I gasp, and my eyes widen as I look at Aria. She got up too, and I guess when she didn’t answer the phone, whoever it was sent her a text because she reads it and then looks at me. Her expression I’m sure mirrors mine. We’re both happy, of course, but the news hits hard too. “We’re on our way,” I tell Logan.
As soon as I say the words, Aria walks away and goes into the bathroom.
I grab some clothes from the dresser and get dressed. I’m almost ready when Aria comes out. “I’ll be just a minute. If you want to go ahead of me, you can.”
I stop her, putting my hands on her shoulders. “Nope. We’re going together. Take your time, honey.”
She blinks up at me, and even though she’s happy, there’s no hiding the pain in her eyes.
“Okay, I’ll be fast.”
CHAPTER 20
ARIA
Penn must see something on my face because he stops beside me. “Aria.”
I shake my head before he can say anything else. “I’m okay.”
He doesn’t look like he believes me.
“I promise,” I tell him. “I’m happy for them.”
“I know you are.”
His voice is gentle, and somehow that makes the ache worse.
He reaches for my hand, and I let him take it.
We don’t talk much on the way to the hospital. Penn keeps one hand on the wheel and one hand wrapped around mine like he’s not willing to let go.
He was about to tell me what he’s been hiding, and I know it’s going to be even harder for him now that Skyler is having her baby. We both have so many emotions about this, and we’re both holding them inside for the time being.
When we get to the hospital, Penn parks and comes around to my side before I can open the door. He takes my hand again as we walk inside. The maternity lobby is easy to spot because the whole Brody family is already there.
Logan is pacing near the windows with Bree sitting in a chair, her hand resting on her still flat stomach. Miller has Lindsey tucked against his side, and Eli is asleep in his arms. Ozzy is standing off to the side, arms crossed over his chest, staring at the floor. His cowboy hat is pulled low, but I can still see his face.
Gran and Pops, Penn’s parents, are there too, sitting close together. His mother has tissues in her hand already, and his father looks nervous enough to pass out.
“Any news?” Penn asks as soon as we reach them.
Logan shakes his head. “Not yet. Zach texted ten minutes ago. He said she’s doing good.”
“Doing good?” Bree asks. “That’s all he said?”
Miller looks at her. “He also said if anyone asks to come back there before they’re ready, he’ll have security remove us.”
Lindsey smiles. “That sounds like Zach.”
“It sounds like Skyler too,” I say. “She probably told him to say it.”
Everyone laughs.
Nervous energy fills the room. Logan paces. Miller checks his phone. Lindsey keeps asking if anyone needs coffee. Bree tells her to sit down and then immediately stands up herself. The soon-to-be grandparents whisper to each other. Penn sits down beside me and takes my hand again.
Ozzy stays by the wall by himself.
I lean closer to Penn. “Is Ozzy okay?”
