Page 27 of Wild Runaway
Joseph puts a reassuring arm around my shoulder.
“You ready?”
His sparkling eyes are full of a confidence in me that I wish I felt. I let out a deep breath and pull my spine up as tall as my protruding belly will allow.
“Let’s do this.”
I step into the sunlight and falter when I see the line of cameras and waiting press. My gaze lifts behind them to the line of Wild Riders, their wives and Hailey. There are other people from the mountain who I recognize. The entire community has turned out for the opening of the center, and the support gives me courage and makes me stand taller.
I step confidently to the podium and waiting cameras. Joseph never leaves my side, glaring at anyone who gets too close.
He grumbled at me opening the center when I was eight months pregnant, but I reasoned it’s better to get it up and running before the baby arrives. The center needs publicity, and I need to get the word out there to whoever needs to hear it.
The Wild Riders MC agreed to help fund the center. They leased me land near their compound and helped build the cabins that make up the retreat.
It’s nestled in the woods, surrounded by a large fence and at least two Wild Riders on security at all times. The place really feels like a refuge.
The location is nondisclosed, which is why we’re doing the press conference at the Wild Riders HQ. In the pamphlets and social ads, I give the same message. Go to the Hope train station and call the number I give out. We have volunteers on the mountain 24/7 ready to give a lift when a call comes in. Women and their children can stay as long as they need.
After the press conference, Hailey takes over, leading the press through to the bar, where there’s a screening of a video we shot showing the facilities but being careful to hide any identifiable landmarks.
Maggie’s done the catering, and Kendra helped plan the opening. I’ve got a team of mountain women who have helped me get this project off the ground, and I’m thankful for every one of them.
I’ll join them inside soon for any further questions, but the hardest part of my day is over.
Danni has been watching Rose, who’s an active one year old now. She hands her over to Joseph, and my daughter laughs as her father swings her into the air. She’s the only father Rose will ever know, and that’s fine by me. Ian didn’t even try to get access to his daughter, not that I’d have let him. I haven’t heard from him since he left the mountain. Badge made sure his team memorized Ian’s license plate, and if he’s stupid enough to set foot on the mountain again, he’ll be notified.
Badge also took my statement and pictures of the bruises to keep on file in case I ever want to file a report.
I barely give Ian a second thought these days. I’m too busy. With our expanding family and the center to set up, it’s been a hectic few months.
The knot in my stomach tightens, which is weird, because the press conference that I’ve been nervous about is out of the way.
My stomach clenches, and I gasp.
“What is it?” Joseph’s at my side instantly, cradling Rose in his arms.
I look down to the puddle of water on the ground. His gaze follows mine.
“Oh shit.”
I’ve never seen my husband look so terrified, and I bark out a laugh.
“Prez!” he shouts, and every member of the MC turns at his tone.
“I need a van and a driver.”
He practically throws Rose at Danni as he lifts me into his arms. I’m already a curvy girl and when you add a baby in my belly, it’s enough to make even Joseph stumble.
“I can walk.”
I laugh as I bat his shoulder, but he won’t put me down. It’s useless to try to change his mind, so I relax in his arms as he carries me to the van that Prez has ordered into the courtyard.
“It’s early. Why is it early?”
Joseph is seriously freaking out, and I try to explain that due dates are pretty random but he’s too panicked. My laugh turns to a grimace as another contraction squeezes my insides.
Joseph practically throws me into the back of the van, and I just have time to buckle up before we take off. Luckily Arlo is driving and not my panicked husband.
