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“Because I’ll have two phenomenal fathers to help me.” Turning, she tilted her face toward him. “I just know it.”
She kissed him, and Hammer wished like hell he shared her confidence.
“Let’s grab lunch. We need to put some meat on your bones, love.” Liam cupped her cheek and turned her toward him, kissing her, as well.
“Yes, we have to fatten you up.”
“Not too much. I’m not looking forward to waddling.”
“But there will be more of you to love, precious,” Hammer murmured.
Forcing himself to stay in the moment, he found that plateau of peace again. But he wasn’t fooling himself. It would be all too easy to slide into despair if he didn’t stay on his toes.
After lunch at Raine’s favorite pizza joint—again—they arrived back at the house. Bryn grabbed Raine and insisted they shop for goodies for the nursery. Duncan, bless him, agreed to drive the women and haul their shopping bags. With a wink at his son and a pat on his wife’s butt, the three walked out the door.
“What do you say we grab a couple beers and sit by the pool?” Liam suggested.
“Sure.”
The breeze was a little cool, but the sun was warm, the blue sky brilliant. It was a perfect afternoon to relax outdoors.
“How are you holding up?” Liam asked.
“So far, so good.” He nodded before taking a long pull of the bottle.
“Stop lying to me,” Liam chided. “You weren’t doing so good at the doctor’s office today.”
“No. But I pulled my head out of my ass.”
“Have you? Or are you telling me what you think I want to hear?”
Hammer shot him a sideways glance. “Why would I do that?”
A mirthless chuckle rolled off his friend’s tongue. “To save me from worrying about you. You’re too late, by the way. That ship sailed. I know you’re worried and depressed. Talk to me, Macen.”
“Yeah, I suppose those are bubbling in the shit pot of my emotions.”
“At least you’re confessing you have emotions now. That’s growth. Finally.” Liam took a swig of his dark stout. “You’re keeping something from us. What is it?”
“Christ, a few days with your mom and suddenly you turn into some fucking mind reader?”
“It’s your aura. And yours isn’t simply dull. It’s lost its luster altogether. It’s gone dark.”
“I’ll give it a new paint job and put some wax on it.”
“Don’t start that fucking dodge, duck, dip, dive, dodge crap with me,” Liam roared. “I’m up to my eyeballs in this shite, too. So is Raine. Neither of us wants to lose you. Stop being an asshole and level with me.”
Duly chastised, Hammer sighed and nodded.
“All right. All right. Knock it off.”
Hammer sent him a scowl. “Knock what off? I haven’t said a fucking word.”
“It’s my Mum. She’s harping on me to be more understanding.”
Hammer shook his head. “Christ, that’s got to be annoying as hell. Does she peek in on us when we’re…you know, with Raine?”
Liam laughed. “Bloody hell, no. Not unless it’s an emergency like that day they arrived.”
“I was damn thankful for your burning ear then.” Hammer raised his bottle in a toast.
Liam joined him before they both swallowed down more brew.
Reaching into his pocket, Hammer pulled out his phone. “I got a call from Sterling while we were at the doctor’s office. I haven’t listened to it yet.”
“Why not?”
“Frankly, I don’t want to hear any more bad news.”
Liam exhaled heavily, then leaned over and gripped Macen’s shoulder. “I’m not trying to put more on your plate. I’m trying to share the load, if you’ll let me.”
“I know. This whole fucking mess is piling up on your shoulders. I hate that you might have to—”
“I’ll gladly carry the load, brother. You know I’ve always got your back. I’ll do everything in my power to care for Raine and our baby if it comes to that.” Liam nodded at the cell phone. “Play the message.”
With a trembling finger, Hammer pushed the button, then cradled the phone in a tight grip.
“Macen. Sterling here. Things are looking…bleak. I’m waiting on more information from Wellington, but there’s something else I need to tell you. The state will file rape charges against you if the feds don’t convict you. I just saw the November fourth video of you and Raine at the club. Jesus christ, Macen. After that, there’s no way in hell I can keep her off the stand. Without Raine’s testimony, you’ll be crucified. I know you want to protect her, but that’s not possible anymore. The jury will see that footage and dissect it frame by frame. We’ll be lucky if it’s not leaked to the tabloids.” He paused. “Call me as soon as you can. We’ll discuss this in depth. I’m sorry I don’t have better news.”
Hammer stared at the phone, dazed and numb.
“Bloody hell,” Liam barked. “You told Barnes not to let Raine testify? Damn, man, an army couldn’t keep her from the witness stand. You just try and stop her. She’d march right up to the judge, stomp her dainty foot, and demand to tell her side of the story.”
