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Atlas leans back in his chair, crossing his ankle over his knee. “I think I’ll let you handle this one, Pip.”

“We were just talking about James’s middle name.”

“Riveting stuff.” Ellis drops back down into his chair. “You gonna tell me what it is or…”

“Well, if it’s okay with you, Wilder.”

Silence blankets the room—so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

“You… you’re naming your baby… after me?” he asks, thumping his fist against his chest.

“Hoping to,” I tell him honestly.

“Fuck yes!” he shouts, jumping up and literally clicking his heels together. “Best day ever.”

Atlas grunts, and Ellis has the good sense to tone down his celebration.

“I mean, worst day, too, getting kidnapped and whatnot, but I’m choosing to focus on the positive, okay?” He shoots a wink my way, and I can’t help but smile.

Because in a way, he’s right—it is a good day. Sure, I was taken and I’m pretty banged up, but knowing that Rand can never, ever hurt me or anyone else ever again? Best day ever.

CHAPTER 46

ATLAS

“Iswear to God,” I mumble under my breath, wondering how in the hell the usually stoic six-foot-five man I call my best friend can transform into a sugared-up six-year-old in the blink of an eye. “We can’t take you anywhere, can we?”

Nora laughs, and on my life, it’s the sweetest sound in the whole world.

Ellis cuts his eyes at me. “Talk all the shit you want, brother, but a little positivity goes a long way.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “I’m positive I’m gonna stick my foot up your ass if you don’t sit down and shut up. I’m tired.”

Ellis sobers and drops down into his chair. “I know, man. And in case I haven’t said it, I’m glad you’re okay—both of you.”

A knock interrupts us, saving me from trying to form a reply around the ball of emotion lodged in my throat.

“Come in,” Nora calls, her raspy voice sending chills down my spine. It’s a good thing that asshole is dead, because every time I look at my girl, I have half a mind to find a way to resurrect him just so I can kill him again.

The door swings open revealing Dr. Duplantier. I met her earlier while Nora was sleeping, and just as I expected, my girl already seems at ease in her presence.

“So good to see you awake,” she says, bustling into the room, marching straight to the computer next to Nora’s bed. “I’m Dr. Duplantier, but you can call me Dr. D. So, tell me, how are you feeling, dear?”

I don’t know what it is about her, but she radiates grandma energy, and it is exactly what Nora needs right now. Someone soft and caring.

Nora laughs, but this time, there’s not a drop of humor to be found. “Like I got hit by a bus.”

She smiles and pats Nora’s shoulder. “But you lived.”

Nora’s lips lift ever-so-slightly as she brings both of her hands to rest on her belly. “That I did.”

Dr. D’s eyes track Nora’s movements. “Worried about the baby, are you?”

She shrugs and then nods. “Atlas said he’s fine, but…”

“But you want to see for yourself.”

“If… if it’s possible. Yes, please.”

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