Chapter 16
Addyson waited impatiently as her garage door went up. Her heart raced, and her palms grew sweaty as she tapped on the steering wheel. She drove inside, turned off the engine, and shut the door. Running into the kitchen, she yelled, “Liam?”
“I’m in the living room with Zeus,” he called.
Addyson dropped her things on the counter as she rushed to him.
Standing in the middle of the room on one crutch, Hollywood smiled and held his good arm out to her.
She rushed into his arms, nearly knocking him over. His hand roamed through her silky hair as he moaned, “Addy.”
“I can’t believe you’re here. How badly are you hurt? When did you come? Why didn’t you meet me at Kassie’s?”
“Slow down,” he said, cupping her face. “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him for dear life. “I can’t believe you’re really here. Where’s Apollo?”
“Sparky’s taking care of him for me. She has a way with him,” he explained. “How about we sit on the couch?”
Carefully leading him to the furniture, she helped him sit and prop up his leg.
“Do I even want to know?” she asked worriedly.
“I don’t remember much. I saw something and headed toward it when I fell.
I skinned up my face and hands. I didn’t realize I got shot until Shadow said something.
He shot me full of morphine, and I don’t recall much afterward.
I woke up in Germany with Victoria leaning over me and threatening to castrate me if I didn’t wake up soon,” he informed her.
“You’re here, and it’s all that matters,” she said, sounding relieved.
“I didn’t meet you at Kassie’s because I didn’t want you to see me for the first time there. When I thought of you, I always imagined you here in the living room with Zeus cuddled up next to you.”
Hearing his name, Zeus jumped on the couch and curled up on Hollywood’s side. He gave him a rub on the head while he held Addyson in his arms. She lay her head on his shoulder and sighed.
“I like the changes,” he said, nodding toward the plants, a few books on the table, and a large TV over the fireplace.
“It’s kept me busy,” she said. “Do you want anything to eat or drink?”
“Give me a minute to savor you,” he murmured as he kissed her temple.
Her arm wrapped around his waist as they appreciated the moment.
“You should’ve seen Claire and Gabby’s faces when they saw Patch and Knight walk into Kassie’s house,” Addyson said. “It was beautiful.”
“I’m happy for them. I know they’ve worried nonstop about their wives.
It must be hell to have a pregnant wife and work thousands of miles away.
Honestly, I’ve never given it any thought until working with those two.
They kept their heads in the game, but every now and then, they’d get a far-off expression on their faces.
I knew they slipped miles away to Serenity. ”
“How’s the team?” she asked gently, examining his injured hand.
“They’re holding up,” he said softly. “Losing Leo feels like missing the heart of the team. Don’t worry about the hand. Doc says to watch for infection. Otherwise, it’s fine. My leg will heal, too.”
“Will Apollo return with Sparky when Doc and Whiskey fly over?” she asked, placing his hand gently on a pillow.
“I’m assuming they’ll all return home. I hate leaving them with less support. Damn it, I only started the job, and I’ve gotten hurt twice,” he said, frustrated.
“You work a dangerous job. It’s bound to happen at some point,” she said. “Let’s focus on the fact you’re here.”
Sighing, Hollywood agreed. “I’ve done a lot of thinking. When the team returns, I’m considering resigning. You’ve supported me all this time, but I know you don’t like it. It makes you uncomfortable. Maybe I can find another job elsewhere.”
Addyson rose from her position and stared at him.
“If you want to quit, I won’t stop you. It’s your choice.
I’m not sure about all the rules, but it will mean you’ll have to give up Apollo.
I know I’d never let Zeus go. If you’re considering it because you don’t think I can handle it, then you’re doing it for all the wrong reasons. ”
“I might’ve gotten killed. I saw Catherine’s reaction to Leo’s death, and I don’t think I can stand putting you through it again. The pain in her voice still haunts me,” he confessed as he closed his eyes.
“It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “But it’s not a good enough reason for you to abandon the team when they need you the most. I’m committed to this relationship and will support your position on this team.
I saw Catherine. I have lived her story, and it’s awful.
One day, she’ll wake up, and her heart will hurt a little less, and she’ll breathe a little easier.
Leo’s memory will make her smile instead of cry.
She has plenty of friends to support her while she grieves.
I ran away. You’ve given me a reason to stay. ”
“Do you really feel comfortable with us if I decide to keep my job?” he asked, surprised.
“I love you, Liam. I don’t want to see you hurt or deal with your death. While you were away, I’ve made true friends. I volunteer at the community center and know most of the residents of Serenity. This team makes you happy. It’s part of you, and I know now some things are worth the risk.”
“Damn it, Addy. When I think I can’t love you anymore than I do,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion.
She kissed him softly, making him moan.
“I know it’s early, but can I talk you into a nap? Doc says no funny business for the next week until I see him again,” he said, flinching. “I want to fall asleep holding you.”
“How about we take a nap, and I’ll order Ty’s for dinner?” she suggested. “We can stay in and relax.”
“When did Ty start delivering?” he asked
“He hired a couple of veterans to keep up with the demand,” she informed him. “They’ll even deliver Bryanna’s baked goods.”
“Wow, they’re catching up with the times,” he said, marveling at the news.
“Both businesses have thrived, and people seem to like it. For nights like tonight, it’s a perfect idea,” she said, rising from the couch. “Can you make it up the stairs?”
“Yeah, I can make it up if I hold on to the railing. Can you carry the supplies Doc left me? I’m dying for a hot shower.”
“I think we can arrange it,” she said. “I know a nurse who would love to get you out of these clothes.”
He grinned at her cheeky comment as she picked up the hospital bag by the front door. “I noticed you changed the alarm. It’s a good thing the team installed it and knew the bypass code.”
“Yeah. I decided it needed changing,” she said as she waited for him to start climbing the stairs.
“You go first, in case I fall,” he suggested.
“I won’t let you,” she promised. “Take it slow.”
Addyson supported him as he climbed the stairs, led him to the bedroom, and turned around.
She bit her lip as she glanced at him, feeling uncertain.
“What’s the matter, Addy?” he asked, concerned.
“I’ve changed since you last left,” she whispered. “I guess I’m a little afraid to tell you.”
Caressing her cheek, he kissed her forehead. “There’s nothing you can say to make me change my mind about you. I love everything about you.”
“I did some remodeling,” she said slowly.
He gazed around the room, noticing the colored accent wall and some shelving. He peeked into the bathroom and noticed a new tile floor, a shower with a seat added, and a double bathtub. “Change can be good. I like it,” he said, assuring her.
“I did some other work. May I show it to you?” she asked nervously.
“Of course, if it’ll make you feel better,” he said, his brows drew together in concern at her unease.
“We’ll have to go down the hall to Sam’s old office,” she said, leading the way.
He slowly walked with the crutch as she opened the door
“I hope you like it,” she murmured, stepping off to the side.
Hollywood’s eyes grew round, and his mouth dropped as he took in the crib against the wall.
Paintings of puppies, curiously resembling Zeus and Apollo, decorated the area behind it.
A large cushy rocking chair sat in the corner.
A bookshelf sat beside it, filled with children’s books and a stuffed teddy bear.
A changing table covered the wall across from the crib. Paw prints decorated the drawers.
“Addy,” he stammered as his gaze fell on her. She stepped forward and moved her sweater aside, revealing a small, rounded belly where it once lay flat.
“We’re having a baby, Liam. It happened when you came home to have your cochlear implant checked. I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t want you to worry,” she said, thinking he might be upset with her deception. “I’m four months along.”
“How did you keep this a secret?” he asked.
“I haven’t told anyone,” she said with a relieved sigh. “You needed to know first.”
“We’re having a baby,” he whispered, still in shock.
“I have an appointment next week with Dr. Greene. She says we can find out the sex then,” she said softly. “I know I’ve given you quite a shock. I couldn’t help you shower without you noticing,” she babbled.
Putting a finger to her lips, Hollywood shushed her. “I’m over the moon.”
“You are?” she asked, searching his face.
“There’s only one thing,” he said, reaching into his pocket.
“Before we left Germany, I asked Knight to take me shopping.” He pulled a ring from his pocket, making Addyson gasp.
“I chose an emerald because it represents unconditional love. I fell for you the moment you entered my room at the hospital. It means renewal, which seemed to fit us. We’re starting something I never imagined and couldn’t be more excited.
Lastly, it’s a symbol of fertility. I guess we don’t need to test that theory,” he said.
Balancing his crutch, he took her left hand and peered into her eyes. “Addy, will you marry me?”
Nodding, she cried, “Yes, yes, a million times, yes.”
Tears gathered in his eyes as he slipped the ring on her finger.
“It’s stunning,” she said in awe. “I love it.”
“I’ll be here to watch you grow. Now I know why Patch and Knight acted crazy. Have you gotten ill?” he asked as she stared at her ring.
“No. In fact, I’ve never felt better,” she assured him.
He sighed in relief. He pulled her to him as he gazed around the room. “I love the puppy theme.”
“It seemed appropriate,” she said, smiling. “Shall we take a shower?”
“Yes. I need to introduce myself to my child,” he whispered as they left the room.
Addyson turned the water on and pulled the shower seat from the wall.
Pulling Hollywood’s shirt over his head and having him sit on the tub’s edge, she removed the rest of his clothing and covered his bandages with the supplies from the hospital.
She helped him to the shower and then undressed.
She blushed, feeling the heat of his gaze on her.
She let the sweater fall to the floor and unbuttoned the undershirt.
A small smile played on his lips as he glanced at her stomach while she removed her bra.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured.
She shimmied out of the rest of her things, leaving everything in a pile on the floor. She stepped inside and closed the glass door. Hollywood pulled her to him. Her hands ran through his hair as he bent his head and kissed her stomach.
“Hello in there. I’m your father. Thank you for not giving your mother a hard time while I was gone. I’m here now, and I don’t plan on going anywhere. I can’t wait to meet you,” he said, choking up.
“I’m happy you’re thrilled,” she said. “I didn’t want to tell you over the phone.”
“It can’t make this day any more perfect,” he informed her as she shampooed his head and soaped up the scrub brush, washing him from head to toe.
“Have you a preference of a boy or a girl?” she asked as she rinsed him.
He took the soap and washed her where he could reach.
“No. He or she was created out of our love. I once met your Sam. I can’t tell you about the mission, but he seemed like a good guy.
He mentioned you, and his face lit up. I think he may have led me to you.
If you don’t have any objections, we can honor him by naming our son Sam. ”
She cupped his face and smiled. “How about Liam Samuel Miller?” She suggested. “If it’s a girl, we can name her Samiya.”
“It seems we’re on the same page,” he said, kissing her stomach and smiling in wonder.
“Let me finish, and we’ll get you dried off and in bed,” she coaxed when he traced the outline of her bump.
She rinsed off and shut off the water. Grabbing a towel, she wrapped it around him as she dried off with another. Tucking the ends between her breasts, she bent to help him dry his feet and placed a towel down to help him exit the shower.
Grabbing his crutch, Hollywood balanced as she removed the plastic bandage coverings and finished drying him off.
Feeling exhaustion taking over, Hollywood hobbled to the bed.
He tugged at the towel covering her and threw it toward the bathroom.
Addyson helped him into bed and went around the opposite side, crawling under the covers he held for her.
* * *
Two hours later, Hollywood stirred, listening to Addy’s breathing as she slept.
His hand moved to her stomach, unable to believe his luck.
Questions swirled in his head. Did she take prenatal vitamins?
Did she eat enough for herself and the baby?
Maybe he needed to borrow some of those books from Patch and Knight. When was she due?
Addy never moved, sleeping soundly. She no longer resembled the woman he met. Her skin glowed, and her long brown hair seemed thicker.
Moving slowly, Hollywood pulled the covers off the bed and grabbed his crutch. Seeing his T-shirt draped over a chair, he picked it up and pulled it over his head. He opened the dresser drawer and found a pair of boxers, noticing she’d put all his clothes on the opposite side of the dresser.
Gratitude for this life hit him. Taking small steps, he hobbled down the hall and opened the door to the nursery. He sat in the rocking chair and pulled a book from the bookcase, noticing a soldier hugging his child on the cover.
The book put his concerns about staying with the team to rest. Without knowing what he planned to do, Addy prepared to tell her child about his or her dad. That was him.
He wiped his tears as he read the book. When he finished, he put it back on the shelf. Joining this team meant everything to him. Leo built a band of brothers and sisters who made honor and loyalty into a found family. He and Addy were now part of something bigger, something special.