Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 100367 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100367 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
“You can’t leave,” Dani says and wipes a tear from her eye. “You found your person. You can’t leave him after a year.”
“I’m so happy for you,” Charlie says, and even Alex has lost that sparkle that tells me she’s going to tease me. “You deserve nothing but the most happiness, the best man. The best sex. You sacrificed so much for us, and I know that you think we don’t know, but we do. We saw it all, Darby.”
Stunned, I look between them, and they all nod in confirmation, and I want to weep. I want to ball up somewhere and sob because I didn’t shield them from everything like I thought I did. I never wanted them to see everything that went on in our house.
“If he ever tries to hurt you, we’ll kill him,” Alex says softly. “And that’s not a funny threat. That’s the truth. Because if there’s anyone in this world that should never be hurt again, it’s you. So, you enjoy that man. You enjoy every damn minute with him, for as long as you want him, whether that’s for a year or for the rest of your life. Soak in every good thing.”
“I love you guys so much.”
“We love you too,” Dani says, leaning her head on my shoulder.
“But just to be clear, the sex is really good, right?” Alex asks.
“It might break world records,” I finally reply, and the three of them cackle away, slapping the table and kicking their feet.
“That’s what I’m talking about,” Charlie says.
I glance up and notice that Noah has looked our way, and he’s got his eye on my sister. Then, he goes back to whatever he was doing.
After finishing our lunch, the four of us make our way over to Billie’s Books, the local romance bookshop, and load up on all the goodies before we grab coffee from the shop next door, which happens to be owned by our sister-in-law.
It’s been the perfect afternoon with my girls.
And when I get in my car and check my phone, I’m stunned to see that I’ve missed four calls and six texts, all from Tucker.
Tucker: Hey, baby, I just got the call that Harper’s in labor. Headed to the hospital.
Tucker: We’re in the waiting room at BVRH.
Tucker: I hope you’re having fun, but shoot me a text when you can, please.
All his messages are similar in tone, but I can tell he’s getting more and more agitated with each one, so I call him as I start the car and head toward the hospital.
“Thank God,” he answers.
“I’m so sorry, I turned my phone off when I was with the girls. Is everything okay? Are Harper and the baby okay?”
“So far, everyone’s fine, but it’s a little early, and she’s nervous. Fuck, we’re all nervous.”
“I’ll be there in just a few minutes. Do you need me to bring anything?”
“Just you. I just need you.”
“I’m on my way. I promise.”
I hang up and feel my chest warm at his words. His family is in a bit of a crisis, even though a baby is a good crisis, and he needs me with him.
I like that more than I expected.
I know exactly where the maternity waiting room is because I was there last year when Dani was having Bryce, so I park and hurry inside and find the entire Hendrix clan, minus Xander, along with most of the Blackwell family, in the waiting room.
The place is packed. We’re talking standing room only. I love that I know everyone here and that they’re all gathered to support each other. To support Harper and Blake and their new little baby.
I’m just a big bundle of emotions today.
Suddenly, Tucker sees me and heads right for me, scooping me up into his arms in front of all these people and covering my mouth with his in a hard kiss that has my toes curling in my shoes.
“Hello to you too,” I murmur against his lips.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
TUCKER
“I’m so fucking glad you’re here,” I grumble into Darby’s ear before kissing her forehead.
“I’m sorry I turned the phone off,” she says. “I knew I wasn’t on call, and my sisters were with me, and—”
“You don’t have to explain anything, Duchess. I’m just relieved that you’re here now.”
I turn to find all my siblings and my dad giving us little looks, all with smiles on their faces. I know they like Darby, but this might be the first time, aside from that night at the bar, that I’ve staked my claim on her in public like this, and everyone better get used to it because this is just the beginning.
“Where’s Chad?” Darby asks Ava, who just shrugs a shoulder.
“He’s in Missoula for a case for the next few days. I’ll text him updates.”
I still don’t like that guy. He’s not good enough for my sister.