Page 103 of Shattered Hearts

“He’s right. There’s no need to worry until we have a thorough check.”

The machine beeps, signalling that it’s switched on and heating up. Laynie sighs vexingly. Her fingers grip mine to the point that I fear I might lose circulation, but I don’t say anything. She’s nervous, and I want her to feel as comfortable as possible. If that means I lose feeling in my hand, then so be it.

Fiona squirts something on her stomach. Laynie blanches for a second before the probe is lowered and Fiona gets to work. I stare at the screen, wondering what on earth I’m looking at. It’s all grey and… lumpy. Yikes.

A couple of seconds later, the baby shape takes forms on the screen. I feel my jaw slacken, my eyes burning as I stare right at it. It’s so tiny, with little stubby fingers and ten miniscule toes. A tiny face and belly.

Crap. If it’s cute now, how much cuter will it be once it’s born?

Moisture prickles at my eyes, either from the sight or the fact that I’m not blinking. I prefer the first option. Pulse beating rapidly, I smile as a tear slips down my cheek, matching Laynie’s.

This really is miraculous.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Laynie

I’m convinced that the world looks prettier after a downpour. The roads are darker. Trees and foliage stand out more. Puddles reflect the dim sunlight like mirrors. Stunning.

We turn onto the gravel drive of Honey Haven, the wooden sign hanging above with bold lettering and tiny bee images Mum painted for Hazen and Austin. The main house stands tall and proud, coated in a fresh layer of water. Several cars are lined up out the front, birds flutter about enjoying the reprieve of rain, and the animals are munching away behind wooden fences.

As soon as Grayson’s ute stops with the others, I let out a small breath. He looks my way, gaze steadily meeting mine before dropping to my stomach where my hand is resting.

“How are you feeling?” he asks.

I shrug. “I’ve felt better.”

His mouth purses before looking out the windscreen at the grey clouds up ahead, heading towards us slowly. “I just want you to know, Laynie, that whatever happens, we’re going to get through it.”

Throat working, I look down at my now knitted hands. All my nail polish has been picked off, leaving them dry and scratched. My lungs exhale again when I nod. “I know.” I pause, taking in the scenery in another slow glance, “It’s just scary, that’s all. Not knowing what’s going to happen. This is all so new and nerve wracking.”

“Do you think you should talk with Charlotte about this? Maybe she could help you through it. Get your anxiety down some more?”

My head shakes at his words. “As much as I have grown to love Charlotte, there’s someone else who I rely on when I am worried.” Blinking up at him through my lashes, I can see the spark of retaliation in his sky blue irises.

Grayson’s head tilts a little. My cheeks heat. Without saying anything, he reaches over, taking my hand in his, brushing his lips across the back. The flutter in my chest starts up again as I watch him failing at hiding his grin.

“I’ll always help you through your anxiety, Biscuit. I wish I could take it away from you,” he admits, tone quiet.

Teeth chewing on my bottom lip, I sniff softly, the feeling of moisture stinging my eyes. I swallow the tears away, giving him a smile that matches his. “Yeah, but the fact that you’re here means more to me. That you stayed when—”

“I wasn’t going to leave you, Laynie,” he admits. “Even if you had told me that Scott was going to stay with you, I wouldn’t have been able to stay away. You’re my best friend, Laynie. Nothing and nobody would be able to change that.”

My throat works loudly, pushing down the lump that formed this morning. Lips wobbling, I lean over as far as I can over the console. Grayson meets me halfway, my hands holding his stubbled cheeks, eyes searching his. “I don’t think you understand how happy that makes me feel. Here I was worried that I had done something terrible, and then you say that,” I croak out, head shaking in disbelief.

“I’m just telling you the truth, as I always have.”

“And I love you for that,” I murmur under my breath.

The corner of his mouth curls as Grayson closes the gap between us. My eyes shut at the contact of our lips. Smooth and soft, tasting faintly of coffee, I press myself against him. Grayson sighs blissfully. I let out a gentle moan, soaking up our connection. My fingertips fizzle with joy as he kisses me lightly yet firmly. Rough skin moves its way up my arms to my neck, holding me in place as I revel in the feeling of kissing him.

I will never get tired of this sensation.

Disconnecting, I suck in a deep breath. Grayson grins boyishly, his hand stilling on the nape of my neck as he focuses entirely on me. “I love you too, Laynie.” He whispers, breath glazing my skin like a feather, “I’m in love with my best friend.”

My lips lift up at that, heart soaring beneath my ribs to the point of heating me all over as I lean over and peck his lips again. “My best friend is the love of my life,” I murmur back, skin tingling.

Grayson’s cheeks pinch tighter as he goes to kiss me a third time when I hear the familiar sound of tyres on gravel. Shuffling in the passenger seat, I clear my throat as Holden pulls up beside us.