Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Knight
“Family of Jenna Graham?” I stand along with all the club members in the waiting room.
“Next of kin?” the nurse asks, swallowing hard.
“Me. I’m her husband.” Never thought I’d be saying those words out loud for the first time while my wife is fighting to stay alive.
The last few hours have been the hardest of my life.
While Jenna fought Lawrence, I managed to get a kill shot, but not before he stabbed her in the back with a knife neither of us ever saw. He pierced her kidney and liver, leaving her to bleed out in my arms.
Padre asks if he should give her last rites on the way to the hospital. I had him marry us instead. I know it doesn’t count ‘cause she was unconscious, but I needed it in case I had to bury her.
“Your wife is stable. We were able to save the kidney. Her liver will regenerate with proper care.” She steps forward and whispers the next word for me alone.
“Were you both aware that she’s pregnant?” I grab the wall for support.
“Wow, big guy. I got you.” Ares puts my arm over his shoulder.
I shake my head at the nurse.
“It’s very early. We didn’t think so. After so much trauma to her body, she might not… Well, it’s up to fate. I’m sorry.” She pats my arm.
“No, thank you. That’s all good news.” I swallow hard.
“She’s being moved to recovery, and you’ll be able to see her soon.” She turns away, disappearing behind the same steel doors Jenna did hours ago.
“What did she say to you?” Kelly demands as Ares helps me back to my seat.
I look at Jenna’s best friend, and I’m not sure if I should even say anything. Why crush anyone’s hope? Right now only I know, so if she loses the baby I’ll be the only disappointed person. I’m not even sure I should tell Jenna. She needs to concentrate on recovering.
What if she doesn’t want the baby?
“For fuck sakes, Troy! Is she pregnant?” Everyone gasps, and I glare at Kelly.
“You knew?” She bites her lip.
“Jenna suspected. No, that’s not the right word. She mentioned it was a possibility. These types of things come to the forefront of your mind when you think you might die. She hadn’t missed her period yet, so I told her to focus on the current crisis.” I nod, really not knowing what to do now.
“I’m not sure if I should tell her. She’s so early, the nurse said it might not last.” I look at Gen, who’s the only mother present I know for advice.
“If you’re asking me, I’d want to know. But Kelly knows her better.” I turn back to Jenna’s best friend, who sighs.
“Tell her. Either way, she’s going to be upset. But at least you can deal with it together.” I sit and think about her words as I wait to join her in recovery.
“Thanks, everyone. Head home. I’ll call if I need anything.” The room clears out except for Flip and Pirate.
“I’m alright, guys,” I lie with a fake smile.
“Never, ever play poker. I leave when you leave. I promised to protect her like you. I failed, and I need to apologize. I’ll be in the chapel.” Flip goes to pray, leaving me with my best friend.
“How’s the clean-up going?” I need him to distract me from the baby news.
It was bad enough worrying about one person, but knowing there are two is killing me from the inside out.
“Your father is there now. The masonry was being repaired when I spoke to Spector. He’s going to have your dad’s crew run our power and cable lines underground so they can never be cut again.
Shatterproof glass was ordered, and a new guardhouse is being built tomorrow.
He also informed the Tool’s family. Raf is a fucking mess.
” He runs his hand over his head, and I can see how the stress of losing two men is affecting him.
“Any survivors from the Devils?” He sighs and nods.
“Three. The President and two officers. I’ve got them on ice waiting on you.” I slap his arm in thanks.
“Appreciate that. Keep’em breathing until I get my old lady home.” The nurse who came out before waves at me.
“Gotta go.” I walk towards the nurses’ station until I hear my name being called.
“Troy?” I turn to look at Pirate.
“Congratulations.” I nod, not knowing if thanking him would jinx anything.
I follow the nurse to the ICU.
I never liked hospitals. Not sure if it’s the dingy colors or the smell, but they’ve always given me the creeps. But it seems like all my important milestones in life have all happened in one.
Where I was born. Where I met the love of my life. Where I was told I was going to possibly be a father. Three for three ain’t bad odds. Let’s hope my lucky streak continues.
I push open Jenna’s door and find her pale face on the huge hospital bed.
“The sedation should be wearing off, but don’t rush her. Talk to her gently and let her know you’re here.” I nod and pull the chair away from the wall and set it by her side.
I dig through the layers of blankets for her hand and cup it in mine. I kiss her knuckles and hold them to my temple.
Warm, not cold. Still alive.
I chant the words in my mind as the door closes softly behind me, telling me the nurse has left us alone. I just sit with her in silence for a few minutes, listening to the monitors beep, reassuring me that I’m not dreaming. She really did make it out alive.
There was so much blood.
I shake the memory away. It’s time to start thinking about the future. Our future. My left hand reaches for her flat stomach, and I hiccup a sob.
Christ. I could have lost them both and never known what I was robbed of. Jenna moans and shifts her legs.
“Shh, it’s okay, Babe. I’m here. You’re safe.”