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Utah: Okay, I’ll let Mom know. Are you all right?
Dakota: Just tired. I’ll be back in the morning.
Utah suspected Dakota’s lunch with Aiden didn’t go as she’d hoped and let out a sigh.
“Everything okay?” Phoenix asked.
“It’s Dakota. She’s tired and going home, but she’ll be back in the morning.”
“Tell her I want to have breakfast.”
Utah: Try to get some rest. Phoenix wants to have breakfast in the morning.
Dakota: I’ll text everyone when I get up.
Utah: Not too early. Not all of us get up before the sun does.
Dakota: I won’t. Give Dad a kiss and tell everyone I love them.
“She says to tell you that she loves you, and she can’t wait to see you.” Utah stood at the side of her father’s bed and placed a kiss at his temple. “That’s from Dakota, Dad.”
Their father smiled without opening his eyes.
Less than a minute later, Aiden walked into the room. He looked about as good as she imagined Dakota did.
“Just stopping in to make sure you don’t need anything before I head out for the day,” the cardiologist explained with a professional smile. But the way he looked around the room, like he was searching for something—or someone, Utah got the feeling there was another reason he’d dropped by.
Christine sweetly explained that another doctor had been by not less than thirty minutes earlier, and her husband was resting comfortably.
Utah tried to sound casual when she announced, loudly, as Aiden walked toward the door, “Dakota’s headed home. She’ll text in the morning about breakfast.”
Her suspicions were confirmed when the good doctor quickly exited without another word.
Their mom blinked her eyes slowly and looked at her daughter like Utah was losing it, slowly saying, “Yes, we know, dear. You just told us.”
Phoenix chuckled, obviously onto her. “She was just making sure everyone knew, Mom.”
****
Liam
The soft knock at his door caused him to glance up from his desk to find Utah standing in his doorway with a man who looked just like her.
“Are you busy?”
He stood from his chair with a smile. “Never too busy for you, baby. Come on in.”
She turned toward her companion and said, “This is my oldest brother, Phoenix. He just got into town from San Diego. Phoenix, this is my boyfriend, Liam.”
Liam was quick to extend his hand. “Nice to meet you, Phoenix.”
He could tell the younger man was sizing him up as he said, “Likewise,” while they shook hands.
Gesturing toward the sitting area, Liam said, “Please, have a seat.”
Phoenix took one of the wingback chairs, while Utah settled in next to Liam on the couch. Liam’s arm had barely touched the rear cushion behind Utah’s back when her brother said, “So, what’s this I hear about you planning to knock my sister up?”
Utah gasped as her hand flew to her chest. “Phoenix!”
