“There is always a chance. Nothing is infallible.” Dr. Price pressed a button, and a digital image of their baby slid out. Dr. Price handed it to Viper. “We’ll make you another appointment to remove the implant.”
The doctor wiped the jelly from her abdomen and then helped her sit up on the table, covering her with the paper blanket. He then sat on a stool next to the x-rays of her spine that Dr. Matthews had sent with her for his review.
His serious look frightened her as she tightened the grip on Viper’s hands.
“We’re going to have to watch your weight very carefully to keep extra pressure off your spine. For now, keep working out, but don’t increase the amount you’ve been doing. A pool would be good. I know the local Y has one. That will be a good way to exercise without hurting your back.”
“My aunt has a pool.”
“Good. As your pregnancy progresses, the titanium pins in your hips are going to be what concerns me the most. I suggest we plan a C-section as soon as the baby is strong enough to hold his or her own.”
“I don’t want to risk the baby’s health. I will do anything you tell me to do.”
“I’m only talking a couple of weeks early. The last trimester is going to be hard on you, Winter. As the baby grows, so will the pressure on your spine. You’re going to be in a great amount of pain.”
“I’ll deal with it.”
“I’ll remind you of that when you’re in a wheelchair and on bed rest.”
She swallowed hard at his grim expression.
“It’s going to take a lot of sacrifice from both of you, but working together, in five months, I’ll be placing a healthy baby in your arms.”
“I can do whatever you tell me.”
Dr. Price’s expression lightened as he stood up. “Now, go celebrate. Congratulations to both of you. He shook Viper’s hand. “I didn’t know when you talked me into moving to Kentucky that you would be putting me to work so soon. I haven’t even had time to take my new boat out.”
“I have to admit, I’ve never had an investment pay off so fast.”
The two men left her alone to get dressed, and when she came out through the door, Viper was waiting for her.
He took her arm as they left the office. “You okay? You look a little shocked.”
“I’m fine.” She placed her hand on her stomach. “I’ve been pregnant four months.”
“Yes, you have.” Now that his own shock was over, Viper had a confident swagger that she found endearing. “You want to go get something to eat?”
“No, I’m goo—”
“Mrs. James?”
Both Winter and Viper stopped as a young woman called her name.
“Hi, Megan. How are you doing?” Winter saw Megan had lost the glow she had when she last saw her.
“I’m good. Getting fat.” She patted her growing belly, staring at Viper with envy in her eyes. “Is he who you’re married to?” she asked unabashedly.
“Yes. Viper, this is a former student of mine, Megan… Dawkins.” It still made her sick to think that Curt had married the girl.
Viper held his hand out for Megan to shake. She blushed when he stared down at her.
“Were you in Dr. Price’s office?” she asked nosily, when Viper took his hand back.
As they were outside his office, it was impossible to deny where they were coming from. All the Last Riders and Aunt Shay knew she was expecting, so she saw no reason not to tell her.
“Yes. We’re having a baby.” Winter clutched Viper arm, who would have passed the inquisitive teenager without talking.
“Congratulations. When are you due?”
“November 3. When are you due?” Winter tried to inject a spark of enthusiasm for Megan becoming a mother, hiding her anger that her husband should be in jail instead of being legally able to share her bed.
“December 7th. Dr. Price is your doctor, too?”
“Yes. It’s good seeing you again. We’re just going to get some lunch.”
Winter felt Megan staring at them as Viper held the truck door open, gripping her around her waist to lift her onto the truck seat.
He climbed in the front seat, saying, “Well, that was awkward.”
“Yes, it was. I should have asked how Curt was doing, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.”
She saw he missed the turn to Aunt Shay’s house. “Where are we going?”
“I thought you might want to get your car. Rider texted me that it was done when you were getting dressed.”
“Thank God! I hate everyone having to lift me up like I’m a bag of flour.”
She stared out her window, making sure none of the deer were by the road as they neared the clubhouse.
“What are you staring at?”
“I don’t want a… deer…” Winter’s mouth fell open as Viper pulled into the factory’s parking lot. She didn’t even look away until he opened the truck door. She saw all the Last Riders sitting in the side yard; all of them were watching her reaction.
Wonderingly, her eyes met his as he set her gently down on her feet. “When did you do this?”
“We started the night we thought Aunt Shay had a heart attack.”