The Rogue (Hideaway Springs #3)

31. Tessa

31

“ H ey, beautiful.”

Levi’s voice is the first I hear when I wake in the bright, sterile room.

It’s so soothing, I may as well be waking up in heaven.

I’m hooked up to an IV. I wait for the sharp pain in my lower back. Dejavu from the last time I woke up in the hospital. But there's no pain. Nothing hurts. Except my head and my body from all the tension.

“Kenny,” I rasp.

Levi hands me a plastic cup with water. “He’s alright. He might be losing his job, but he’s alright.”

I shift uncomfortably and take a sip. “I’m so tired.”

“They’re hydrating you.” His gaze lingers on my stomach. “Both of you.”

I frown. “What?”

He smiles. “We’re having a baby, Tess.”

A breath puffs out of me. “Are…you sure?” My voice is barely above a whisper. Tears already welling in my eyes because I feel it—I’ve been feeling it .

He’s the picture of calm as he flashes me a grin. “I am now.”

My face pales, my hand moving to my stomach. “Is everything alright?”

“Baby is fine.” He glances back. “Which is what the doctor told me after they examined you.”

I drop my head back. Tears streaming down the side of my face. “I’ve been feeling so weird lately.”

Laughter fills his eyes. “I know. I had my suspicions.”

I watch him. “You did?”

“I’ve been so worried for you, Tess. Every restless night. Every meal averted. Your mood swings. Then with all this weighing over your shoulders...”

I reach to stroke his beard. He catches it, bringing it to his face. “You’re about six weeks,” he tells me. “Are you happy?”

I smile weakly, scrunching my nose. “Yeah. Yeah, I think so.” I roll my eyes. “Who am I kidding?” I swipe a loose tear from my face. “I’m over the moon to have your baby, Cowboy.”

He releases a breathy, relieved laugh. “Good.” He grips my hand. “Because I want a big family with you, Whiskey.”

I smile back. Then gasp. “Oh my God, Jackson.”

“Dad’s got him. He’ll spend the night.” He leans in. “And he was in school today. All day.”

I cover my face, feeling humiliated. “I thought it was your ex-wife.”

“I realized that.” He swallows. “I’m sorry you have to deal with my drama.”

I scoff. “Yeah. Your drama.” I look around the hospital room. “How did you all find me, anyway?”

He rubs my ring finger. “This told us where you were. And that you were alive. ”

I release a heavy breath. "Well, look at that. Being your wife really saved my life."

“Frank wants you to wear it for a while. Make sure there is no one else we don’t know about. And I’m getting you a new phone number. I don’t like that he was able to reach you.” He perks a brow. “I don’t like that you responded to a cryptic message when you knew your life was in danger.”

I wince. “I’m sorry. I panicked. It wasn’t Kenny’s fault. He shouldn’t lose his job.”

“His job was to keep you safe,” he says tightly. “ My job was to keep you safe.”

I pout, hoping it gains me some sympathy because I’m pretty sure he’s waiting for the right moment to yell at me for all this. “I don’t make it easy.”

He smooths the top of my head and grins. “I married the town rogue. I signed up for this.”