“Nope, not putting you down. But you can follow us to our suite, Tina.” Ours was at the opposite end of Storm and Maddy’s. Tina and Raul didn’t live on the compound. They had a house in town. During lockdowns, they brought the kids to the club. For the next one, they’d stay in one of the single units.
“I like your take-charge attitude,” Emilee whispered in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
I punched in the passcode, the green light flashed, and Tina opened the door for us. The lights came on, thanks to Tina. I stopped in the middle of the room so Emilee could see how great everything was.
These suites weren’t fancy, only providing the basics for a family. They were bright and cozy, not at all dark and rustic like the inside of the clubhouse. Our suite had two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a living area. We had a sofa, a chair, and a small dining table near the kitchenette.
It was the nicest place I’d ever lived in. We could even add our own personal touch to make it more our own. Emilee would be all about that.
“Wow. This is amazing. Put me down so I can look around.”
I set her on the couch. “No walking.”
Emilee rolled her eyes all cute and sassy. She seemed less sad now, probably because I wasn’t an oblivious jerk anymore.
“What are you feeding this lug?” Storm’s voice filled the room as he entered. “High octane breast milk? He must weigh twice as much as Birdie.”
Dante did look bigger than Birdie. I wanted to hold him but was hesitant to reach for him around other people. I didn’t need an audience when I met my son for the first time.
“Well, he’s a month older than her and he eats frequently. At his last well-baby checkup, he was in the ninety-eighth percentile for length and weight,” Emilee said with pride in her voice. My chest swelled.
“Can I hold him?” Tina asked.
I looked to Emilee when she didn’t reply. “Em? Can Tina hold the baby?”
She blinked several times. “Of course, sorry. I’m not used to anyone but me holding him.”
That was strange. I’d have to ask her about it later.
“I need to go anyway.” Storm kissed Dante’s head and passed him to Tina. Seeing Prez this way with my son meant a lot. “Let me know if you need anything.” He patted my back as I saw him to the door. “They’re your focus right now,” he muttered.
“I know. Thanks.” I closed the door.
“He’s so handsome.” Tina snuggled Dante. Her eyes shimmered as she smiled. “And out like a light.”
Emilee watched like a hawk. I could feel her unease, and it concerned me. Perhaps she was at her limit after the hell she’d been through. I needed to take charge.
“I appreciate you waiting for us, Tina. I need to get my family settled in. Maybe you can drop by tomorrow.” I flicked my gaze to Emilee, who looked anxious.
Understanding crossed Tina’s face. “I absolutely can.” She kissed the baby. “Do you—”
“Give him to Emilee, please.”
Tina nodded. “He’s perfect, honey.” She placed my son in his mother’s arms.
Emilee’s relief was instant. “Thank you. I’m sorry about being weird. I just… Well, we aren’t—”
Tina touched her arm. “Honey, it’s okay. You’ve been through a lot. Give yourself time to adjust. There’s no pressure.” She kissed the top of Emilee’s head. “Dodge, you let me know when to visit. I don’t want to impose.”
“I will. Thank you.” I locked the door after Tina left and turned around. Finally, I was alone with my woman and son.
For a long beat, I just watched Emilee. How she touched Dante… gazed at him. Unconditional love poured out of her in buckets—the way she used to look at me. It was different though. A mother’s love should be as powerful as Emilee displayed. Every child should experience the fierce devotion Dante’s momma exhibited today.
My little man was damn lucky to have her, and so was I.
I joined them on the couch.
Her eyes lifted toward mine, unshed tears in them. My heartbeat halted. I put my arm around her and pulled her into me, pressing my lips to her temple.