by Land, E. C.
Dr. Connor’s takes a moment before she continues. “There is one other thing we did find: your wife is pregnant. I’m pretty sure your wife didn’t know, it being so early. Five weeks according to the ultrasound we did. The baby seems to be fine, and we will be monitoring it to make sure everything stays that way. I’m sure you are anxious to see her. Right now the nurses are moving her to a room in ICU. If you give them about thirty minutes the nurses should have everything situated and you can see her.
Kenny is in a coma due to injuries Flame caused. Fuck I wish I could bring the motherfucker back from the dead just to torture him before putting a bullet through his head again. Fuck!
“She’s gonna be okay brother,” Twister says as he pats my shoulders
I nod my head not saying a word before walking back to our brothers to let them know what the doctor said. "She’s going to be okay, right now they have her in an induced coma to help her heal." I can’t tell them everything that the doctor said. I need some time to let it sink in myself. "They're moving her up to the third floor ICU. Said they’d have her set up in about thirty minutes. "
“Told you she would be okay, son. She’s a fighter. I knew it when I first met her. You two will get through this. She will be back to being her sassy, smart-mouth self in no time at all," Pops says as we make our way to the elevators. "And congratulations on the baby. I’m gonna be a fucking grandpop."
Fuck I don’t even want to think about the baby right now. Not until I see Kenny with my own two eyes. Not until she wakes up. Fuck yeah, I want to be excited, but I just can’t. At least not until I see Kenny open her eyes. Shit sucks that this is how we find out about it her being pregnant.
Once I get to the ICU nurses station, I ask which room they put my wife in. One of the nurses asks that we wait a few more minutes since they are still getting her set up. At my scowl she gives me the room number before scurrying away. Finding the room, I make my way inside, stopping just inside the door. At the sight of Kenny, I want nothing more than to fall to my knees and beg her to wake up.
Damn, she looks so small lying there in that bed with all these wires and tubes attached to what seems like every part of her body. Leaning forward, I kiss her forehead. "Hey sweet girl I’m here and I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying right here with you. You can make it through this, Pops is right you’re a fighter. So fucking fight, sweet girl. Fight for us. Fight to come back to me. I love you. I love you so fucking much I can’t live without you. Not again. Not after having spent the last four years apart from you. Don’t make me do that. Please." I hold her hand as I let my emotions get the best of me. I’m not one to cry, but fuck, seeing her like this and the memory of how I found her… I let the tears fall. Fuck whoever sees. These tears are for her.
I don’t want to leave Kenny’s side so when the nurse comes in to check on her, I ask the nurse to go get Twister. At the nurse’s protests I tell her she can shove the rule’s up her ass. I’m not leaving this room until Kenny opens her eyes and there are other people that want to see her. And if she didn’t go get him, I would find someone else who would. With wide eyes she nods before running out of the room.
"Brother, how is she?" Twister asks as he walks in the room a couple minutes later. He looks like hell. I know I should have had them let him in sooner, but I needed a minute alone with her. I watch as he steps up to the other side of the bed before leaning into kiss her forehead. "Hey, baby girl you gotta get better. I need you. You’re not allowed to leave me. Your all I have left in the world besides the club. The only blood I have." Twister whispers to his sister as he strokes her hair. It’s something she loves to have someone do. It helps to relax her when she feels fingers running through her hair.
One night as she and I were laying in bed, I had been doing just that- running my fingers through her hair. She told me how her dad and Twister used to do that for her when she needed comforting, and it always made her feel good. I watch as Twister, our Prez and the man who is feared by so many, about to break at the sight of his sister. Kenny has him wrapped around her finger, just as she has me. This woman sure can bring the men in her life to their knees.
“The day she was born, dad sat me in a chair in my mom’s room and placed a pillow in my lap before handing her to me. ‘You’re her big brother, son. You have to always protect her and make sure she never hurts for nothing cause that’s what big brothers do’ my dad told me that day. I failed him in watching over her. He would be ashamed at how I haven’t been able to protect her,” Twisters admits.
“Prez, you know as much as I do your sister would beat anyone’s ass who tried to do anything to protect her. Hell, she ran away just to keep that from happening. She wants to say she was protecting you and the club, but really it was she didn’t want to be stuck in bubble wrap.”
“You’re right but I still feel guilty this shit happened.”
“Yeah I know man. I’m feeling it. She’s my fucking world and I let her down. Again.”
“Fuck! Never again will we let something happen. Not ever again.”
The rest of the night goes by quietly as we sit watching over Kenny to make sure nothing happens. Neither of us want to leave her side. When morning comes, Dr. Connor’s comes in the room to check on Kenny and let us know they will be doing some tests today. She said they need to check the swelling and do some lab work to keep an eye on the pregnancy.
With everything that’s happened with Kenny I forget about the run I was supposed to go on. Thank fuck my pops steps in and is handling it for us. With Thorn and Rage, they will make sure it goes according to plan. I have enough shit to worry about.
Twister and I refuse to go far from Kenny. I’ve only left her side when she was taken for testing, only going down to the cafeteria to grab some shitty food and coffee. I even had Twister bring me some clean clothes when he had to go to the club to handle some shit so I could shower here.
When Kenny was brought back from testing, I was already back in her room waiting for her. The nurses smile at me as they let me know that testing went well and the doctor will come talk to me when she has the results. I nod and I sit down next to Kenny holding her uninjured hand so I can at least be touching her. It’s the closest I can be with her laying in the hospital bed.
“Mr. Danes, how are you holding up?” Finally, Dr. Connors walks in a couple hours later.
“Sorry it took me so long getting in here. The results took a little longer than expected. But we have good news: the medicine is working. We can start to reduce the medication to ease her out of the coma. Now, it may take a few days for that to happen. Her body has been through a great deal and needs the time to heal.”
“Thank you, Dr. Connors. I mean it.”
“You’re welcome. Once she wakes up, we should be able to move her out of the ICU,” Doctor Connor’s says just before walking out of the room.
"See sweet girl you’re getting better already. Told you, you’re a fighter. Keep on fighting. I love you. I’ll be here when you wake up." I lean forward kissing her gently before sitting back in my chair.
I drift off for the first time forty-eight hours imagining her out of this place, happy and smiling. I can’t wait to see those beautiful eyes of hers. And for the first time since finding out, I can feel excitement over her our child growing inside her. I can only hope she will be happy about the baby, just as I am.
23
Kenny
What is that incessant beeping noise? Why does my body hurt so bad? It shouldn’t hurt like this.
I open my eyes slowly blinking at the dull lighting. As I look around, I see that I’m in the hospital. I feel a hand on mine. Turning I see Scotty asleep in an awkward position.
A smile forms on my face at how uncomfortable and adorable he looks right now. If I had the energy I would wake him, but my eyes are heavy. I can barely keep them open. As I drift off again it feels completely different this time. I don’t feel like it’s a dark sleep with nothing around me. This sleep feels more peac
eful and I can see the light everywhere.
I look around me seeing that I’m at one of my most favorite places to be during the summer. The beach. It feels so real instead of just a dream. I can hear the waves crash against the shore. Smell the salt in the air. This must be what heaven looks like.
“My beautiful girl. Look how much you’ve grown.” I hear a voice that I’ve wanted to hear again since I was a little girl. My daddy. I turn to see him standing there. I smile not able to help but run to him like I’m five years old again. He used to always make me feel like a princess even though I was always a tomboy. "Daddy I’ve missed you so much."
"I know my baby girl. I miss you too, but I watch over you every single day. So, has your momma. We both love you and your brother so much, and want nothing but happiness for you both. We couldn’t be more proud of the two of you than we already are," My daddy says hugging me to him. God, I used to love the feel of how strong his arms were around me it’s almost as good as being in Scotty’s arms.
"Baby girl you’re going to get better. Everything that’s happened to, you don’t let it get to you. You are a fighter and have a great man to share your life with. To raise a family with. Remember when you were a little girl?" At my nod, he continues. "Don't let anything hold you down or you will always regret what could have been. Always live for what you want without the pain of the past. The past is in the past, and we all have to move forward to find our future. You’re a Rogers. We let nothing hold us back."
“I love you, daddy, I won’t forget; I promise. And I won't let the past hold me back. We’re Rogers; we fight for what we want.”
“That’s right baby girl. Remember that, and always love the people that mean the most to you. Now it’s time for you to wake up and live the rest of your life. Take care your brother and of that man of yours he’s a good one.” He gives me one last hug and kisses my forehead. I wish I didn’t have to leave him.
Suddenly, he’s gone and the incessant beeping in the background returns. What wakes me up is hearing a voice. Scotty’s sweet, raspy voice.
"Sweet girl you're killing me here. I need for you to wake up. Show me those beautiful bright eyes of yours. I can’t stand the thought of the pain you’re in. I love you too much, and hurt for you." I hear Scotty talking to me as his hand strokes the side of my face.
When I go to open my eyes its easier this time. As I slowly open them, I blink my eyes at the lighting. This time I know I’ll be able to stay awake even with the pain I’m in.
As I look at Scotty, he has his head bent. He looks completely exhausted.
"Hey, honey." I squeak out, barely able to talk due to my throat being dry. My voice causes Scotty to jump unexpectedly. "Water." Scotty immediately reaches for the water filling a cup and placing a straw in it so that I’m able to drink some.
"Hey, my sweet girl, welcome back. I’ve missed you so fucking much." He smiles at me while holding the cup to my lip. Once done he places it on the table next to him before hitting a button on the inside of the bed. "I’m calling the nurses station to let the nurses know you're awake."
It doesn’t take long for one of them to come rushing into the room. The nurse is really sweet as she checks my vitals and asks me a few questions. When she’s done with everything, she says that the doctor will be in soon and asks if I need anything for the pain. I shake my head not wanting to take anything right now. I just want to be awake for a little while. If it gets too bad, I’ll let them know, but for now I can handle it.
"Sweet girl, you sure you’re okay? After everything that’s happened, I need to know where you are mentally. I know you just woke up, but I’m scared shitless here. I swear you don’t ever have to fear anything like that again. Not fuckin’ ever again. I’m gonna protect you." The anguish on his face brings tears to my eyes. I know this man will do everything in his power to make sure I’m protected.
"Honey I’m fine really I am. You know what was going through my head the entire time that they had me? That you would get to me before anything terribly bad happens. That you would protect me. I’m not going to let them affect my life any more than they already have." I pause looking down at my body, then back up to him. I lift my wrist. "This is nothing I can’t handle. So, I’m bruised and sore. Most of that was caused by the accident. I’ll heal physically and I’ll have you there for me if I need you mentally. You got to me before anything bad happened. You protected me, and I know you will continue to do so. That’s what I love about you so much."
"Still I know you have to feel something about everything that happened." The doubt in his eyes says he doesn’t believe me when I say I’m fine.
"Are they dead?" I look in his eyes. If I’m truly gonna be okay, I need to hear the truth. Only then can I tell him again. Before he can answer me, the doctor knocks on the door.
"Hey guys. I’m glad to see that you're awake. You have had a lot of people worried about you. I’m Dr. Connors. How are you feeling?" This woman is a doctor? No way! She looks like she’s my age. Answering her questions, I let her know that other than some slight pain, I’m okay. She gives me a look like she doubts me, but goes about evaluating me to make sure that everything is as I said. "Well, you seem to definitely be healing well. I do want to have an ultrasound machine brought up now that you're awake so we can check on the little one. Make sure everything is okay with him or her. Is that okay with you Kenny?"
Whoa wait what? Me? A little one? Does she mean baby?
I look at Scotty for confirmation that I heard her right. At his nod, my head spins.
I’m pregnant!
Holy shit I’m pregnant!
Oh god, the baby! Did those assholes hurt my baby? Panicking I look at the doctor tears forming in my eyes. "Please, I need to see my baby. I didn’t know I was pregnant. Please let the baby be okay."
My baby! Scotty’s baby! Our baby!
Scotty is instantly by my side holding me to him "Shhh sweet girl you’re okay, and the baby is okay. I promise."
"I swear Scotty I didn’t know I would have told you if I had. Are you okay with this, with having a baby? You have to be, I don’t think I could handle you not being okay. I want this baby so much. It’s a piece of you and me together." Scotty places a finger over my lips to stop my rambling.
"Sweet girl if I didn’t want you pregnant or for you to have my kid, 1. I wouldn’t have married you. 2. I would have been wearing a condom, or made sure you were at least on birth control before I fucked you without one. And 3. I’m happy as fuck that you're pregnant." Scotty tells me with the sincerest smile on his face. “And yes, sweet girl to answer your question, you have nothing to fear from any of those motherfuckers ever again.”
"I love you so much! I can honestly tell you that I will be just fine. Well as long as our baby is fine I will be. It’s like my dad use to say. ‘Don't let anything hold you down or you will always regret what could have been. Always live for what you want without the pain of the past.’ So, I know without a doubt that I’ll make it through this. Plus, I have you with me to protect me from the things that go bump in the night." I reach up to stroke his cheek and run my fingers across his lips.
Scotty leans in to kiss me as another knock sounds stopping him. Granted I didn’t appreciate the interruption, but I have no problem with it being the ultrasound tech. I was more than ready to see my baby. Once she has everything prepped and ready, she slides a condom on a stick looking thing informing me that since I wasn’t far enough along this was the best way to check on our little one.
Well okay then.
As I watch the screen, she points and within seconds we see this tiny little thing that looks like a peanut. The tech pushes some buttons as we stare at the screen, and the most precious sound fills the room: our baby’s heartbeat.
"Well looks like you have a healthy baby inside there, safe and sound. Nice strong heart beat."
I listen to the sound of the baby as I watch the tech finish taking measurements. When she’s done, she prints out se
veral pictures, handing them to us. On her way out she congratulates us on our baby. Tears form in my eyes. I can’t help but run my fingers over the image of the baby I’m already in love with. I look up at Scotty. I hope he can see how much I love him, and how happy I am to have him in my life.
"Sweet girl, I love you so damn much. Thank you for the best fucking gift you could ever give me," Scotty says as he leans down kissing me. "Now you rest some and take care of our baby. I’ll be right here when you wake up. I promise."
Smiling I nod and close my eyes knowing our life couldn’t get any better.
Epilogue
3 months later
Kenny
Since coming home from the hospital, I swear my house is constantly swarming with one person or another. Between Scotty, my brother, the guys from the club and my girls, it’s like I can’t have a moment's worth of peace. I know what happened scared them just as much as me, but damn a girl needs to be alone at some point.
Right after being released from the hospital I called all the girls from the bar to the house for a meeting. It’s not like Scotty was gonna let me go to the bar to have a meeting. He wouldn’t even let me move further than the couch the first week or so without him carrying me. I was lucky that he let me go to the bathroom by my damn self.
When the girls got to the house and after they all were certain that I was okay and would live, I informed them that some changes were gonna happen. I turned to Cristy and asked her if she would be willing to take on more as the manager of the bar. At her enthusiastic nod, I took that as a yes. Also informed the girls that I wouldn’t be there as much anymore and if they needed me to hire a few more girls I would. They just needed to let me know.
As everyone was getting ready to head out, Lynsdey stayed behind. I could tell something was on her mind. She floored me when she said she needed a change from working at the bar. With a sad smile, I told her that I understood, and that if she ever wanted her job back it was hers. No matter what she was one of my best friends. Hopefully whatever’s going on with her she will come to me when she’s ready. I hope at least.