corner of the living room and his food and water dishes in the kitchen. Hayley put some fruit in his bowl, and he snacked while we ate our dinner.
By the time Dr. Kestral arrived, Hayley had fed Freya once more and looked like she was ready to fall asleep. He examined her in our bedroom, with me present for the entire thing. Hayley gripped my hand while he listened to her heart, checked her eyes, and went through whatever mental checklist doctors seem to have for a routine exam.
“I’d like to take some blood, but I’ll need you to come to my office for that. I didn’t have the right supplies at home or I’d have brought them with me. I just want to make sure you have enough iron and get a baseline to use for future visits.” Dr. Kestral patted her hand. “Mostly, I want you to get some rest. You won’t do anyone any good, least of all your daughter, if you collapse from exhaustion.”
“I’ll see that she gets more sleep,” I said.
“Welcome to the Reckless Kings family, Hayley.” Dr. Kestral gave her a wink. “I’m glad to see there’s someone who can keep this one in check.”
I shook my head, but he’d made her smile so I let the ribbing slide. And the wink. The doc was an unofficial member of the club and had been treating all of us for a long while. He knew how to keep his mouth shut, and he was damn good at his job. I trusted him with Hayley, and with Freya.
“Thanks for coming by after hours,” I said, shaking his hand. “Usual fee?”
He waved me off. “Not for tonight. Bring her by in the next day or two for that bloodwork, but don’t wait too long. I don’t like how weak she seems. I’m hoping it’s just from the long trip and recent stress in her life.”
“You and me both,” I muttered.
“You’ve got a good one, Hawk.”
Yeah, I did.
“By the way, did you know there’s a raccoon running around your living room?” he asked.
I laughed and explained it was Hayley’s pet. I thanked him again, locked up behind him, then checked on Freya. She still slept soundly, but I didn’t know for how long. When I got to the bedroom, Hayley had already fallen asleep. The move had clearly worn her out. I stripped off my boots and clothes, then crawled in next to her, tugging her into my arms. For the first time in my life, I felt completely at peace, and I knew it was because my woman and daughter were where they belonged -- in our home.
* * *
Hayley
I hated going to the doctor, and I hated being stuck twice as much. I wasn’t a pincushion! I’d dragged my feet for three days, but Hawk had threatened to handcuff me and toss me into the back of my car if I didn’t go to the doctor willingly. Watching him try to squeeze his tall frame into my small car was almost worth it. I hadn’t been able to hold back my laughter, earning me a glare.
I glanced around the room, trying to look anywhere but at Hawk. For some reason, I couldn’t seem to keep my eyes off him today. Might have had something to do with the peek I’d gotten this morning. He’d been in the shower and I hadn’t been awake enough to realize the water was running. Until I’d gotten an eyeful of a very naked Hawk in the shower.
I’d been tempted to strip naked and join him, but instead, I’d backed out of the room. I’d admittedly leaned against the wall, listening to him wash, and reached into my panties. My cheeks had burned as I rubbed my clit and gotten myself off. It hadn’t been anywhere near as satisfying as sex with Hawk would be, but it had taken the edge off. Being near him, sleeping in his arms every night, was making me constantly ache.
Hawk squeezed my hand, on the side not having the life sucked out of me. It snapped me out of my daydreaming. “Nearly done, baby. You can help me pick out a truck or SUV when we’re done.”
I blinked up at him in surprise. “You’re buying a new car?”
“Need something bigger than your clown car. I can’t exactly put Freya’s baby seat on the back of my bike.”
I bit down on the inside of my cheek. His gaze narrowed, not missing the move. Yeah, I still