Page 95 of Mending Scars

After a few more punches, he scooped Hayden up and brought him over to me. “Mommy, did you see me?” Hayden squealed as he threw his arms around my neck.

I hugged him back. “Yes, baby, you did so great!”

Hayden pulled away and stood next to me before flexing his muscles. “I want to be big and strong, just like Daddy.”

Ryker and I both laughed before Ryker said, “You will, buddy. And remember that you’ll always need to protect Mommy and your little sister when she’s born, okay?”

“I will, Daddy. I promise.”

Ryker leaned over and pressed a kiss to my lips as he placed his tattooed hand on my bulging belly and softly rubbed it. “How’s my little Warrior today?”

“She’s been kicking a lot lately.”

“Sounds like her mama—always fighting.” He chuckled.

I set my hand on top of his and smiled. “I wouldn’t want her any other way.”