* * *
The next morning,I head to the hospital. Alone.
Should’ve known Wrath and Trinity would be there first. I roll my eyes at the ridiculous product of patch Wrath and Z had made for Grace.
Rock’s holding Grace close to his chest like she’s the most precious thing he’s ever seen.
After Wrath and Trinity leave, I ask if I can hold Grace, looking to Hope, then Rock for permission.
My new little sister screams and punches her fists in the air.
“Do you want to say hello to your big brother?” Hope tickles her daughter’s cheek.
My breath catches and I stare at Hope for a second. She hasn’t once tried to make me feel like shit or even hinted that she hates this new role I have in Rock’s life. She seems to have accepted it easier than Rock and I have.
Rock stands slowly, cradling Grace in his arms. He slides next to me and carefully passes the tiny little bundle into my arms.
She’s light and so perfect.
“Hi, baby Grace,” I whisper, staring at her sweet little face. She blinks up at me. “I’ve already been through this before. So I know all the little sister tricks.”
She coos and gurgles.
Hell help us all. I’ll do anything to keep her safe.
“She’s really beautiful, Hope.”
“Thank you.”
I pass her back to Rock. What do I even say? Emotion swells in my chest. I want all good things for Grace. I already know she has two parents who will love and protect her. But I’ll also always be here to protect her. Do better for her than I did for Heidi.
I’m happy for my president…my MC brother…my father. “Congratulations…Rock.” I can’t call him Dad. It would ruin this moment for him.
The hospital door pushes open and Heidi appears.
Guilt threatens to drown me. Like I’ve betrayed her by having all this love for another sister.
Murphy follows her inside, carrying Alexa.
I glance at Hope, and she nods at me.
As Murphy introduces Alexa to Grace, I nudge Heidi with my elbow. “I’m going.”
“Now?” She stares at me. “We just got here.”
More guilt rains over me. But I give her a casual shrug in return.
I need to leave. Now.
Heidi opens her mouth as if she’s about to protest again, but Alexa shouts, “Mine!”
Heidi’s attention is drawn to her daughter, giving me the chance to escape.
In the hallway, I close my eyes for a second.
The hospital scent fills my nose and propels me toward the exit.