Page 35 of Friar
“I’m gonna get you a plate,” I said, standing and brushing off my jeans.“You need to eat something besides those chips.”
Cheri’s hand brushed mine, a light touch that carried more meaning than outsiders would understand.“Thanks.I am getting hungry.”
I nodded, oddly pleased by this simple domestic task.Caring for her, providing for her -- it felt right in a way few things in my life ever had.I made my way toward the food tables, nodding to brothers as I passed, accepting the occasional slap on the back or raised beer in greeting.
The spread was impressive -- Beast’s famous brisket, Forge’s spicy ribs, burgers, hot dogs, and enough side dishes to feed an army.I grabbed a paper plate and loaded it with a bit of everything, knowing Cheri’s appetite had finally returned after months of morning sickness.Before I made my way back to the table, I stopped to grab a beer, setting Cheri’s plate down so I could dig out the brand I wanted.
I made my way back to the table, and Cheri’s face lit up when I set the food in front of her.“This looks amazing,” she said, immediately spearing a piece of brisket with her fork.
I sat beside her, our thighs touching under the table.“Eat up.I’ve heard pregnant women need protein.”
She rolled her eyes but took another bite.“This tastes… strange,” she said after a moment, her brow furrowing slightly.
“Beast probably tried a new rub,” I said, taking a swig of my beer.“Guy’s always experimenting.”
Cheri shrugged and continued eating.“It’s got this weird metallic aftertaste.But I’m too hungry to care.”She took another bite of the brisket, then moved on to the beans.
I watched her eat, a sense of contentment settling over me that I’d never expected to feel.This woman, this baby -- they’d crashed into my life uninvited, but now I couldn’t imagine a world without them.It was like finding a missing piece I hadn’t known was gone.
“You know,” I started, “I was thinking we could convert the spare room into a proper nursery.Paint it, get some more furniture.Make it real.”
Cheri paused mid-bite, her eyes finding mine.“Really?”
“Yeah, really.”I reached over, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.“It’s happening, church girl.Might as well be ready.”
She smiled, but it faltered, a strange expression crossing her face.She set down her fork, one hand going to her stomach.“I don’t feel right,” she said, her voice suddenly thin.
I straightened, beer forgotten.“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know.”She swallowed hard, her face paling visibly.“My stomach…” She doubled over, arms wrapping around her midsection as a low moan escaped her lips.
“Cheri?”Alarm shot through me like an electric current.“What is it?What’s happening?”
She looked up at me, her eyes wide with fear.Sweat beaded on her forehead, dampening the hair at her temples.“Something’s wrong,” she gasped, and then suddenly lurched forward, vomiting violently onto the ground between her feet.
My beer bottle slipped from my hand, shattering on the concrete.The sound seemed to echo across the yard, drawing eyes our way.“Cheri!”I was on my feet instantly, catching her as she swayed.
“The baby,” she whispered, clutching her stomach.“Friar, the baby…” Her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed against me, her body going limp.
“Help!”I roared, gathering her into my arms.“Somebody fucking help!”
The barbecue erupted into chaos.Leigha screamed.Beast was suddenly there, his massive frame blocking the sun as he bent over us.“What the fuck happened?”he demanded.
“I don’t know,” I said, my voice cracking.“She was eating, then she just… Jesus Christ, somebody call Dr.Cooper!Where’s Kestral?”
“Already on it,” Hawk said, phone pressed to his ear as he backed away to hear better.I heard him talking to Dr.Kestral while I focused on Cheri.
Her skin had gone ashen, her breathing shallow and rapid.I pressed my hand to her belly, terrified for the life inside, for both the lives in my care.Her eyelids fluttered, consciousness coming and going.
Hawk took the phone from his ear, looking grim.“Kestral says he thinks it’s poison.She needs to go to the clinic immediately and he’ll meet you there.The ER would mean dealing with the police.”
I didn’t wait for further instruction.I lifted Cheri fully into my arms, her weight nothing against the adrenaline surging through my system.Forge fell in beside me as I strode toward the parking lot, his expression murderous.
“Who did this?”I snarled, not slowing my pace.“Who the fuck would do this?”
“We’ll find out,” Forge promised, his voice deadly calm.“You get her to the clinic.I’ll handle this end.”
I laid Cheri across the back seat of my truck, her body limp as a rag doll.Fear clawed at my insides, a raw, primal terror I’d never experienced before.Not for myself -- never for myself -- but for her.For them.
