Page 290 of Wild Card

“Just you.”

“Someone should have fucking called me,” I say to the room, my gaze passing over Bex, Chase, Sterling, and Stacy.

“I asked them not to. You didn’t need the distraction.”

“Distraction? You think raiding a drug ring is more important than you going into labor?”

“Yes, especially if there are flying bullets and exploding cars.”

Stacy gasps at Willow’s flippant remarks. I’m rethinking my pledge to relay the specifics of my job to my wife.

“Princess, bullets and explosions are part of the job. Still not an excuse.”

“Exactly, you need to stay focused.” She bares down on my hand, cringing in pain.

“I’ll get the doctor.” Chase makes a move as the door opens and Willow’s OB waltzes in.

“Heard the dad arrived.” She grins. “You and your friends made quite the spectacle of your arrival. Half this hospital went on lockdown protocol.”

It’s then I realize exactly why people were reacting.

Four large men, still in our SWAT gear, racing into a hospital could raise suspicion.

“Can everyone step out so I can check my patient?”

They all pile out the door and I slide off the bed and step to the side, removing my vest, belt, and firearms, while the doctor examines Willow’s progress.

“Ooowwwwww,” Willow cries out painfully, the monitor showing a spike that lasts forty-six seconds.”

“This baby is in place and eager.”

“Not as eager as me. I really need to push.”

I watch helplessly as Willow writhes, her face twisting agonizingly.

“Shit, do something.”

The grin on the doctor’s face ratchets up my irritation. “Knew you’d be one of those.”

“Oh yeah, he’s totally going to be your nightmare.” Willow’s morphed back into herself.

“We’ve had his type in here before. Let me warn my staff.”

The doctor winks at Willow and leaves with a snicker.

“What can I do?” I take her hand.

“Don’t get us banned from the hospital.”

“You are hurting.”

“It’s childbirth, honey. There is a baby coming out of my body. It’s not supposed to be pleasant.”

“You show any signs of distress, we’re going with option two.”

“Mmhmm,” she hums without an ounce of sincerity.

“Serious, Princess. This takes a turn, I’m making the call.”

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