“Thank you, ladies,” Theron says dismissively. “Let’s resume this another time.”

The nurses glance at us, trying and failing to adopt a professional demeanor before they quickly shuffle out of the room at his command. I have an urge to roll my eyes, but I don’t. Because Theron’s are still locked on me, and I know he has something to say before he even begins.

“Mercedes.” He nods at me. “I’m flattered you’d come to see me. Unless… perhaps, you were hoping I was really dead?”

Though his voice has a teasing lilt, there is a hint of vulnerability beneath it. Like maybe that’s what he expects from everyone in his life. That we’d all wish that for him.

“Actually, no. That’s not why I’m here.”

Judge tucks me against his side protectively, his hand wrapping around my lower back to settle on the curve of my hip. An awkward silence falls over the room, and then Theron sits up straighter, wincing as he does.

“I owe you an apology,” he confesses. “And if you’ll hear me out, I’d like to give that to you now.”

“It’s not necessary.” I lean into Judge, grateful for the strength of his body right now. “I don’t want your apology.”

Disappointment flashes through Theron’s eyes as they drift to my very pregnant belly, and I can only wonder if he’s thinking about what he’ll miss out on. That he’ll always be distant from his family.

“Mercedes—” he tries again, but I shake my head and cut him off.

“I don’t want your apology because we’re even,” I tell him. “You saved our lives. You saved Judge’s life. And for that…” I stumble over the words, almost too choked up to speak. “I’m grateful.”

He shifts, clearly uncomfortable by the display of emotion, and at that moment, I see so many similarities between him and Judge. And I can’t help feeling a pang of warmth toward him. Naturally, Theron being a Montgomery, he has to ruin that.

“I suppose I am due some credit,” he says thoughtfully. “You can repay me by naming one of your spawns after me.”

Judge snorts, and I shake my head. And just like that, some of the tension dissolves.

“Not in this lifetime, brother.” Judge takes a seat in one of the visitor’s chairs, pulling me down onto his lap.

“Fine.” Theron grins wickedly, turning his gaze to me. “Then I have a counter suggestion. I’m in need of a good nurse. Perhaps you know someone?”

“It seems to me you have two very doting nurses on hand already,” I answer wryly.

He shrugs dismissively. “They’ll do in a pinch, but I’d prefer someone with a little more bark. Perhaps even some bite.”

I don’t have to guess where this is going, and he confirms it with his next words.