Page 56 of Absolution

I crack the place up with my dig at the mammoth asshole. The room grows quiet, and I wait for more information. Nothing, it’s like the line went dead. This is when I lose my shit for the last time.

“Are y’all there?”

“He said ‘y’all.’” Quinn belts out, laughing like a jackass. “Ahhh, y’all need to find some clothes for her now.”

“I hate you all. Loathe. Paybacks are a bitter end, and I plan to have my hands all over your wives.” I say smiling at Emmie, she’s still so pale. “She’s turning green. Please help before it explodes again.”

Jackson clears his throat, trying to disguise a chuckle. “Find something easy to pull on and off, in case she’s still nauseous.”

“You mean she could become a geyser of putrid vomit again?” I groan with the vivid memory. She spewed like a college chick on a girl’s night revenge drunk.

“Possibly, so keep it simple,” Jackson repeats himself. “Two rules to always remember when children are around, stay calm, and keep it simple.”

“One problem with that, Hatch can’t remember anything.” Mark grunts. “That hurt, Muff.”

“Good! Give the kid a break, he’s trying here.” Jackson scolds him, like the father he is to me and all the rest.

I bite my lip, slipping a little dress over Emmie’s head. I grab a pullup, sliding them up her legs. She helps me with a bit of shimmy, and we’re ready to roll again.

“Got her dressed!” I announce, impressed with myself. “What’s next?”

“She needs something to settle her belly.” Liam chimes in.

I nod, picking Emmie up and head off toward the kitchen. “So, if I’m keeping it simple, I need to give her a cup of something cool and soothing.”

“By George, he might just have this,” Quinn says with a deep, mocking voice. “SEAL Team, out!”

I search the refrigerator, finding some juice. After opening a few doors, I see a cup with a spout on it. “I found some chilled white grape juice and a cup with hearts on it.”

“She should be able to tolerate it, and that’s a sippy cup.” Jackson is once again, chill as fuck. I don’t think he’s ever lost his cool, at least not around me. I can’t believe these men go to battle and fight like hell but can tell me about sippy cups and girl parts.

We slowly walk into the family room, Emmie clings to my chest as I carry her cup. I hope this is the end of that entire shit show. As I start to sit, Emmie whines. So, I stand in the middle of the room, rocking from side to side with her in my arms.

“Are you two, alright?” Liam’s words no more than a whisper.

I stretch my neck, moving Emmie’s hair away from my mouth. “She doesn’t want to sit, so I’m standing here, swaying.”

“Our job here is done,” Mark quips.

“Hatch, you have our numbers if you need us. By us, I mean Liam and me. Don’t call these other two, their wives do all the work for them.” Jackson says with a tone of smugness in his words.

“Will do.” I nod, afraid to do more and disturb Emmie. “Thank you, gentlemen.”

I end the call, dropping the phone onto the couch. I’m hoping we can sit soon, but right now; Emmie comes first. Even though I had to resort to calling the guys, I did it. I handled Emmie, and I can’t wait to tell Scarlet.

Emmie and I settle back into the floor, where we’re safe from accidents. I place some precautionary trash cans around, and we take it easy for the rest of the afternoon.

Emmie falls asleep on me, and I’m scared straight. I don’t want to move and set off the geyser again. So, I get as comfortable as possible until my relief shows up.

Then, my phone rings. I struggle to pull it free and answer it with a whisper.

“Hey.”

“Creed? Are you two okay?” Kathryn rattles through her words.

“You can calm down, she’s still alive.” I chuckle. “She had a stomach bug, but she’s sleeping now.”

“Alright, I was on my way to Charleston and turned around.”