, embracing Tate.
Taking a deep breath, Rose rubbed at her chest. It hurt seeing them all happy and knowing she’d been her own worst enemy. This was her family.
“How’s it feeling, Grandpa?” Hardy asked.
She turned to see Tiny and Eva had joined them.
“Hardy, I will beat the ever loving shit out of you,” Tiny said. He turned to her. “Are you here because you want to be here?”
“Yes, I’m here because I want to be.”
“We’re pregnant,” Hardy said, gripping her shoulder.
“Congratulations,” Eva said, rushing toward her, and hugging her.
“We’ll be pregnant together,” Rose said, holding Eva close to her.
She had wanted a baby for the longest time, and now she was finally getting her wish. The only problem she faced was the fear that was constantly scaring her. What if she was a bad mother? What if her baby hated her? Could she handle being a mom?
They were all questions she’d not even considered years ago.
“I’ll have to take time and listen to you,” she said.
“I’ll talk you through it. We have to stick together.”
Rose chuckled, and for a split second, she really thought they could work.
****
“I won’t stick around,” Hardy said, closing the door behind him. He was no longer living in his home, but maybe when Rose started to trust him again, she’d give him the opportunity to live with her.
He’d fucked up once, and he wasn’t going to fuck up again.
“Fighter is going to be staying with you.” He followed her through to the living room. She’d been redecorating the whole of the house. Whenever he looked at the house he was aware that she’d tried to wipe all memory of him out of the house. Either that or she’d finally gotten the decorating bug. When it came to Rose he really didn’t know anymore.
“He doesn’t need to come and stay with me. Lots of women live by themselves while dealing with having a child.” She took a seat, kicking her shoes off.
He couldn’t help but admire the length of her body. Rose had filled out a little since they’d been separated. Her body was softer, fuller, and far more desirable than he ever imagined.
“I’m going to make you some hot chocolate.” He didn’t wait for her to dispute him, walking into the kitchen.
Reaching for the cupboard, he was surprised to see his hands shaking.
You’re going to be a father.
This is your chance.
For the past year he’d been trying to find any excuse to keep Rose by him. He’d cheated on her over ten years ago, and yet she was still keeping him at arms’ length. They would get past this. He wasn’t going to hold the pregnancy over her. It wasn’t in the same league as cheating, but he’d not lied to her. There hadn’t been another woman for him.
Fisting his hand, he closed his eyes, and tried to calm down his racing emotions. Tears filled his eyes, and his throat felt clogged as if he couldn’t breathe.
Moving to the door, he opened it up, and stared out at the yard. It was overgrown and needed a good mow.
Taking several deep breaths of fresh air, he finally calmed down enough to make her a drink.
“Are you okay?” Rose asked.
He turned to find her leaning against the doorway to the kitchen.
“I’m fine.”
“What is it?” She stepped into the room, moving toward him, and touching his head. He took hold of her wrist, and kissed the inside over her pulse.
“It’s nothing.”
“You’re worried?”
“Yes, I’m worried. I’ve always wanted us to have a baby. I always thought we’d have a kid when we were at a better place than we are now. We’re not at the right place right now. This is just surreal to me. I’m scared, Rose,” he said, going for honesty.
“What are you scared of?”
“Losing you. Losing our baby, losing this opportunity.” He pressed his hand against her stomach. There was no sign of her being pregnant, and he couldn’t wait to touch her when she was swollen with his kid. The truth was, he was terrified of losing Rose for good. Once she had their baby, where did he come into it? He needed to work his way back into her heart if he was ever going to have any chance of being in her life once again.