“We’re almost there. I have two other patients to check on, and then I’ll be back.”
“I would feel better if you stayed here,” Shade stated.
“I can’t. Other patients—”
“He can’t. He’s busy…”
Shade ignored Lily’s protest, his expression impassive as he stared down the doctor. “Those are my brothers out in the waiting room.”
The doctor’s eyes widened at Shade’s silent threat. “I’ll call another doctor in and go over my patients with him. I’ll be right back.”
Shade nodded.
“Shade! You can’t threaten a doctor, or they’ll throw us out of the hospital. They’ll call the police…” When Lily’s head fell back to the pillow and she began panting, Shade counted her through her contraction.
“Okay?” Shade said when it was over. “I’m going outside to talk to Viper for a second, but I’ll be right back. We have a couple of minutes before your next contraction.” Shade started to release her hand.
“Don’t leave me.” Lily gripped his hand tighter, refusing to release him.
“Lily, I’m right here. Let Shade tell the others how you’re doing. They’re worried.”
She stubbornly kept his hand, pulling it tighter and pressing it against her chest. “I don’t want him to leave.”
Shade could feel her pounding heart under his hand.
He bent over the bed, catching her mouth with his. “I will be right back. I’ll stay by the door. Nothing is going to happen to me. I promise.” He stared deeply into her eyes. “Angel, no one is better than me.”
Her hand reluctantly released his.
Shade looked back at the monitor. “I’ll be back in one minute.”
As soon as she nodded, watching him leave with frightened eyes, Shade stepped out of the door to where Viper and Lucky were both waiting.
“I don’t have much time. I want brothers in the hospital at all the entrances and exits, outside her door—” Shade began.
“Already taken care of. We called Knox. He went to the church and found out Brooke and her baby are in Georgia. Pastor Merrick told Knox she’s been there for two days, that she couldn’t have threatened Lily.”
“How convenient,” Shade said snidely.
“That’s not all. Knox went to the obstetrician’s office, and the security camera’s footage for the whole building was off for the four hours Lily was there.”
“Son of a fucking bitch!” Without that footage, they had no proof Brooke was in Treepoint.
“Parking lot?”
“That, too,” Viper confirmed.
“Who has Brooke found capable of doing all this shit?” Lucky asked with a worried frown. “As soon as Lily is able, take her to the clubhouse in Ohio and stay with her there until we can take care of Brooke. Cash wants her. He’s on his way to Georgia now, so let him deal with her,” Lucky advised.
“Tell Cash to just watch her. I’ll take care of Brooke,” Shade said grimly.
“You heard what Lily said. If you make a move—”
“I won’t make a move unless all my bases are covered.”
“How did she find out the information she gave Lily?” Viper questioned. “There’s a leak somewhere.”
“I’ll deal with that,” Lucky said.
Shade nodded. Lucky could find out who the traitor was and deal with them. Brooke was the one he wanted.
“I need to get back inside.”
Viper stopped him. “Take care of your woman, and let us handle the rest.” They gripped hands.
“Is she doing all right?” Lucky’s concerned gaze stared into his.
Shade opened the door, holding it open. “Would you like to see her for a minute? I know she would want to see you.”
Lucky was inside the room in a second.
“That was nice of you.” Viper held his hand up. “I know, you’re not a nice person,” he countered as he laughed.
“I’m not,” Shade snapped. “But I will always give Lily what she needs.”
Both men stood in the doorway, watching as Lucky, Beth, and Lily prayed. Most things, he would be able to give Lily himself, but this was not one. Deep down, he knew it was the reason for his jealousy of Lucky. He filled a part of Lily’s heart Shade couldn’t. For that, she had Lucky and always would. Whether Lucky was a pastor or not, he would give Lily the spiritual reassurance she needed. Hell, Lucky had almost made a believer out of him.
Lily stiffened on the bed, beginning to pant again.
“Go get that fucking doctor. Tell him time’s up.” Shade rushed back to Lily’s side, taking her hand as they began counting again.
When it was over, he looked at Lucky, who was videoing it on his phone.
“What are you doing?” Shade growled.
“Videoing this for Lily. I’ll show it to her when she’s thinking of having another baby.”
“I’m going to shove that phone up your ass.”
“Shade!” Lily screamed.
Lucky beat a hasty retreat.
Shade stared at his wife without remorse. “He deserved it.”
Lily groaned again, and Shade looked at her worriedly then the monitor. He was going to kill that fucking doctor as soon as the baby was born.
“I want you to promise me something,” Lily moaned.
“What?” Shade held her hand tighter.
“I want you to promise me you won’t kill Brooke.”
Shade shook his head. “I won’t make you a promise I can’t keep.”
“Please, Shade, please. If she dies, then you’ll be blamed, and my baby isn’t going to be raised without a father the way I was. Please, Shade, promise me…” she cried, holding her stomach and crying out in pain.
“Okay,” he snapped. “I promise I won’t lay a hand on her.” When she frowned up at him, he continued, “Nor will I shoot her.”
“Or The Last Riders.”
Shade remained quiet until she began whimpering. He gave in only when a tear slid down her cheek. “All right.”
“Thank you.” Lily lay back on the bed, relaxing.
His eyes narrowed on her face before going back to the monitor.
“Did you just manipulate me into getting your way?”
She grinned up at him unremorsefully. “I learned from a Master.”
Chapter 91
“Isn’t he beautiful?” Lily breathed, stroking his son’s cheek with a gentle finger.
“Yes,” Shade said, staring down at her.
“You did great, Lily,” Beth complimented as she reached out to hold her nephew.
Lily was about to hand him over when the door opened. Fat Louise stood at the door with Cade by her side.
“Can we come in?” she asked hesitantly.
“Yes,” Shade answered, stepping back from the bed to lean against the wall as the couple entered.
Fat Louise went to Lily’s side and looked down at his son. “He’s gorgeous. He looks just like Shade.”
“Would you like to hold your godchild?” Lily offered.
“May I?”
Both Lily and Beth were smiling with affection at Fat Louise as Lily lifted their child to the woman. She tenderly took him, cradling the baby to her chest. As emotionless as Shade was, even he felt a twinge when the woman stared at the baby.
Cade’s face was filled with concern for his woman yet gradually relaxed as Fat Louise told Lily everything she had bought for her godchild.
“It’s in the car. I figured it’s too much to fit in the room with all the visitors I’m sure you’re having.”
“Cade and I can go put it in the truck,” Shade offered, already heading toward the door.
“Hi, Shade. Congratulations,” Rachel greeted him on her way in as they were leaving.
“Rachel.” Shade nodded. “Go on in. I’ll be back in a few,” he said, sending Lily a reassuring glance before going out the door.
Once outside, he stared in dismay at the loaded backseat and trunk.
“Do
n’t blame me.” Cade raised his hands in the air. “Some of this is from the rest of the crew who are coming over later. I’m just the delivery man.”
“At least I didn’t have to sit through a baby shower,” Shade grunted, lifting one heavy box.