Balto had offered, and I never would have asked. But I didn’t tell her that. “I promise.”
“Then take me home.”
I got to my feet and helped her off the bed and to the floor.
“Could you do something else for me?”
I tucked her arm through mine so I could support her as I walked her out of the hospital. “Anything.”
“Maybe some ice cream? Balto never has sweets in the house—”
“I’ll get you anything you want.” I smiled at her. “Let’s get you home, and I’ll grab the medication and everything else.”
“Okay, thank you.”
I got her into the house before I returned to my truck and drove to the pharmacy. I was about to open the door when Balto called.
I answered right away. “I just dropped her off at home. I’m grabbing her medication at the pharmacy.”
He must have been alone because he was candid. “What did the doctor say?”
“Something about early contractions—but they are normal. I guess all women have them, but most don’t feel them. I’m grabbing the medication the doctor prescribed to make her more comfortable until they pass. She also asked me to get her some ice cream.”
He didn’t chuckle at the last thing I said. “My son is fine?”
“Yes.”
“And my wife?”
“A little shaken up, but she’s okay.”
He sighed into the phone, showing all of his emotion in just that simple pause.
“I’ll return tomorrow. You’ve done enough.”
He was quiet for a long time. “I want to help you, Heath. But my wife and son come first—”
“You don’t need to explain yourself, Balto. I understand. I shouldn’t have let you take my place to begin with.”
“Are you sure you’re strong enough?”
It didn’t matter if I was in a wheelchair. “Yes. Finish up what you’re doing, and go home to your wife.”
He sighed again. “I should have been there…”
I closed my eyes. “I know…but you’ll be there for everything else.”
“Yeah.”
We sat in silence for a long time, like Balto just wanted the comfort of my presence.
“What kind of ice cream does she like—”
“Chocolate. But she’ll eat anything.”
I smiled slightly. “Alright. Let me get that to her. When you get home, she’ll be pain-free and fed—and really happy to see you.”
When I got home, it was sunrise.
Catalina sat in the living room, like she’d been waiting for me for the last few hours. The second I reached the top of the stairs, she jumped to her feet and came to me, wearing one of my shirts. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah. Cassini and the baby are fine. She was having pregnancy pain, but it was normal.”
“Oh, that’s a relief. And Balto?”
“He’ll be home any minute.”
She nodded. “Good thing you could take her to the hospital and everything.”
That wasn’t something to celebrate. “It should have been Balto. If it weren’t for me, it would have been him.” I sighed quietly. “I’m going back to work tomorrow.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I’m much better than I used to be. No one will know.”
“But…I’m still worried.”
“I can’t let Balto keep working.” I walked past her and headed to the bedroom. “I shouldn’t have allowed it in the first place. I’ll lie low for a while. In a few weeks, I’ll be as good as new anyway.” I walked into the bedroom and stripped off my clothes.
She stood there and watched me, her eyes scanning over my bruises. “Couldn’t you take a vacation or something?”
I chuckled. “No such thing as vacation time, baby.”
“Well, could you quit?”
When I was in my boxers, I moved to the bed. “Yes. But I don’t want to.” I sat on the edge.
She looked at me with her arms crossed over her chest. She’d never expressed any dislike for my career choice, but our relationship had always been a fling. Now that we talked about the future we wanted to have, she probably felt differently about it. But she didn’t say that now. “Why not?”
“I worked hard for the position. I’m not going to hand it over to someone else.”
“So, you enjoy it, then?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
She dropped her arms and moved to the other side of the bed.
With my back to her, I addressed the thoughts I assumed she had. “But if you ever asked me to leave…I would.”
Her body made the mattress dip, but then she went still, like those words affected her.
Balto made a hard decision when he picked domesticated life over the blood-pumping excitement of the Underground. But he knew he couldn’t have both, couldn’t keep his family safe if he continued to be the king. So, he made his decision—and didn’t regret it. I hadn’t thought that far down the line, but I knew I would do anything to keep this woman, so if it came down to it, I would do it…in a heartbeat.
Four
Catalina
Even though she’d just gotten engaged a week ago, Anna was eager to get a wedding dress.
I met her in the dining room at Damien’s house so we could have lunch before we left.
“What do you think about this?” She pushed an open magazine toward me.
I didn’t look at the picture. “I don’t think it matters what I think.” I pressed my fingers to the paper and pushed it back. “You don’t need my opinion.”
She pushed it back again. “But I need you to tell me how gorgeous I would look in it.”
I smiled then looked down at the gown she wanted me to see. “Wow, it’s beautiful. Very elegant. I think it’d look great on you.”
“Would you wear it?”
I pushed the magazine back before I drank my coffee. “I’m not the one getting married. You are.”
“I know, but I’m curious.”
“Personally?” I asked. “I’d probably go for something sluttier. That’s just how I am. Probably low cut in the front to highlight my cleavage, you know, barely appropriate for a church. Something really tight, like a mermaid dress.”
She smiled. “I can totally see it.”
My father came into the room and joined us. “What are you ladies up to?”
“Picking out a wedding dress,” I answered.
“Ooh, let me see.” He pulled the open magazine toward him. “Very nice.”
Anna smiled, finding my father adorable.
He was a bit adorable.
“We were just leaving to try a couple on,” I said. “We don’t have a wedding date, but we’ve got to get this dress, apparently.”
“Well, I don’t think Damien and I are going to do anything big,” Anna said. “Something small. Just you guys. Casual.”
“Do you think I could tag along?” My father was usually anxious for lunch every single day, and it was the first time food didn’t seem to be his priority. If he wanted to tag along, he’d have to skip the meal.