Against the Odds (Fighting to Survive #2)(45)

Amy does her charting and monitors Gracie’s vital signs throughout the day. Robert and I bathe the baby and take her to join her grandparents in the living room. I carry her room to room and show her where she lives. Jamie had the brightest room in the house and Gracie likes the natural light.

The grandparents fuss over Gracie and take turns holding her while Robert and I eat. I offered Amy to join us and she declined. “Thank you for doing this,” I say, watching Robert. “It feels so much nicer being here in our own home with our baby.”

“This is much nicer,” he agrees.

The nurses rotate every 12 hours, keeping a consistent schedule. Gracie wakes up every three hours for her feeding and I couldn’t be happier. Nurse Amy brought in a set of baby scales and weighs Gracie daily for us. I don’t voice my concern about the cost of all of this because I don’t care what the price is. It’s worth every penny.

We received a letter from the courts saying that the custody date has been changed to a later time. I’m thankful. I want to get my six-week checkup first. I also want to be able to go to court and fight for our daughter. Madison is ours and she belongs with us.

Robert works out from home but runs to the gym so he can practice with his sparring partner. He also makes frequent visits to the cemetery. He is training as a warrior as he promised. I know his fight with Kennedy is still several months away, but I have confidence that he’ll go in the ring, ready to claim the championship title.

“Are you ready to go and surprise your Daddy?” I ask in a baby’s voice. I swear I sound more like a fairy than a baby. It’s been awhile since I had to use a baby voice. I dressed Gracie in a red silk robe that says “Champ” in bold black letters on the back. I also put on my matching robe that matches Robert’s. I carry her through the house until we get to Robert’s workout room. I slowly open the door and “The Eye of The Tiger” is playing through the surround sound in the room. He doesn’t hear us entering, he’s in the zone.

We watch as Robert works out, and it’s hot. He’s muscular and sweaty, and it’s hot. I clear my throat and he looks over to where we are. A smile automatically forms on his lips. He wipes the sweat off his face and turns down the music. I lick my lips as I watch him walk over to me and Gracie. He bites the string loose on his gloves and removes them. “Hello, Sweets,” he says as he kisses me.


“Looking good, Ace.”

“What do we have here?” he asks as he picks up our daughter. He holds her up and turns her over so he can see the back of her tiny robe. “My very own little cheerleader,” he beams.

I clear my throat and he looks down at me. “And the cheer captain.” He looks me up and down stopping to stare at my bare legs. My robe is coming open at the top, exposing my large breasts and I don’t try to cover myself up. “How old is Gracie?” he asks with a serious look on his face.

“Almost four weeks.”

“In fourteen days you’ll be screaming my name for more,” he whispers into my ear as he kisses my neck. I want to now, I think to myself. My plans to seduce him has failed again. Next time I’ll have to do it without the baby. Maybe tonight. I’ll ditch the robe and try something sexier, something more feminine, something softer. I got it. He’ll soon forget how many more days we have left for my six-week checkup.

Robert

During breakfast I decide to tell Leah about my meeting with Bruce. I wasn’t going to tell her, but I don’t like keeping anything from her. I tell her about Drake and his threats. If something from my past surfaces and it prevents us from getting Madison, I want her to be preparred. I also tell her that Bruce has his team searching for some dirt on Drake. I don’t tell her about my tire being slashed at the hospital the night she stayed with Gracie, or about me seeing Drake shortly after. Leah needs to know some things, but she doesn’t need to know everything. Some things are just better left in the dark.

Grace is doing well and we decide we no longer home health care for her. She is a good baby with a healthy set of lungs that she uses when she wants food. Leah says she sounds like me and I would have to agree. Leah has a soft whispery voice where mine is… gruff. Dad, Tim, Gus, and I fly out to Vegas tomorrow for the press conference. I have been on the phone the last couple of days talking to Gus about the trip to Vegas. I know this is a big deal. Sugar Ray Tiger even called me, offering his support. He told me he received a personal invite and he will also be there for the conference.

I asked Mom and Sue to come over and stay with Leah and Gracie while we’re gone. At the request of the G.M. of the Bellagio, we will be staying the weekend. They want the future boxers to be seen throughout the hotel and casino all weekend. I guess that appearance is everything. Free rooms, meals, and show tickets, and all I have to do is walk around. I can do that. I did call Bruce to let him know I’ll be out of town. I want someone to watch out for Leah. We live in a gated community, have a house alarm, and yet I still worry.

Leah helps me pack and she is in good spirits. She attempted to seduce me last night and it almost worked. Walking around in a lacy black bra and matching panties then applying lotion seductively to her legs. Yep, she about had me right where she wanted me. Hell, she about had me right where I wanted to be. She doesn’t need to seduce me for me to want her. I already want her. But she does have to be cleared by the doctor first. I will never put her or anyone else at risk. On the day of her six-week checkup, I doubt we make it out of the parking lot.