Page 67 of Dagger

"More like completely spoiled," I reply, nudging him gently. Moving is a feat with this belly, but his closeness makeseverything feel more manageable. Over the past few months, his mom, Evelyn, and I have grown close, her steady support making her feel like the mother I always wanted, but never had. She’s been by my side through it all, helping me navigate this new chapter of life with kindness and wisdom.

"You deserve it," Dagger says, his tone soft and steady. He brushes a strand of hair from my face, his touch as grounding as ever. I lean into the gesture, the weight of his love and the security he brings washing over me. Dagger isn’t just my husband—he’s my rock, the unwavering center of my world.

Evelyn steps forward, her warm eyes crinkling as she smiles. "You look beautiful, sweetheart. Absolutely glowing."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "If by glowing, you mean sweating like crazy and ready to pop, then sure. Thank you."

Her laugh is warm and easy, and she pats my hand reassuringly. "You’re doing wonderfully."

The next couple of hours blur together in a mix of laughter, games, and food. A diaper-changing relay has Mason swearing under his breath when Gavin beats him by twenty seconds. Carlie snaps photos of everything, especially when Sophie convinces a reluctant Tank to wear a baby bonnet for the “cutest biker baby” contest. Spoiler: the teddy bear wins.

"Open the gifts!" someone calls out, and soon, I’m seated in the most comfortable chair in the room. Packages are piled around me, wrapped in everything from shiny pink paper to crumpled newspaper comics.

"This one’s from us," Evelyn says, handing me a box wrapped neatly in soft tissue paper. I open it carefully and pull out a quilt. It’s handmade, and colorful, with little motorcycles stitched into the corners.

"It’s beautiful," I whisper, my voice catching. Evelyn’s smile is knowing as I glance up at her.

The other gifts are equally thoughtful: tiny leather jackets, onesies that say "Born to Ride," and enough diapers to stock a small warehouse. Dagger stays back, watching with an amused but proud expression. He steps forward only when a stroller is revealed, immediately assembling it like he’s been preparing for this moment his whole life. The sight of him, equal parts tough biker and soon-to-be dad, swells my heart.

As the party winds down, Sophie, Jenny, and Carlie take charge of cleanup. I sink into a chair with Evelyn and Frank, sipping ginger ale while my swollen feet finally get some rest.

"He’s going to be a great father," Evelyn says, her voice soft as her gaze drifts toward Dagger, who’s helping Mason load gifts into a car.

"I know," I reply, my voice thick with emotion. "If this baby’s lucky, they’ll be half as strong and kind as him."

Evelyn squeezes my hand gently. "They’ll be lucky just to have you as their mom."

Frank, ever the quiet observer, adds, "And if they’re anything like their dad, they’ll keep you on your toes from the start."

The words make me laugh, but the moment is cut short by a sharp, unmistakable pain in my lower belly. I gasp, clutching at my stomach as warmth spreads, soaking my dress.

"Chloe?" Evelyn’s voice sharpens with concern.

Another wave of pain hits, and I know immediately: my water just broke.

"It’s happening," I manage to say, my voice trembling. "Oh my God, it’s happening."

Evelyn is on her feet, calling for Dagger. He’s at my side in seconds, his face a mix of concern and focus as he assesses the situation.

"Alright, let’s get you to the hospital," he says, his voice calm but firm. He lifts me into his arms with ease, and I cling to his shirt, trying to steady my breathing.

"Guess the baby couldn’t wait for the party to end," I joke weakly, earning a small chuckle from him despite the tension.

The room bursts into motion. Keys are grabbed, directions shouted, and before I know it, we’re on our way. My heart pounds with a mixture of fear and excitement, but as I glance at Dagger, his steady presence grounds me. This is it. Our world is about to change forever.

Ten hours later, Baby Steele finally makes his debut, and he’s absolutely perfect. His tiny fingers wrap around mine, his scrunched-up little face melting my heart in an instant. Dagger sits beside me, his arm steady around my shoulders, the silver ring on his left hand catching the soft hospital light. His eyes are locked on our son, filled with awe and a tenderness that makes me fall in love with him all over again.

The room buzzes with quiet excitement as friends and family start to trickle in. Sophie and Tank are the first to arrive, Sophie practically glowing as she steps closer.

“Look at him!” Sophie whispers, her hands hovering as if she’s nervous about holding him. She glances at me, her eyes shining. “Chloe, he’s perfect.”

I smile and hand her the baby. “You’ll need the practice,” I tease gently, watching her face light up with the mention of her recent news.

Tank leans over her shoulder, his large frame towering protectively. “She’s not wrong,” he murmurs, his usual gruff tone softening as he looks at the baby. “This little guy’s got a strong grip already.”

Mason and Carlie arrive next, wrangling their nearly three-year-old twin boys, who are both buzzing with energy. Thetoddlers bounce on their toes, craning their necks to see the baby.

“Boys, meet your new friend,” Mason says, his tone light but filled with pride as he lifts one of the twins up so he can get a closer look. “This guy’s going to be running around with you in no time.”

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