Jackson’s head shot up in Cooper’s direction, who then stood up. “Well guys,” he rubbed his stomach, “I’m getting hungry. Twinkle Toes you ready to go?”

Jaylinn rose gently out of the chair with Ryder and handed him back to Hunter. “Yes let’s go.”

Mason stood up next, “I’ll go with you guys. Love ya Kenz.”

Well played guys, well played.

Hunter was trying to busy himself with changing Ryder’s diaper.

Chloe giggled and got up as well, followed by Jackson, “Well I guess that’s our cue to leave.” Jackson said, trying hard not to laugh.

I was amused, everyone knew what was about to happen and no one wanted to hear it.

Everyone was gathered by the door. “Thanks for stopping in. Love you guys.” I said, still eyeing Hunter.

Each one mumbled their goodbyes and quickly left. I kept my eyes on Hunter who was tensed; he knew I’d figured it out. Now I was going to make him play my game. I’ll make him sweat it out. We’ve had dozens of talks about money. He knew how I felt about him paying for anything extra that we didn’t need, at least until I was able to help with the bills. I’m sure there was a good reason.

Damn, I hadn’t wanted her to find out until we were leaving; this was one more thing that she didn’t need to worry about. Thankfully, I knew the detective that had shown up today and I was able to put him off talking to CC until we were home. I’d met him a couple of times and he knew I would make good on my word about having him stop over at the house once she was settled in.

They weren’t able to make a positive ID on the car that I knew belonged to Brittany, and they wanted to ask CC if she remembered anything at all that could confirm it was her.

I got Ryder all changed and wrapped back up, but left him in the bassinet since he was barely awake.

Better to get this over with now I suppose. I walked over to the chair and sat down, “Look, I had to buy it—” before I could finish she cut me off.

“Bullshit!” she deadpanned.

“I did! Your car is totaled and I need you and Ryder in something safe. My truck isn’t the ideal vehicle to have him riding around in anyway. Plus, what are you going to do when you need to go out for something and I’m at work?”

“We could’ve worked it out; you know how I feel about you wasting money, Hunter.” she said, still pouting.

Now she was frustrating me, “It’s not wasting money, I need you and Ryder safe. I can’t worry about you guys,” I reached up and pulled my hat off and threw it on the other chair. “I’ve done enough of that shit to last me the rest of my life.”

I looked over at her expecting to see her glaring eyes, but she was holding back a smile.

“You’re a brat, you know that? I thought you were really pissed off.”

“Come here,” she said and raised her hands to wrap me in her arms. I settled into the crook of her neck and placed a kiss there. I could feel her pulse pick up when I did it again. I’m glad that after all of this I could still affect her.

There was a knock, I sat up and Dr. Clearly walked in with Lynn behind him. He took his penlight from his pocket and came to examine CC, so I stepped back to give him room. Lynn knocked her elbow into mine and I looked over at her. She smiled the same smile she had been giving me since we came here, but now it felt awkward. Had she been like this the whole time, or was I just noticing it now because CC had mentioned it?

“MacKenzie, how is your pain level?” Dr. Clearly asked as he shined the light in her eyes.

“Umm, I guess about a 6. Besides being sore I still have a really bad headache.” CC answered while peeping over at me, and then glared when she realized how close Lynn was standing.

She just shook her head, “I’d like something to get some sleep tonight though.”

“Sure. Lynn, make sure she gets a dose on the next round.”

“Yes, Dr. Clearly.” Lynn answered, studying CC.

I cleared my throat then walked over and grabbed CC’s hand, when I did she squeezed it tightly. “When will MacKenzie be able to come home with us?”

I was praying they would say tonight, I was dreading going home with Ryder by myself and leaving CC here, alone for another night.

“Well, all of the tests came back just fine, but I would like to keep an eye on her for another twenty-four hours. As long as nothing else happens between then and now, she can go home tomorrow.” He looked over at CC, “It’s not going to be easy for you since you can’t walk on that ankle for another five weeks and I can’t have you on crutches because of your wrist, so we will have to set up a nurse to come over to your house. I would like for them to monitor you and help you with anything you need, at least for a week until Hunter here,” Dr. Clearly looked over at me, “Can get you into a routine.”

I ran a hand through my hair, “Is it necessary? We have plenty of family members who could help.”

“I’m afraid so, even if it’s only for a few days. I think this is best for all of you, you’ll have your hands full with the baby too.”

I blew out a deep breath, I guess he was right but I didn’t want a stranger doing it.

“Hunter, CC, if you would like, I could do it. Since I already know everything that’s going on, I could really be in and out.” Lynn spoke up from behind me.

I felt CC go stiff. She wasn’t going to like this; I would just have to talk her into it. I didn’t want some stranger coming into our home. I’d also have to talk to Lynn about calling her CC. No one calls her that but me.

I turned around, “Can we get back to you on that?” I asked Lynn.

“Yes, of course.”

“Very well then, MacKenzie, I will be around again in the morning to check on you before we get started on the release paperwork.” Dr. Clearly put the pocket flashlight in his coat pocket and made his way to the door.

As soon as they were both out, CC turned to me, “Please tell me you aren’t going to have her come to our house, Hunter.”

Sighing, “Look I don’t like it either, but I don’t want just anyone to come into our home, near my future wife and our son. Yes, she may have a slight crush on me, but she’s been nothing but professional since all of this started.”

CC tried to cross her arms but winced and frowned, “I don’t like it Hunter and I hate that she called me CC.”

I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her nose, “I know; I don’t like it either but if it gets you home tomorrow, I’m doing it and I’ll speak to her about calling you CC.”