Chapter 49 Jude
JUDE
I’m surprised there’s anyone in the bar today. One look at me should have had them turning and getting the hell out. I’m pissed and currently trying to ignore the heaviness in my chest and the way it feels hard to breathe right now.
It feels like the glass in my hand is liable to shatter at any moment, my grip tightening as I run the rag over it again and again.
The bell above the door feels like a bomb detonating, and I’m tempted to tell whoever steps through the door that we’re closed and they can fuck right off.
But I can’t.
Because the person who steps into the dimly lit space isn’t just anyone.
It’s Arden.
I still, blood roaring in my ears as she moves toward me, her lips pursing as her hand goes to her belly.
“What’s wrong?” I manage, my voice harsher than I intend but fuck I can’t right now.
“Nothing,” she says, meeting me at the end of the bar. “I didn’t want to wait to talk to you.”
“Arden, I don’t—”
“I’m sorry, Jude. I didn’t want to keep being mad. I let my relationship with my parents boil over into ours. But they’re nothing like us and I think that’s perfect.” She takes a small step and winces.
“Arden.”
“This is important, okay? You’re my person and I’ve never had one of those, but I know you are because you’re the only one I want to be with from now until forever and—” She gasps and braces one hand on the bar while the other rests on the underside of her belly, her pants darkening as a puddle forms at her feet.
“You can finish that later.”
“I love you,” she whispers, her eyes pleading as they meet mine. The whole scene is ridiculous but it feels like I can finally take a full breath.
“I love you too.” I grin, placing a soft kiss against her lips. “But I need to get you to the hospital.”
“She’s not supposed to be here for another three weeks.” There’s panic in her voice and I feel it too. We need more time to sort our shit out.
But it’s not going to happen and maybe that’s a blessing.
“We’re good, Tennessee. You and me. There’s nothing else that matters. You, me, and this little girl who couldn’t stand to see her parents apart for another second.”
“Promise?” she says, blinking rapidly but not fast enough to stop the tears from rolling down her face.
“I promise.” I wipe my thumbs over her cheeks, then I scan the bar and find Tanner and Bodhi watching me. I motion them over.
“It feels like I peed my pants.” Arden grimaces and I kiss her forehead.
“What do you need?” Bodhi asks, his eyes darting to Arden and back to me.
“I need one of you to just stay here until Deacon can come and close everything down.”
“We’ll take care of it,” Bodhi says, and I don’t miss the way Tanner blushes and looks away the second our eyes meet.
“Let me know if you need anything,” Tanner says, the comment directed to Arden who makes a face but nods.
“Thanks. I’d really like to not be in these pants anymore.”
Chuffing out a laugh, I thank the guys and then walk Arden out the back toward my truck, placing a trash bag on the seat before helping her climb in.
“We’ll grab your hospital bag from your car and then go, okay?” I ask, pulling up to her car and pushing my door open.
“What about Dez?”
“Deacon will take care of him.”
“I’m sorry I freaked out,” she breathes, her eyelids fluttering closed as I throw her bag into the truck and ease onto the road.
“I’m glad it happened now instead of later.” Swallowing hard, I add, “It hurt and I don’t want to go back there again.”
“I’m sorry,” she says, reaching over to take my hand. “I don’t want to go back there either. I was so scared and I let it consume me—let it take over instead of facing it head-on. You deserved better and I promise I will be.”
“You’re all I need.”
“You’re all I need, but right now I also need an epidural so step on it.”
“You got it, Tennessee. Let’s go have a baby.”