Page 34 of Property of Madman

“Good answer,” I mumble, leaving the bedroom. We manage to make it to the front door, where we find River waiting next to the stairs with the Mule.

Gavin nods, “Good thinking.”

I couldn’t agree more. The last thing I wanted to do was huff it all the way to the SUV. We’re loading up, getting the kids situated, when the SUV comes barreling in our direction, Shadow behind the wheel.

“What is he doing?”

Gavin grins, “He must’ve gotten the message to prepare and thought it meant to get his ass over here right away.”

I’m grinning as he helps me out of the ATV and then into the SUV. These men panicking is extremely amusing and works tohelp keep me distracted as I’m bombarded by contraction pains. This baby is determined; that’s for sure.

“Can you drive the speed limit, or will you freak out if I’m in pain and then speed?” I question Shadow once I’m buckled in.

“I’ll do the limit, but if Prez tells me to kick it up a notch, best believe I’m speeding. Not having the club’s ol’ lady in jeopardy while I’m at the helm.”

Gavin growls from beside me. “She’s not the club’s, she’s mine.”

I’m quietly laughing, “We’re not in a boat, there’s no helm. But drive on, good sir.” I tease, and he beams in response. River’s up front beside him, and the littles are staying behind with Piper and our chef until the nanny flies in.

“You okay, little momma?” Gavin checks, his gaze full of worry now that we’re on the road and the younger kids aren’t around.

“You’re beside me, Gavin. It’s all I’ve ever wanted in the past when I’ve had our babies. So yeah, I’m more than okay.”

He leans in, kissing me tenderly, and I’ve never felt more loved by a man before.

Chapter 21

MADMAN

Our baby comes into the world screaming, and so help me, I never thought I could love someone the moment I metthem, but I do. He’s perfect, all eight pounds of him, and from the second he’s put into my hands, I vow to be everything he could ever need in a father.

This is a side of King’s Breeders I’ve never been able to be a part of. We sign our rights away before our client is pregnant. We are not involved with the pregnancy, the birth, or the childhood. Every ounce of information we have is at the will of the mother; it’s the deal we strike.

However, standing here, holding my precious baby, it changes something inside of me. I can understand why it was easier for us over the years when we missed out on all the important parts of bringing a baby into the world. I foolishly believed that having strong alpha male sperm, inseminating them naturally, and monitoring a woman’s health cycles was an important part of having a baby.

There’s so much more.

This time around, I was a part of everything from day one, and it was a life-changing experience I will never forget, nor take advantage of. It’s inspired me in a way, so I have to call Church and speak to the brothers. I send out a mass text, telling them to meet me.

We’ve been home a week now, so I know Audrey will be okay without me being up her ass about not wanting her to do anything. She believes she can handle caring for a newborn on her own, but the woman is nuts. I’m here to help, and I’ll do whatever it takes so she feels we’re partners in this parenthood life we’ve chosen to navigate together.

I change my shirt so I don’t smell like baby spit up, and slide my sock-clad feet into my boots. I offer a nod to Lincoln, who’s posted up on the couch, lying upside down while watching a YouTube video on the best way to tackle an opponent. He’s determined; I’ll give him that.

Hazel is passed out beside him, probably from the sugar overload she had this morning. The chef made her double chocolate waffles with fresh berries and cream. I watched Hazel drown it all in maple syrup until the plate was damn near swimming. I think she ate five bites and then went for a jog around the living room.

I grab my Stetson on my way out the door and make the trek to the clubhouse. The nanny will be around to help out for a while, so I’m not too worried about the younger kids being at the house without me. I’m not counting on the nanny for everything, but it’s nice to have her around while I learn to navigate life with a newborn and a healing ol’ lady.

Parenting is hard work. Or I should say, mom-ing is hard work. I don’t know how women do it without a freaking village of help. We’re fortunate Audrey is loaded, so she can afford the extra people around pitching in. With a big yawn, I scratch my belly as I bypass River and Nickle playing video games on the main television and head into Church.

Brass has beaten me here, making my brows rise as I take him in. He’s been up a while, probably on his third cup of coffee if I had to guess. “Brother.”

“Prez.”

“You’re here early.”

He nods. “It’s a breeding day. We have a full schedule this week.”

“Shit, with Audrey going into labor and us being busy, I’ve been distracted.”

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