Page 108 of Pretty Little Scars

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 agoodcrisis, 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 ispacked. 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.