Crosby moved like lightning, grabbing a pink cup with a straw. “Here. Just a couple of small sips in case you feel sick.”

I started to nod, but the action made my head throb. I took a cautious drink. The cool liquid was heaven on my throat. I released the straw and tried again. “What happened—?” I froze, everything coming back to me in a flash of images and the feeling of fists against flesh. I lashed out with my free arm, gripping Crosby’s hand, tears springing to my eyes. “The baby. Is the baby okay?” I hoped against hope, knowing that it was unlikely for a pregnancy that early on to survive the kind of violence I remembered.

“The baby’s just fine. You’re going to be all right. Everything’s okay.”

My tears flowed more freely. “I was going to tell you today. But then Grant…”

Crosby’s entire face hardened in an expression I’d never seen before. “It was Grant?”

“Yes,” I whispered.

Crosby pulled out his phone with one hand, fingers flying across the screen. “I have to let Parker know. I’m sure he’ll need a statement, but that can wait.”

“I’m so sorry, Crosby.”

“No, Kenna.” Crosby pressed his lips to my palm. “You have nothing to apologize for. I’m just glad you and our little gremlin are okay.”

A sob hiccupped out of my chest. “Our little gremlin?”

A small grin pulled at Crosby’s lips. “That’s what I’ve been calling him or her. We’ve been getting acquainted while you slept.” He set his phone on my mattress and placed a gentle hand on my belly, drawing circles with his thumb.

“You want this baby?” I sucked in a breath, holding it, not able to let go until I heard the words.

“I want you. I want our baby. I want to build a home and a family. I want everything.”

My tears came faster as my shoulders shook. “Really?”

Crosby stared into my eyes. “Really. I was coming to your place to tell you that this afternoon. God, Kenna. I messed up so bad. I was terrified, and I didn’t even realize it. I was holding so tightly to this messed-up idea of freedom, when all it was were walls to keep people out. Barriers so I wouldn’t get hurt again. But it doesn’t matter because you snuck behind them anyway.” He lifted my hand to his lips again. “I love you with everything I have and everything I am. Please let me love you.”

“I love you, too. With everything I have. I don’t want anyone but you.”

Crosby leaned in, careful not to bump my casted arm, and brushed his lips across mine. “Forever.”

A knock sounded from the other side of the room. “We heard someone was waking up.” Ford held the door for Bell and Caelyn, who rushed inside.