Page 127 of 12 Months of Mayhem

“And?”

Harlow shrugs, a glint in her eye. “And maybe to check on you. You know how she worries.”

I take a bite of the sandwich, chewing slowly as I consider my response. The Queens have been hovering more than usual lately, especially since I hit the six-month mark. It’s touching, in a way, but also frustrating. I’m pregnant, not helpless.

“I appreciate the concern,” I say carefully, “but I’m fine. Really.”

Rex snorts, earning him a sharp look from me. He holds up his hands in surrender but doesn’t back down. “You nearly passed out, Rem. That’s not ‘fine’ in my book.”

Harlow’s eyes widen. “Shit, really? Maybe we should call Linny...”

“No!” I say more forcefully than I intended. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. “ I just got a little dizzy. It happens sometimes.”

Rex and Harlow exchange a look.

“Look, Remy,” Harlow says uncharacteristically gentle. “We know you’re tough as nails. Hell, you’re the toughest bitch I know. But you’re growing a whole-ass human in there. It’s okay to take it easy sometimes.”

I sigh, feeling the fight drain out of me. “I know. It’s just...hard. I’ve got the shop, the club, the kids...I can’t afford to slow down.”

Rex kneels beside me again, taking my hand in his. “You can, and you will. We’ve got your back, Rem. All of us. The shop’s running smoothly now, the Queens can handle club business without you for a while, and Beaux is old enough to understand if his Mama needs more rest.”

I look into his eyes, seeing the love and concern there. It still amazes me sometimes how we found our way back to each other after everything. I squeeze his hand, feeling a lump form in my throat.

“Okay,” I say softly. “I’ll try to take it easier.”

Harlow grins, clapping her hands together. “Great! Now that that’s settled, I’m going to go run the candy to Tinsley. You two good?”

I nod, feeling a mix of gratitude and annoyance. “We’re good. Thanks, Harlow.”

As she heads out, Rex settles beside me on the couch, his arm draping around my shoulders. I lean into him, allowing myself to relax for a moment.

“You know,” he says softly, “it’s okay to let people help sometimes. Doesn’t make you weak.”

I snort. “That’s rich coming from you, Mr. I-Can-Handle-Everything-Alone.”

He chuckles, “Yeah, well, maybe we’re both learning.”

We sit in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the distant sounds of the shop a familiar backdrop. The baby gives another kick, and I guide Rex’s hand to the spot.

“Feel that?” I ask. “Kid has got your restlessness.”

Rex’s face softens, a look of wonder replacing his usual stern expression. It’s a side of him few people get to see, and it never fails to make my heart skip a beat.

“Strong,” he whispers. “Just like your mama.” The baby kicks once more, and a smile spreads across Rex’s face. “Hey there, little guy, quit kicking your mama.”

“You’re assuming it’s a boy.”

“It might be,” he shrugs.

“But it could be a girl.”

“Rem, I don’t care, boy or girl. All I care about is that you and our baby are safe.”

I lean into Rex, feeling the tension slowly ebb from my body. His warmth and steady presence are comforting, grounding me in a way few things can. The baby settles as if soothed by its father’s voice.

“I know you don’t care,” I say softly. “I just...I worry sometimes. About everything.”

Rex’s arm tightens around me. “That’s what makes you such a good mother. To Beaux, Birdie, to this little one, even to the Queens in a way.”

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