Page 70 of Fighting for Family

“I’m leaving now,” Knight said, walking out with Patch. “I hope this baby comes soon. She’s getting crabbier by the minute.”

“It’ll pass,” he assured him. “It sucks she’s not able to rest, and she hasn’t eaten much since yesterday.”

“Dr. Greene let her have broth and gelatin. It didn’t stay down. We’re back to ice chips,” Knight explained.

Patch clapped him on the shoulder. “Keep strong. We’re becoming fathers today. Keep your eye on the prize.”

“Knight, if you’re in the hallway talking to Patch, I will get off this bed and go down to the kitchen myself,” Gabby called from the bed.

“I’m going,” he said, sending Patch a harassed expression before jogging down the hallway. Patch crossed the hall to Claire’s room and smiled at his wife. Man, did he like the sound of that.

“Gabby’s fine. She’s a bit grumpy. The contractions have kept her up all night, and she’s determined to have this baby naturally. Knight said she ate all the banana popsicles on the floor. I told him about Kassie’s secret stash. He’s running down to get her a box.”

“Dr. Greene checked me. I’m four centimeters,” she informed him. “I have a feeling it’ll be a while before we get to meet this baby.”

“It’ll come when it’s ready, Claire Bear,” he assured her. “Why don’t you rest while you can?”

“I’m trying, but I’m too excited,” she confessed. “I hope Gabby has the baby soon.”

“Knight’s wishing the same thing,” Patch chuckled.

Someone knocked on the door, and Patch answered it. Victoria smirked when she saw him. “I came to check on Claire.”

Patch let her in, and she walked toward the bed, kissing Claire’s cheeks. “Kassie and Catherine send their love. They’re meeting with the funeral director today, and Catherine’s taking it hard.”

“Oh, please hug them for me. I can’t even imagine,” she said sadly.

“They will get through this,” Victoria vowed. “I’m leaving in the morning and came to give you a wedding present. I heard you lost your senses and married this barbarian.”

“Victoria, you know damn well I didn’t mean anything about women in the field. I only meant Sparky presented the weakest link in the chain,” Patch explained.

“I believe you thought I left the search for Leo to,” Victoria stopped speaking to make air quotes with her fingers. “Stock up on Irish coffee and bring Kassie her favorite sausages.” Her eyes narrowed, and her voice conveyed her hurt. “Maybe Sparky felt she needed to finish something. She has a good head on her shoulders, and I remember you acting obstinate on occasion.”

“I’ll admit I have done some stupid things. We don’t have time for mistakes. Sparky’s choice might put her life or someone else’s on the line. I didn’t say her skills weren’t needed,” he argued. “Sometimes we must let the better man have the last word.”

Victoria’s eyes widened as she ran her tongue across her lip as if already planning Patch’s demise.

Claire groaned. “And to think I wanted another child,” she said, rubbing her stomach. “It’s all Daddy’s fault.”

Patch put his hands up in surrender. “I meant man or woman. She didn’t listen to her boss.”

“Claire, darling, congratulations on the new baby. When you get settled, I’m giving you use of my private plane and a nanny. You can go wherever you wish for your honeymoon. In your case, I’d highly suggest taking it with the baby and leaving Patch at home.”

“Thank you, Victoria, for bringing him home,” Claire said, patting the woman’s hand.

Her chin went up as she gave Patch the stink eye as she left the room.

“Sometimes, Patch, you really stick your foot in your mouth,” Claire said, shaking her head.

“She’s taking it the wrong way. When Knight got shot, we sent him home,” he argued. “He became the weakest link.”

“Sparky came home, too. Plus, you insulted Victoria by saying she left the search for Irish coffee. Putting the two together doesn’t help your defense. You owe her an apology. She’s right. You haven’t always done what you’re told. Maybe Sparky felt the same way.”

“If I got caught in enemy territory, they might torture me. If Sparky gets caught, they’ll torture her, and most likely rape her. How do you think the team would feel about that?” he asked sincerely.

“Sparky took this job knowing the risks. Leo believed in her enough to take her with you. She knows what they might do. Exactly how you know. It sounds a little sexist. No one wants to think it’ll happen, but Sparky doesn’t act impulsively. Something told her to go back. You need to give her the benefit of the doubt,” Claire said softly.

“I see what you’re saying. It doesn’t mean I like it. I’ll apologize to Sparky and Victoria,” he said. “What a great wedding present. Where do you want to go?”