Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82907 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82907 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“Oh no…”
I hit the button on the wall so the garage door opened. “I have to go.”
“Alright.”
I grabbed Cassini and got her to the hospital. I did exactly what Balto would do, bossing people around and making threats until she saw a doctor right away—cutting through everyone in line because I didn’t give a shit about anyone else.
When she was in the room, the doctor did a few tests, including watching the baby on the ultrasound machine.
She was scared—and in pain.
I held her hand and whispered to her. “Everything is going to be alright, Cassini. I’m sure he’s fine.” I interlocked our fingers, looking into her tear-stained face as I felt my self-loathing grow. I shouldn’t be the one comforting her right now.
“I’m scared,” she whispered. “He’s my baby…”
“I know.” I squeezed her hand. “But he’ll be alright.” I lied to her, lied to her to calm her down.
When the doctor was finally done, he delivered the news. “Your son is fine. You’re just experiencing some early contractions, but they’re temporary and will pass. Most women don’t even feel them.”
“He’s going to be okay?” she asked, squeezing my hand hard. “He’s fine?”
“Yes. Everything looks normal.” He shut down the ultrasound. “I’ll give you two a minute.”
When the doctor left, she broke down in sobs. “Oh my god…” Both of her hands went to her stomach as she faced the ceiling, her eyes closed, tears dripping from the corners of her eyes to her ears.
My hand rested on her arm. “He’s alright, Cassini.”
“I know… I was just so scared.”
I rubbed her gently. “I know. But this is Balto’s son. You know he’s a beast.”
She smiled slightly, still crying.
“The doctor said he’ll give you something to stop the pain for the next few days. How about I drop you off at home then wait at the pharmacy until it’s ready?”
She wiped her tears away and ignored what I said. “Can you call him?”
I knew he was in the middle of something, so a phone call probably wasn’t practical. I pulled out my phone and texted him. Cassini is okay, so is the baby. Everything is fine. I’m going to take her home now.
He didn’t text back, but he’d probably look at that message as soon as possible and feel relieved.
“I texted him, probably shouldn’t call him right now.”
She nodded, still lying on the bed. “I wish he were here…”
I bowed my head in shame, closing my eyes. “I’m so sorry.”
She grabbed my hand again. “It’s okay, Heath. Thank you for taking care of me.”
“Of course. I’m always here for you.” I would die for her, because that was the kind of loyalty that was shared between Balto and me. He would do the same for me if I had a wife. I squeezed her hand. “And I’ll go back to work so Balto can be home with you.”
She didn’t argue with that, not hiding the fact that she hated Balto impersonating me.
“I’m sorry I even allowed him to.”
She still didn’t say anything.
I felt terrible.
“I don’t want it to happen again, Heath,” she whispered. “You’re the one who chose to be the Skull King. Balto chose to leave. Don’t put us in that situation ever again.”
Balto had offered, and I never would have asked. But I didn’t tell her that. “I promise.”
“Then take me home.”
I got to my feet and helped her off the bed and to the floor.
“Could you do something else for me?”
I tucked her arm through mine so I could support her as I walked her out of the hospital. “Anything.”
“Maybe some ice cream? Balto never has sweets in the house—”
“I’ll get you anything you want.” I smiled at her. “Let’s get you home, and I’ll grab the medication and everything else.”
“Okay, thank you.”
I got her into the house before I returned to my truck and drove to the pharmacy. I was about to open the door when Balto called.
I answered right away. “I just dropped her off at home. I’m grabbing her medication at the pharmacy.”
He must have been alone because he was candid. “What did the doctor say?”
“Something about early contractions—but they are normal. I guess all women have them, but most don’t feel them. I’m grabbing the medication the doctor prescribed to make her more comfortable until they pass. She also asked me to get her some ice cream.”
He didn’t chuckle at the last thing I said. “My son is fine?”
“Yes.”
“And my wife?”
“A little shaken up, but she’s okay.”
He sighed into the phone, showing all of his emotion in just that simple pause.
“I’ll return tomorrow. You’ve done enough.”
He was quiet for a long time. “I want to help you, Heath. But my wife and son come first—”
“You don’t need to explain yourself, Balto. I understand. I shouldn’t have let you take my place to begin with.”
“Are you sure you’re strong enough?”