Chapter 27
Chapter twenty-seven
Abigail
Pregnant.
I’m… pregnant.
The word doesn’t feel real.
Even now. Even after the doctor said it. Even after the ultrasound tech dimmed the lights and turned the monitor toward us. Even after I saw it with my own eyes.
Pregnant.
I stare out the tinted window of the limousine as the dark Montana highway rolls past, one hand resting protectively over my stomach.
Ten weeks.
Ten weeks since Christmas Eve.
When they did the ultrasound to confirm viability and to make sure everything looked viable and normal, I’d expected a blob.
A shadow.
Something abstract.
And instead… There it was.
Tiny. But real.
So, so real.
The tech had pointed gently at the screen. “That’s the baby. Measuring right on track."
I’d barely heard her after that. Because my chest had filled so fast and so tight, I thought I might float right off the table.
My baby.
Our baby.
When the tech pointed to the screen where our baby wiggled around, Lincoln had gone utterly still. I could tell he was trying not to feel too much at once. And still, he had wrapped his hand around mine and squeezed, hard, like he needed me to be his anchor as much as I’d needed them.
Lawson had stepped closer to the monitor without even realizing it. His protective instincts practically radiated off him in waves. His jaw had tightened—but his eyes… his eyes had softened in a way I’ve never seen before. Not even when he looks at me.
Beau had blinked rapidly and cleared his throat three separate times, like that would stop the tears that were streaming down his face.
And Jasper… he looked wrecked. In awe. Terrified. Overwhelmed. And so damn proud it stole my breath straight from my chest. His fingers had brushed my hair back from my forehead as he stared at the screen, like he couldn’t believe something so small was already ours.
I fell in love with them all over again in that darkened room.
And then again, when the doctor asked how I would like to proceed.
Because, despite the guys’ reactions, not one of them answered for me or made me feel pressured.
They’d simply looked at me with all the love in their hearts and told me the choice was mine and mine alone, and they’d support me with whatever I chose.
I didn’t know it, but it was what I think I needed in that moment.
And they knew it without me even having to ask for it.
So with all the confidence in the world, and the love of four of the most amazing men I could have ever asked for, I looked at the doctor and told him that I wanted to keep it.
The nurse later went over concussion protocol for the third time. Signs of worsening headache. Repeated vomiting. Blurred vision. Disorientation. “And if she becomes increasingly lethargic or difficult to rouse, bring her back immediately.”
Despite the seriousness of the conversation, Beau snorted at the words, “difficult to rouse.”
Lawson promptly backhanded him. “She said rouse. Not arouse you idiot.”
They scheduled my next OB appointment before we left—a twelve-week visit to go over genetic screening options and to receive another ultrasound if we wanted.
But maybe the moment that will stick with me for forever happened right before we left.
The nurse—younger, with kind eyes and a messy bun that was sheer perfection—had been reviewing discharge paperwork and paused.
“So,” she’d said lightly, glancing between the four men standing around my bed, “which one of you is Dad? I need to note it for the chart.”
I’d thought about lying.
Just picking one.
Making it simple.
But that felt wrong.
So, I’d lifted my chin and said it clearly. “All of them.”
The words had come out steady and confident. True. The nurse blinked once, then looked at the four of them before turning back at me and smiling. “Well,” she’d said, scribbling something down on the chart, “you go girl. One thing’s for sure… that baby’s gonna have some damn good genetics.”
I huffed a laugh. “They really are.”
The guys had looked so damn proud, I nearly cried. Again.
The limo turns down the long gravel driveway toward Willow Creek Ranch.
The guys suggested we spend the night in a hotel in Billings so I’d be close to the hospital if my symptoms worsened. But I knew I was fine. I just wanted to go home.
Because even if I’ve only been there a few months. Even if it’s technically theirs. It feels like mine now, too.
The ride back has been quiet, save for one of them checking in every few minutes.
“You dizzy?
“Head hurting?”
“You need water?”
“Feeling queasy?”
But otherwise… silence.
I know they’re all processing everything that’s happened—something that’s a little easier to do now that we’re out of the hospital.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping for another ride like the one we had on the way to Billings.
The limo rolls to a stop in front of the house, and before the driver can even open his door, all four of them are moving.
Jasper’s at my side instantly. “Easy, Red.”
Lawson rests his palm at the small of my back as we walk up the steps, while Beau quite literally holds my dress in the air behind me.
And when Lincoln opens the door, he grabs an excited Lucy by the collar before she has the chance to barrel me over. “Easy, Lucy girl.”
It’s ridiculous, honestly.
But unbelievably sweet.
Not wanting to dismiss my favorite girl, I bend over—trying my best to hide the way my head gets a little fuzzy with the movement—and scratch her between the ears. “Hey, pretty girl. Sorry we took so long.”
Once we get inside, they don’t let me lift a finger.
Shoes off.
Dress unzipped carefully.
Jasper even disappears into the kitchen and comes back with crackers and ginger ale because “you puked earlier and you’re not going to bed on an empty stomach.”
Lincoln checks my pupils with the flashlight on his phone.
Lawson gently inspects the bruise on my temple as if he personally intends to fight the marble floor that caused it.
And Beau runs through a list of questions.
“Headache any worse?”
“No.”
“Blurry vision?”
“No.”
“Okay, but like… are you sure?”
I laugh softly. “Yes, Baby. I’m sure.”
Regardless of how overbearing they’re being, I can’t stop thinking… they’re acting like this for me.
For us.
For our baby.
Shit. I’m gonna cry again.
Eventually, they usher me into my bedroom like I’m the Queen of freaking England.
After Beau takes all the pins out of my hair and brushes it, Jasper cleans my face of makeup, and Lawson brushes my teeth, they tuck me into bed. Swear to God, like actually tuck me in.
Lawson pulls the comforter up under my arms.
Lincoln adjusts the pillow.
Beau smooths the hair from my face.
And Jasper presses a kiss to my forehead.
I can’t help it.
I belt out a laugh.
“You four do know you don’t have to hover, right?”
“Not a chance in hell, Honey,” Lawson replies immediately.
I notice the four of them glance at one another, and—don’t ask me how—but I just know there’s something else going on besides them just wanting to know if I’m okay.
“What?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.
Lincoln clears his throat. “We were just wondering…” He shifts his weight slightly. “If you wanted to know.”
“Know what?”
“Whose it is.”
My hand slides to my belly as warmth spreads through my chest. I look at each of them slowly, taking in the four loves of my damn life. “I don’t,” I reply softly. “I don’t want to know. Not if you don’t.”
Beau’s brows knit together. “You’re sure?”
I nod. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re all going to be this baby’s daddy. When he or she is born, we can revisit the conversation. Just so we know for health purposes, but that’s the only reason I’d ever want to know.”
It’s silent for a moment before Beau bursts into tears for like the sixth time tonight.
I mean, full-on, shoulders-shaking sobs.
The four of us stare at him, each of us equal parts confused and amused.
“What?” he demands, swiping at his face. “She just said we’re gonna be daddies! You expect me not to fuckin’ cry?”
That does it.
We all start laughing at the mercy of my blonde-haired boy.
Eventually, we get ourselves under control, and Jasper mutters, “This is at least a huge improvement from the murder spree he was about to start when we first got to the emergency room.”
That sobers the vibe in the room, and my smile fades slightly. “Wh-what are we going to do about Keller?”
Their expressions harden instantly. Lawson’s voice remains calm as he answers, “You’re not worrying about him.”
Lincoln nods once. “Your only job right now is growing our baby.”
“Staying healthy,” Beau adds.
“And being happy,” Jasper finishes.
They all look at me like those things are non-negotiable, and part of me wants to argue.
But another part of me—the part with my hand resting over my stomach—knows they’re right.
My focus shifts inward. To the tiny life inside of me.
To our baby.
I swallow past a sudden tightness in my throat because I wish I had someone to share this with.
I wish I could call my sister.
Tell her she’s going to be an aunt.
I want to hear her scream through the phone in excitement. I want to know she’s happy for me.
But she’s hiding for a reason.
She’s safe because she’s invisible.
And I can’t risk that. I won’t.
So, I tuck the news close to my heart instead.
“Hey,” Jasper murmurs.
I blink up at him.
“You’re safe,” he says again.
I nod. “I know.”
There’s a beat of silence, then Beau clears his throat. “Wanna have a sleepover?”
I blink. “All of you?” I ask, the smile returning to my lips just like that.
“Obviously,” Lawson replies.
I laugh. “If the four of you can figure out how to fit in here, then yes, please.”
Ten minutes later, the lights are off, and the bed is full.
Lawson is at my back, solid and warm. Lincoln’s alongside him, arm draped over his brother—despite Lawson’s grumbling—fingertips resting along my stomach.
Beau’s near my feet, because he insisted he didn’t care where he was as long as he was in here.
And Jasper is pressed close in front of me.
His hand rests gently over where mine lies on my belly.
I feel a sudden nip at my toe through the fabric. “We’re getting a bigger bed,” Beau grumbles, but I can tell it’s playful.
“You said you didn’t care where you laid! You can come up here and cuddle with Jas.”
Jasper groans in my ear, and I giggle in response. “I don’t care where I sleep,” Beau replies. “But as much as I love your feet, and you know I love your feet—”
“You and your fucking feet,” Lawson says, already sounding half asleep.
“Shut up. Hers are the fuckin’ cutest, okay? Anyway… as much as I love your feet, if I could avoid sleeping at the end of the bed like Lucy, that would be preferred.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” is all Lawson says.
I giggle into the dark room and feel the four of them settle in.
“I love you, Sweetheart,” Lincoln says softly.
“I love you,” Beau whispers.
Lawson presses his lips to my temple. “Always.”
Jasper’s forehead rests against mine. “I love you, Abbie girl.”
My chest feels too full. “I love you,” I whisper back.
I lay there—surrounded by them—and listen as they drift off to sleep. In their arms I’m held. I’m protected. I’m carrying something that belongs to all five of us.
And regardless of everything else that’s still going on, I feel more at peace than I’ve ever felt in my entire life, and I know that these four men will never let me live a day without that newfound peace for as long as I live.
I’m never going to be alone again.
And neither is our child.