Zach looks at Skyler’s parents. “Mom, Dad, she wants you first.”
Zach leads them down the hall, and for a minute, the rest of us just stand there waiting for our turn.
Ozzy turns away slightly, and I catch him wiping at his face. He tries to hide it, but I see.
So does Guy, but for once, Guy doesn’t tease him.
Penn stays beside me with his hand still wrapped around mine.
I lean into him, and he looks down at me.
“You okay?” he asks softly.
I nod, but tears slip down my cheeks anyway. “Yeah.”
His eyes search mine like he doesn’t believe me.
I squeeze his hand. “I’m happy.”
“I know.”
I rest my head against his shoulder while we wait for our turn to meet the newest member of the family.
CHAPTER 21
PENN
We let everyone else go first. It’s not that I’m not excited to see my baby sister and my new niece. I am. I just need to prepare.
Every time someone comes back from the room with tears in their eyes and a smile on their face, I feel Aria’s hand tighten in mine.
I know I’m putting it off and half expect Aria to get up and pull me down the hall, but she sits patiently beside me like she’s having to mentally prepare herself too.
“Penn?”
I look down at her. “Yeah?”
She gives me a small smile. “We’re the only ones left.”
I glance around the waiting room, and she’s right. The rest of the family have already visited and have left. Now it’s our turn.
I stand and pull Aria up with me. “Ready?”
She nods, but her eyes are already shining with unshed tears. “Yeah.”
We walk down the hallway together, and I keep hold of her hand the whole way. The closer we get to Skyler’s room, the more I feel Aria’s nervousness.
The door is cracked, and I knock softly before pushing it open.
Zach looks up from the chair beside Skyler’s bed. He looks both exhausted and happier than I’ve ever seen.
Skyler is propped up against the pillows, her hair pulled back, face tired, but she’s absolutely glowing. There’s a tiny bundle in her arms, wrapped in a soft pink blanket.
Aria sucks in a breath beside me.
“Oh, Skyler,” she whispers.
Skyler looks up and smiles. “Come meet her.”
