Guarding Forever

“You’re right. I can’t live in fear, but I don’t know if I’m ready.”

“We have the two guys prepared to care for us. Nothing is going to happen.”

“Funny, I spent years locked away and I wanted nothing but my freedom. Now, I’m afraid of that freedom.”

“We’re going to do our best to live our lives as they are. I’m taking the day off so we can go tomorrow, and we’re taking Johnathan with us because he needs to get out as well. Besides, that will give the guys some actual real work to do.”

“You’re right. I need to remember the woman I was. I can’t let these…bastards…get the better of me. I escaped his grasp before. I won’t let him trap me again.”

“That’s the queen I married.” He crushed his lips to hers in a deep, penetrating kiss.

“Ma…ma…”

“Johnathan,” she squealed and picked her little boy up off the mat, holding him close.

“I love you, my sweet boy.” She kissed his chubby cheeks, making him coo and reach for her face. “Say Mama.”

“Ma…ma.” The gentle voice brought a smile to their faces and warmed their hearts. The love they felt for Johnny was immeasurable.

“Tomorrow the new housekeeper comes. I’m sure the guys will be excited.”

“I know, right? I’m kind of nervous. Colt’s recommendations are always good, but I’m still hesitant.”

“Well, there were only two applicants in the two months since we started looking, and neither were even remotely good enough.”

“I know, but I trust my cousin. Take a deep breath. I’m sure she’ll be wonderful.” It was the beginning of September and Hope was six months pregnant. The weather had cooled a little, giving her some relief when it came to cooking, but she still needed the help.

“Why does she have to be a she?” She complained about that, but at this point she’d take anyone. Between the heat and her massive belly, she ended up taking longer to get the meals done, which only made her even more tired than she’d been when she started cooking.

“Because I have enough dicks around here to drive me nuts. I don’t want another man invading your personal space.”

“Fine. I guess you have a point there.”

“Let’s get him to bed and do the same for ourselves.”

“I can agree with that one.”

“We’re going to the doctor’s office and then to the grocery store. The housekeeper will be here around two. We should be back before then. Don’t let anyone else on the property,” he told his mother, who would be babysitting Johnny. She’d offered to stay with him, so they changed their plans and decided to do some extra errands while they were out.

“Of course, Gage.”

The two guards followed them out, loading them into one vehicle before hopping into their own. Denver and Mike had it pretty easy, and they wondered if they were missing something. They had been given the rundown from Sean as well as Gage, but they knew it only took one moment to let their guard down for something crazy to happen.

The ride to the clinic in Austin had been uneventful. They parked in the lot but Gage and Hope didn’t exit their vehicle until Denver gave Gage the signal. He walked around and helped his wife out. They had gotten halfway to the entrance when a warm breeze sent Hope’s hair across her face and her summer dress to flow around her. Gage stopped to take in the sight and came undone. “Beautiful,” he whispered before tucking the loose strands behind her ear.

She blushed, smiling and unable to speak. He kissed her hand and walked her inside. About three minutes later, they were taken into the room and Hope’s vitals were recorded. The nurse handed Hope a small cup. “I’ll need a urine sample, please.”

After doing her business, she set the cup in the special box for the nurse to pick up and then she returned to Gage. “The doctor will be with you in just a minute.”

“Let me help you up.” Gage scooped up his wife and sat her on the examination bed. He kissed her lips and then stepped back to get a grip. Everything about her turned him on. She had no idea even after all this time what she did to him with just a smile.

The couple’s attention was brought to the door when the doctor knocked and then entered. “It’s so good to see you,” Dr. Hart said as she moved to Hope’s side.

“Thank you.”

She pumped some hand sanitizer on her hands, rubbing it in before shaking their hands. “I haven’t seen you in two months, so we’re going to need to do an ultrasound. I’m sure everything’s good, but I want to double check.”

“Wonderful. We can’t wait to meet this little one.”

She began to go over the vitals the nurse took before she came in and then helped Hope to lie on the bed. Measuring her stomach for proper uterus size, the doctor spread out the tape and then made her notes.