Miranda laughed and hugged them both.“I was trying to convince your brothers they may also need a puppy—the rest of the litter is out in the garage.I think your gran already has her eye on the runt.”
“That’s a great idea,” Wes said.“I’d much prefer she have some constant companionship out at Hart House.”
“Two down, four more to go,” Miranda said.“Once the rest of the party guests arrive, I have no doubt we’ll find each of them a home.In the meantime, are you ready to start your party?”
Renn kissed her and smiled.“I’m ready to do whatever you say,” he said.
“Oh, good because we’re going to fit every classic childhood party event into this afternoon, starting with relay races.”
His brothers and Gran moved toward the yard, and Renn captured Miranda in another hug.“Looks like I’ll need to show some more gratitude later.I love you.”
“I love you too, forever.”
EPILOGUE
A Family Affair
Six Months Later
“What do youmean your water broke?Brooke, the wedding is about to start,” Dalton whispered as they stood in the line on the sidewalk outside the Sandy Point chapel for the procession to the altar.
“I know, but these babies do not want to wait,” Brooke said, then gripped Dalton’s arm hard as she leaned forward and groaned.
“Oh, I know that sound—she’s in labor,” Shelby said, turning around to face Dalton and Brooke who was nodding in agreement with her hands on her knees as she leaned forward.
“I’ll get the cruiser,” Wes said, and stalked off toward the parking lot.
“Where is he going?”Gran said, walking forward.“We’re starting.”
“Brooke’s water broke,” Shelby and Dalton said at the same time.
“Oh, my stars, what a perfect day—two babies and a wedding.”Gran clapped her hands.
“Y’all what is going on?”Miranda asked as Wes pulled up with the lights and sirens already on.
Dalton turned to his left to see Missy standing on the side of the church in her layers of white lace with her cousin Declan.Levi was going to be disappointed he and Wes would miss the wedding, but they had no choice.
Wes reappeared with his SUV.“Can someone tell Levi we need to just wait ten minutes so I can get them over to the hospital and then I’ll be back for the ceremony?”Wes said.
“I’ll go tell him,” Renn offered and marched off inside the church.
“I’ll let Missy know,” Miranda said, heading to the side of the church.
Wes had Brooke in the back seat and Dalton climbed in next.
“Okay, you two, I’ll be there just as soon as these two sayI do,” Gran said, with tears pooling in her eyes.
“Mom, are the babies on the way?”Max asked as he and Levi came charging out of the church.
“Ya, buddy, you can come with us if you want or stay with Gran and come to the hospital once they’re here,” Dalton answered for Brooke as another contraction took hold.
“Gross, I don’t want to see my brother and sister all covered in slime.I’ll come over later when they’re not crying and weird,” Max said.
Dalton laughed and gave Max a high five.“Big brother material for sure.”
“I love you, Max.I’ll see you after the wedding—save me some cake,” Brooke said.
“I love you, Mom.”
