My patient sniffled. With free services and no insurance requirements, more cases like this came in than I’d liked. But I was grateful to be able to offer care for domestic violence survivors and guaranteed referrals to get them out of their situations.
“What about my stuff? My work laptop is there. Family photos. My dog.”
I brushed my hand over her arm to reassure her. “I have connections with Mavericks Security, and I can have six burly bikers there to keep you safe while you pack, if you want.”
She nodded. “Can the center really help me? If I tell him I’m leaving, I won’t be safe there. If I end up going back, he’ll hurt me worse.”
“This year, we’ve placed over thirty women. We’ll help you find a place to live, here or in another city. We’ll put security on you if we think you’re in danger. All for free.”
“OK,” she said, strength echoing in her tone.
“I’ll take you across the building to Kenna. She’ll meet with you to get info and make a plan. And I’ll connect you with one of our peer mentors, Elena. She’s been through this, too. You’re not alone.”
My phone pinged, and I glanced at my watch. Shit. Now I’d be late.
“Mom of the Year,” I grumbled to myself as I spun the fine diamond band that now sat below my gleaming ruby engagement ring. Between finishing my residency and running the clinic at the women’s center, I barely had time to think during the workday, and my evenings were filled with bedtime stories and bath time.
“Shouldn’t you be gone by now?” my mom asked from the front desk.
Her shiny badge said “Maren Morris, Executive Assistant.” But she was so much more than that to the center. She’d moved back to Texas shortly after Hatchet and I were approved to foster, ready to play grandma not just to our kids, but to the entire Mavericks crew. She was always on call to babysit when Reaper and Eva planned a date night, or when Hatchet and I wanted a dinner that didn’t consist of dino nuggets and tater tots.
“I’m leaving now,” I said, skimming the schedule for the next day. “See you tonight? Kenna’s cooking chicken parmesan.”
She shooed me away. “I’ll be there. Now get on the road before Jessa calls to ask where you’re at. That girl won’t wait for you.”
I scoffed. “You’re telling me.”
I sped home and smiled, thinking about how my life had changed so drastically since me and Hatchet had tied the knot.
I burst through the front door.
“There she is,” Hatchet said with a grin.
I didn’t know how I’d do it without him. Hatchet had become a full-time stay-at-home dad and part-time gym owner—much to the annoyance of my brother, who claimed I’d stolen his best friend.
Kolter screeched and toddled toward me, a toy truck in his grubby little hand.
“Sorry, I got caught up at work. Where are the girls?”
“Jessa’s finishing packing. Charlotte and Isabella are outside.”
Barking erupted in the yard, and Hatchet and I exchanged a look.We moved to the window to see Chaos, Charlotte, and Isabella playing with a black puppy.
My eyes widened, and I glared at Hatchet. “You got them a puppy?”
“I don’t know where that dog came from.”
We moved outside.
“Mom, can we keep him?” Charlotte begged.
Hatchet and I exchanged a glance.
“Honey, a puppy is a lot of work. He probably has a home of his own,” I said, kneeling to let the pup lick my fingers. “Where did you come from, little guy?”
No collar. No tags.
I glanced at Hatchet, and he crossed his arms, like he knew exactly how this would end already.
