Chapter Ten
Another month passed quickly as Hope’s stomach swelled with their second child.
The threat had come and seemed to have disappeared.
She knew that she couldn’t live in fear for the rest of her days, so she had to talk to Gage.
Searching the house, she spotted him in the playroom with Ethan.
For a minute, she just stood there and watched her men.
Everything appeared perfectly serene until Gage shifted his gaze to her.
“Hey, baby. What’s going on?”
“Gage, can we talk?” His face changed. It was like a dark cloud had loomed over him.
“Hope, what’s wrong? You’re scaring me.” He stood up and closed the distance. Cupping her chin, he raised her gaze to his. “Tell me.”
“I’m nervous about going out.” He pulled her into his arms, securing her tightly while he kissed her neck.
The tension started to leave her body, and then he released her just enough to stare into her eyes.
He loved her to the point of distraction, and he hated what the email and the whole bull fiasco had done to her.
She’d lost that sparkle of adventure she had from the moment he met her.
“I know, but we have to see the doctor and get the scan done.”
“You’re right. I can’t live in fear, but I don’t know if I’m ready.”
“We have the two guys prepared to care for us. Nothing is going to happen.”
“Funny, I spent years locked away and I wanted nothing but my freedom. Now, I’m afraid of that freedom.”
“We’re going to do our best to live our lives as they are. I’m taking the day off so we can go tomorrow, and we’re taking Ethan with us because he needs to get out as well. Besides, that will give the guys some actual real work to do.”
“You’re right. I need to remember the woman I was for that brief time. I can’t let these…bastards…get the better of me. I escaped his grasp before. I won’t let him trap me again.”
“That’s the queen I married.” He crushed his lips to hers in a deep, penetrating kiss.
“Ma…ma…”
“Ethan,” she squealed and picked her little boy up off the mat, holding him close.
“I love you, my sweet boy.” She kissed his chubby cheeks, making him coo and reach for her face. “Say Mama.”
“Ma…ma.” The gentle voice brought a smile to their faces and warmed their hearts. The love they felt for Ethan was immeasurable.
“Tomorrow the new housekeeper comes. I’m sure the guys will be excited.”
“I know, right? I’m kind of nervous. Colt’s recommendations are always good, but I’m still hesitant.”
“Well, there were only two applicants in the two months since we started looking, and neither were even remotely good enough.”
“I know, but I trust my cousin. Take a deep breath. I’m sure she’ll be wonderful.” It was the beginning of September and Hope was six months pregnant. The weather had cooled a little, giving her some relief when it came to cooking, but she still needed the help.
“Why does she have to be a she?” She complained about that, but at this point she’d take anyone. Between the heat and her massive belly, she ended up taking longer to get the meals done, which only made her even more tired than she’d been when she started cooking.
“Because I have enough dicks around here to drive me nuts. I don’t want another man invading your personal space.”
“Fine. I guess you have a point there.”
“Let’s get him to bed and do the same for ourselves.”
“I can agree with that one.”
****
“We’re going to the doctor’s office and then to the grocery store.
The housekeeper will be here around two.
We should be back before then. Don’t let anyone else on the property,” he told his mother, who would be babysitting Ethan.
She’d offered to stay with him, so they changed their plans and decided to do some extra errands while they were out.
“Of course, Gage.”
The two guards followed them out, loading them into one vehicle before hopping into their own.
Denver and Mike had it pretty easy, and they wondered if they were missing something.
They had been given the rundown from Sean as well as Gage, but they knew it only took one moment to let their guard down for something crazy to happen.
The ride to the clinic in Austin had been uneventful.
They parked in the lot, but Gage and Hope didn’t exit their vehicle until Denver gave Gage the signal.
He walked around and helped his wife out.
They had gotten halfway to the entrance when a warm breeze sent Hope’s hair across her face and her summer dress to flow around her.
Gage stopped to take in the sight and came undone.
“Beautiful,” he whispered before tucking the loose strands behind her ear.
She blushed, smiling and unable to speak. He kissed her hand and walked her inside. About three minutes later, they were taken into the room and Hope’s vitals were recorded. The nurse handed Hope a small cup. “I’ll need a urine sample, please.”
After doing her business, she set the cup in the special box for the nurse to pick up and then she returned to Gage. “The doctor will be with you in just a minute.”
“Let me help you up.” Gage scooped up his wife and sat her on the examination bed. He kissed her lips and then stepped back to get a grip. Everything about her turned him on. She had no idea even after all this time what she did to him with just a smile.
The couple’s attention was brought to the door when the doctor knocked and then entered. “It’s so good to see you,” Dr. Hart said as she moved to Hope’s side.
“Thank you.”
She pumped some hand sanitizer on her hands, rubbing it in before shaking their hands. “I haven’t seen you in two months, so we’re going to need to do an ultrasound. I’m sure everything’s good, but I want to double check.”
“Wonderful. We can’t wait to meet this little one.”
She began to go over the vitals the nurse took before she came in and then helped Hope to lie on the bed. Measuring her stomach for proper uterus size, the doctor spread out the tape and then made her notes.
“So far so good. Are we going to try to learn the sex today?” Dr. Hart asked as she started the machine.
They both looked at each other and then nodded. “Yes, we want to know what we’re going to have.”
“So who are those guys out there with you? Security?”
“Yes. They’re that obvious?” Hope asked, hating that they looked like celebrities with their armed guards around them wherever they went.
“They stick out like a sore thumb, but they are cute.” Her brow arched, but it was Gage’s growl that made Hope laugh. She knew he was jealous because the guys had been too handsome for his liking, but he needed their help, so he didn’t send them back to Sean.
“I’m sure they’ll love hearing that they’re cute.” Hope patted the doctor’s sleeve.
“Well, I was going to say hot, but that’s not very professional.”
“I’d say,” Gage grumbled, crossing his arms.
“He’s just upset that we have nothing but men around the ranch. Isn’t that the way it works?”
“I believe that’s mostly it until you start having daughters.” She ran the handheld jelly-covered scanner over Hope’s belly. “And it looks like that won’t be starting soon. Congratulations. You’re having another boy.”
“Yes! Another Gage,” Hope cheered.
“Damn right. Another boy to take over the ranch when I get older to get some of these other guys away from my woman.” He kissed Hope with a teasing smile.
“Men. Ugh.”
“And you’re making more of us. I love you.” He kissed her again.
“You’re lucky I love you,” she grumbled playfully.
“That I am.” Gage wore a goofy grin as he stared at the picture the doctor had on the screen of their little peanut.
Dr. Hart wiped off Hope’s belly with a towel and then handed her another to make sure she didn’t have any of the gel lingering on her. “Everything looks great. There’s enough fluid around the baby and his size seems right on target. Schedule for next month, okay?”
“We will.”
“It’s been great to see you. Take care.” She hugged Hope and then left them to celebrate.
“How are you feeling?”
“Wonderful.” A frown formed on Hope’s face as she tried to judge Gage’s feelings on the baby. “You…are you disappointed it’s not a girl?”
He cupped her cheeks and stared into her eyes so she understood him completely. “God, no. I’m happy either way. Besides, more sons to protect any daughter we have.”
“Let’s go. Help me down so I can get out of here.”
“Yes, my wife.” He carried her off the bed and set her on her feet, then bent down to assist her with her shoes.
“Ooh, I love this view.” He was staring at her and could see under her dress as she adjusted it.
“Ass.”
“Yes, it’s a very nice ass.” He pinched her bottom and then stood. “Later I’m going to show you how much I enjoy that beautiful ass of yours, but we have to go to the store.”
They spent the next hour grocery shopping. As they finished up and loaded their vehicle, the skies opened up. Gage pulled the door open and hurried Hope inside before running around to the driver’s side.
Hope giggled. “It hasn’t rained in weeks. The first time we go out, it storms.”
“Let’s get you home so you don’t catch a cold. The temp has dropped at least ten degrees. Shit.” Gage shivered when the air conditioning turned on. He quickly flipped it off and then pulled out onto the road with their security following behind.
“It’s fine. I’m still very warm.” She snuggled into her seat to get a little more comfortable.
“Good. I can’t have you catching a cold, wife.”
They were about five minutes into their trip back home when Hope asked, “I wonder if the new housekeeper has arrived already.”
“Let’s call your mother.”
“Sounds good.” The rain continued to pelt down as they drove, slowing their drive back.
“Call Mom.” The Bluetooth dialed the number on the dash.
“Hey, Mom. Did Ms. Rhoades show up?”
“Yes. She’s in the kitchen, preparing for tonight’s meal. What time will you be back?”
“Great. We’ll be there soon. We’re already on the road, but the weather’s a little rough. How is it holding up over there?”