Page 45 of Lore
Why can’t that bastard sing something upbeat?
The lyrics make me want to drag her back upstairs and beg on my knees for her to forgive me.
To take me back.
To fucking love all of me again.
I glance down at the baby monitor in my other hand, watching Dove sleeping in her cot. My little baby butterfly. She is the sweetest girl ever. I then look at Rider, who is fast asleep, hugging a pillow.
Why did I never want kids?
I know it has to do with my childhood, and the love I didn’t always feel growing up. My mother used to bring man after man home, looking for a love that she’d never find. One she didn’t bother to look for in me, her son. And I don’t even know who my father is, so I guess I never thought I’d be a good dad because I didn’t exactly have that role model in my life.
But I know good men.
I’m surrounded by them every day.
And I know I will be a great father because I will make sure that I am.
Failure is not an option.
And I’m around men and women who will hold me accountable to that.
War sits down next to me, nodding to Rose for a beer. “A letter was delivered to the clubhouse for Atiana.”
I still, my hand tightening around the glass bottle. “Today?”
“Yeah, we only just saw it,” he replies, turning his head to study me. Prez will call church tomorrow morning. But Angel found Trent. We have eyes on him. Blade said he’s been moving his money around, trying to cover his ass.”
“I don’t care what problems that motherfucker has, but he needs to leave my woman and kids alone,” I grit out, watching Atiana smile at something Lu says to her.
“Does she know that she’s yours?” War smirks, watching Ora throw her head back and laugh, then still and gasp.
She stands up and looks down at her feet.
War also stands, sensing something is wrong.
“The baby is coming!” she calls out, her eyes rounded.
Haze stops his playing, and War all but runs to her, wrapping her in his arms.
“Lu, can you get her bags? I’ll get her in the truck,” he calls out, and I can tell he’s freaking the fuck out.
“I’m on it,” Lu replies, rushing upstairs.
War turns to me. “Can you call Prez and Scorp and tell them it’s time?”
I nod and walk over to Ora and kiss her temple. She glances up at me and winces in pain. “Lore, I don’t want to do this anymore.”
“You don’t have a choice, darlin’,” I remind her gently. “You’ve got this. We’ll all follow you to the hospital.”
She nods, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths.
Atiana comes up next to me and smiles at Ora. “If you need anything, please let us know.”
“You’re the only one here that’s given birth,” she says, eyes flashing open as she grabs onto my woman’s arm. “I’m fucking terrified.”
“I won’t let anything happen to you or the baby, Ora,” War growls, kissing the top of her head. “It’s going to be okay. Let’s get you there so they can give you some fucking drugs.”
