Page 11 of Echo’s Secret

"Like I'd kill anyone who tried to hurt him," I finally say.

Brick grins. "That's the right answer."

Saint moves closer, medical bag still on his shoulder. "What's the specific diagnosis? I want to know what we're dealing with medically."

"Congenital heart defect. She said it's serious, but I don't know the exact type. You should ask her."

"I will." Saint is already in doctor mode. "After the surgery, he's going to need monitoring. I can handle most of that here if she's comfortable with it. Save her some trips to the hospital."

"She'll appreciate that," I say.

Phoenix is watching me with that look he gets when he's trying to figure out if I'm okay. We've known each other for three years. He knows I don't talk about feelings. Knows I process everything internally. Knows I'm probably freaking out right now even though my expression hasn't changed.

"You good?" he asks.

"Ask me in a week," I say.

He nods. "Fair enough. But for what it's worth, you're going to be fine. Being a dad isn't about being prepared. It's about showing up. And you've never failed to show up for anything that matters."

Something loosens slightly in my chest. "Thanks."

"Besides," Canvas adds, limping over to join the group. "You've got all of us. Wraith's already been through the baby phase. Judge is basically raising Grace. We know what we're doing."

"Speak for yourself," Diesel mutters. "I don't know shit about babies."

"Then don't hold him," Brick says flatly.

Wraith comes over with Quinn beside him. "The kid has your eyes. That's going to be weird for a while."

"Tell me about it."

"Also," Quinn adds, "Hannah looks terrified. Of this place, of us, probably of what asking for help means. I recognize that look. I had it when I showed up here."

"What helped?" I ask.

"Dean and my brother being steady. Not pushing. Letting me take things at my own pace." She glances at Wraith. "And the other women. They made me feel less alone."

"They're already doing that," I observe. Across the room, Ivy, Eden, and Rosie are deep in conversation, presumably about baby supplies and room arrangements.

Judge comes back downstairs alone. "Hannah's getting Theo down for a nap. Nora's helping. The room's at the end of the hall, north side. Quietest spot in the building."

"Good," Phoenix says. "Let's get it properly set up today. Whatever she needs."

"I'll make a list," Ivy says, looking up from her phone. "Canvas, Eden, you're on shopping duty. Get everything on this list. Don't skip anything."

Canvas mock-salutes. "Yes ma'am."

Eden rolls her eyes but she's smiling. They head for the door, Canvas grabbing keys despite still limping.

The door closes behind them and I'm left standing in the clubhouse surrounded by my brothers and their old ladies, trying to process the fact that my entire life just changed in the span of two hours.

We attacked the Vipers. Burned their clubhouse. Ended a war.

And I became a father.

Wraith claps me on the shoulder. "Welcome to the club within the club. Being a dad is the hardest thing you'll ever do. But you've got this."

I look at him, this man who thrives on violence, but who fell for Quinn so hard he rebuilt himself into someone capable of loving someone else other than his kid. If he can do it, maybe I can too.