Page 42 of Luci’s Lullaby

“I’ve held a baby, I’m not gonna break her.”

Chord doesn’t leave my side as his eyes shimmer. “I’m one helluva lucky man.”

“That you are but I figure, y’all have had enough hurt to last a lifetime. You both deserve this and so much more.”

“See, baby. Everyone thinks we need more,” Chord chimes in.

Sarah stares blankly at him. “Not today, Chord.”

“Shut down.” I chuckle as baby Jordan makes a sucking sound.

Sarah sits up. “I think she might be hungry.”

“Are you gonna try again?” Chord raises his brow.

“Try what?”

“Nursing.” Sarah glows. “She’s not latching on yet, and I’m praying we’ll get it.”

“I know nothing about any of this, so I’m going to hand her over and say my goodbyes for now.” I rub her little cheek before handing her over to her mom.

“Thank you for coming.” Sarah kisses my cheek.

“I’ll be back. I need to bring her a proper gift.”

Chord frowns. “No gifts needed.”

“Speak for yourself, I want Country Fest tickets.” Sarah giggles.

“I’ll see what I can do about that.” I wink at her.

“I’ll see you out so you can stop hitting on my wife.” Chord rolls his eyes.

He and his brother follow me out to the hall where Hardy sits. Hardy’s his brother-in-law, and One’s his brother. His dad is walking down the hall now.

“Where you headed, back to bed?” Chord asks.

I rub the back of my neck. “I’m thinking of checking on a friend, but it’s early; I’ll probably go back to my place.”

“A friend?” Hardy perks up. “Is this friend a woman?”

I shake my head. “Naw, why would you think that?”

“Because you said friend, instead a man’s name.” One grins.

I shove my hands in my pockets. “Here’s the thing, she wouldn’t even look at me the other night. Acted as if she detested me. We talked for a few hours and she spent the night.”

“Typical Alden.” Hardy laughs as I shift my feet.

“Why does everyone think I’m a man-whore?”

Chord cuts his eyes at One and Hardy. “Well, because of you.”

“That’s what she said. She actually said she knew what she was getting into but wanted to stay.”

One cocks his brow. “I’m assuming there’s a problem.”

“Yeah, there sure the hell is. Why is it bothering me? I had a gorgeous blonde in my bed last night, and all I could think about was this girl.”