Patriot (Hades Abyss MC 6) - Harley Wylde Page 0,20
I picked out one for each of us and hoped I could figure out where to hang them.
A bag of Christmas chocolates made it into my cart, as well as some peppermints. I found Patriot’s favorite gum as we inched our way closer to the counter and added it to the cart for his stocking. Then tossed in an Apple gift card he could use with his phone. I hoped I had enough, since I’d bought more than I’d planned, but when I heard my total I breathed out a sigh of relief. I was able to pay for everything and had a little left over.
Phoebe checked out behind me, and then we put our stuff into her car, with help from Stone and Philly. Brick was on his phone, even though he scanned the parking lot at least twice while we loaded the car. Once we were on our way home, Phoebe cranked the Christmas music and we both sang along.
At the house, Brick helped us carry everything inside, after assuring me Patriot wasn’t home. “I’ll keep him busy.”
I thanked him and started to spread everything out in the living room.
The kitten saw the wrapping paper and immediately pounced on it, sticking his little claws into the roll and leaving pinpricks. I didn’t think Patriot would mind. I pulled off a section of ribbon and cut it, tossing it in front of the ball of fluff. It diverted his attention and allowed me to wrap gifts relatively undisturbed.
“You really need a name,” I murmured, reaching out to stroke the kitten’s ear.
Phoebe took one half of the room and I claimed the other. I didn’t have as much to wrap as she did, so after I finished wrapping mine, I helped her finish up. If she’d already done part of her shopping, then Ember was going to be spoiled rotten. Even little Banner had a lot of gifts.
As I held the little bear dressed as Santa, my throat started to burn, and I realized I was close to crying. I pressed a hand to my stomach and wondered what it would be like to carry a baby. I didn’t know for sure because I’d been too scared to ask, but I didn’t think I could have children. It wasn’t until that moment I realized Patriot hadn’t said a word about kids. What if he wanted them some day? He’d said he wanted me, even if we never had sex, but he could change his mind.
“What’s wrong?” Phoebe asked.
“Sorry. I … I realized I don’t know if I can even have children. I was holding your son’s bear and it hit me that I may never have the chance to pick out gifts for my own kids.”
Phoebe’s jaw dropped and her eyes went wide. “Wait. You don’t know if you can have them? What about…”
“Patriot?” I asked.
She nodded.
“We didn’t discuss kids. What if he wants a family and I can’t give that to him?”
“Oh, MaryAnne,” she said in a near whisper. “I’m so sorry. Wouldn’t the doctor be able to tell you?”
I hadn’t seen a doctor since Patriot had brought me here. Well, Bones had tended to me whenever I’d gotten sick, but I couldn’t stand the thought of going to a clinic, or seeing anyone dressed in scrubs or a white lab coat. I didn’t know if a fertility test was something Bones could do or not.
It wouldn’t matter if I couldn’t get over my fears and let Patriot do more than kiss me. If we never had sex, there wouldn’t be kids anyway. I hated that he’d have to give up the chance to have a family. Maybe I should ask him to hold off on claiming me.
The front door opened, and Phoebe squealed, quickly wrapping the last of her presents. Patriot walked in, a bemused look on his face as he took in the mess we’d made. I’d put his presents under the tree, but it didn’t look like much. He stepped over the rolls of wrapping paper, tape, and scraps, then knelt next to me.
“Hey, Little Bit. Have fun shopping?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“You aren’t supposed to be here!” Phoebe stood and folded her arms. “What if she hadn’t been finished wrapping your gifts?”
“Need help loading your car?” he asked.
Phoebe smiled. “Did you just tell me to pack my shit and leave?”
He shrugged a shoulder. “Not in so many words. Don’t need Kraken getting pissy, but yeah… I need to talk to my woman, preferably without an audience.”
Phoebe rolled