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A light tap on the door interrupted Raine’s rant. Instantly, she snapped her mouth shut and sent Liam a pleading stare. He thrust the stirrups back in place just before the real doctor entered.
Raine’s face was still stained a bright crimson.
Hammer gave her a few extra moments to recover and stepped forward. “Good to see you again, Dr. Parker. It’s been a few years.”
“And you, as well, Macen.” The fifty-something woman glanced at Liam. “I’m Dr. Abigail Parker.”
“Liam O’Neill,” he replied as he extended his hand.
After exchanging pleasantries, the doctor focused on her patient. Parker was concerned about Raine’s weight loss, as were he and Liam. But Raine assured the doctor she would put on more weight before the next visit.
The two women discussed everything related to pregnancy, or so it seemed to Hammer. Even Liam appeared eager to get on with the show. Or maybe he simply wanted the doctor to leave so he could tease Raine with the stirrups some more.
Finally, Dr. Parker set down her pen and clipboard. “Who’s ready to hear a heartbeat?”
“I am. Are you two daddies prepared for all this?” Raine asked pensively.
“Without a doubt, love.” Liam beamed. “Couldn’t be more thrilled.”
“Hell yes,” Hammer agreed.
Raine lay back on the table and lifted her shirt. She tugged the waist of her yoga pants down to her hips and took a deep breath. Dr. Parker spread some gel-like lube over Raine’s stomach. The room turned quiet, sharp with expectation, as the doctor pressed a small, handheld device to Raine’s little bump. Instantly, a loud, crackling static filled the air.
Then suddenly, a soft, rapid whoosh, whoosh, whoosh filled the room. The smile on Raine’s face could have lit up all of Los Angeles. Happy tears leaked from her eyes. Liam stood staring with a look of delight and awe etched on his face. Hammer’s heart lurched to his throat. That sound was the beating heart of the baby they’d created together, pumping, growing, living.
All the fears and anguish he’d shoved down came roaring to the surface in a billowing pall of panic.
“Oh, my god. That’s amazing.” Raine sniffed. “That’s our baby.”
“It is, love.” Liam grabbed her hand and squeezed. “It’s the most remarkable sound I’ve ever heard. Oh, Raine. Our wee bairn sounds so strong.”
Liam was right. And Hammer couldn’t stop wondering what the hell he’d do if he missed all the other milestones of this child’s life. Fuck, he had to block out his worries, not let them weigh down this miraculous moment.
Soon, he might have thirty years to waste on regret.
He rushed to Raine’s side and gave her a slow, loving kiss.
When he lifted from her, Raine turned a worried gaze to him. “Macen?”
He wiped at his eyes as if overwhelmed. And he was. Joy brawled with grief, punching him black and blue. Hearing the heartbeat—like seeing the tiny bump of Raine’s belly—blindsided him on a whole new level.
How could he stand not to be with them to welcome this life, to watch and share in their child’s growth? How would he survive knowing that life would—and had—gone on without him?
Not here, fucker. Keep your shit wired. You can’t fall into that hole now.
“It’s more than amazing, precious,” he finally choked out. “It’s a miracle.”
As Liam stepped away, Hammer swooped in and wrapped her in his arms. Struggling against the urge to put his fist through the wall, he gently cupped Raine’s cheeks and kissed her.
“You’re happy, aren’t you?”
He was happy for her and Liam, not thrilled with the pile of rubble he was crumbling into. But he’d be damned if he dumped an ounce of this on her.
Slipping on a mask of calm, he sent her a wide smile. “I’m beyond happy. This baby will never question how much he or she is loved.”
Raine and Liam would see to that.
“Never.” She beamed.
Hammer stepped back and turned before dragging in a deep breath. While Parker talked to Raine, he worked to neutralize the bitter acid thrumming through his veins. But all he could focus on was finding the prick who’d set him up and every unholy way he’d take vengeance on that motherfucker’s soul if he got the chance.
“See you next time, Macen.” Dr. Parker smiled as she left the room.
Probably not. “Thanks,” Hammer replied just before the door closed behind her.
“Let’s get you cleaned up, shall we?” With a handful of tissues, Liam wiped the gel from Raine’s stomach, tugged up her pants, then pulled her into his arms. “I can’t believe that sound came from our baby.”
“I know,” Raine squealed. “It was…amazing.”
Seize the moment. It might be your last.
Clenching his jaw, Hammer strode across the room and pressed himself against Raine’s back. He wrapped his arms around the two, then closed his eyes and breathed her in. Bending, he peppered kisses beneath her ear. “Hearing that heartbeat was beyond amazing. You’re going to be a phenomenal mother.”
