Page 156 of A Dangerous Proposal

“He’s precious,” the woman said warmly before shifting her gaze to Cami. “And when are you due, dear?”

Cami beamed. “October. I can’t wait.” She peeked at the woman’s grandchild. “Baby feet are the cutest.”

Madison’s chest tightened as she glanced at the tiny foot sticking out of the blanket.

Would her and Alex’s baby look like Jax? Or would it take more after Alex?

Whoa! Hormones. Slow down.

The woman’s eyes twinkled as she nodded toward the edge of the playground. “Is that the father?”

Madison followed her gaze to where her new bodyguard Fyor stood nearby, his sharp eyes scanning the playground. He was close enough to hear their conversation but kept his stance casual, arms at his sides.

Madison smirked. “No, he’s a friend.”

“He’s very handsome.”

Madison shot a mischievous look at Fyor. “He really is.”

Fyor groaned quietly. “Please don’t say that where your husband could hear.”

Cami snickered, reaching for another cookie. But as she did, her breath hitched, and her hand pressed to her stomach.

Madison immediately turned toward her. “Cami?”

Cami exhaled slowly. “I’m fine. Just—” She shook her head, forcing a smile. “I just need to use the restroom.”

The older woman frowned. “Are you sure you’re all right, dear?”

Cami waved them off. “Pregnant. It happens.” She sucked in another breath. “Actually, maybe we should go.”

“You can’t drive. Ride with me and you can call James on the way to my house.”

Fyor’s brow furrowed. “I’ll bring the car closer.”

“I’ll pack up our stuff and meet you there,” Madison said, as Cami walked slowly away. She stuffed Jax’s snacks and small toys back in the diaper bag and grabbed both of their purses, calling for Jax.

The older woman gasped. “Oh!”

Madison spun just in time to see Cami crumple to the grass.

“Cami!” Madison heart hammered, already moving toward her friend when she stopped to look back at Jax.

The older woman waved her on with a worried expression. “I’ll watch him. Go. Help her.”

Madison shot her a grateful look before rushing to where Cami lay in the grass, several people already rushing forward.

“Cami? Can you hear me?” She crouched next to her friend.

Cami looked dazed. “I’m okay,” she slurred. “Just tired. Damn babies.”

Something wasn’t right. “I think we should?—”

An explosion ripped through the air with a deafening boom. A wave of heat slammed into her back, sending Madison crashing onto her hands and knees.

Screams erupted from every direction.

Madison’s ears rang, drowning out all sound, as the world blurred around her. Her pulse roared in her skull, panic surging through her system. The acrid scent of smoke filled her nose as she blinked against the sudden dust and debris.

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