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I open my mouth to make sure she understands that this is it, she’s it for me, when my cell phone rings. I see Owen’s name; he wouldn’t be calling unless something was up. “O?”
“Hey, I know this is a bad time, but I thought you might want to know that Aspen’s water broke. We’re on our way to the hospital.”
“Shit. Okay, we’re on our way.”
“What is it? Is everything okay?” Worry filters through Wren’s question.
“It’s perfect. Aspen’s water broke. We’re about to welcome another Riggins baby boy into the family.” I smile down at her.
“Looks like I’m going to have to hitch a ride with you.”
“Speaking of that, why don’t you take one of my cars—” I start, and she’s already shaking her head no.
“I love you for who you are, Marshall. You’re this kind, energetic, caring man who wears his heart on his sleeve. I won’t be one of those women who gets your heart and then go after your wallet.”
“You have my heart, and it’s not my wallet. It’s a car. I have three and can only drive one at a time. I hate that you and Maddie are without wheels when I have more than I need.”
“Not happening, Riggins.” She stands and tugs on my arm. “Come on. We have a baby to meet.”
“Bring it in, brother.” I pull Conrad into a hug before releasing him and going to stand next to the bed. Leaning over, I press a kiss to Aspen’s cheek. “He’s beautiful,” I tell her. “Good job, Momma.”
“He looks like his daddy.” Aspen smiles at me with tears in her eyes.
“Do you have a name?” Wren asks. She’s sitting in the chair at the foot of the bed with a sleeping Madeline in her arms.
“Bryson Conrad Riggins.” Aspen smiles.
“He’s precious.” Wren smiles warmly, and I get a vision of this same situation, only it’s Wren and me who just had a baby. I want that. I want a house full of kids with her.
“I’m going to be calling you, I’m sure,” Aspen tells Wren.
“You know how to reach me,” she tells her.
“Congratulations, guys. We need to get Maddie home. We wanted to wait to see you. We’ll be back to visit tomorrow. Get some sleep.”
“While you can,” Wren adds.
“Thanks for sticking around.”
“Can we bring anything tomorrow?” Wren asks.
“Not that I can think of,” Aspen replies.
“We’ll see you later.” I wave to them. “You want me to take her?” I ask Wren, pointing to a sleeping Madeline.
“Sure. Let’s get her strapped in first.” Together we work to get Madeline in her seat.
“Hey, Marsh,” Conrad calls as we’re just about to walk out of the door.
“Yeah?” I turn to look at him over my shoulder.
“Welcome to the club, brother.”
I smile. “You’re never too old to believe in magic.” I wink. Aspen and Conrad’s laughter follows us out of the room.
When we’re in my car, I pull out of the lot, reaching over and placing my hand on Wren's thigh. “Babe, what do we need for you and Maddie to stay with me tonight?”
“Um, I think we’re good. I have some extra clothes and diapers, and since I’m breastfeeding, she’ll be okay, but she needs somewhere to sleep.”
“I have a Pack ’n Play we can set up in my room.”
“Are you sure?”
“Am I sure that I want the woman I love and her daughter to sleep in my house with me? Yes, I’m sure.”
“Okay,” she says softly.
Tapping her thigh with my hand, letting her know that I approve, I keep my tired eyes on the road and take us home. Once we’re in my place, I lock the door behind us and lead us to my room in the dark. “I’ll grab the Pack ’n Play. There are shirts in my dresser for you to change into if you want.”
“Thank you.”
I stop and kiss the corner of her mouth. “Love you,” I mumble as I go in search of the Pack ’n Play I keep for when my nephews visit. I make a mental note to have Wren pick out Madeline’s room in my new place once I move in. I want them both to be comfortable. Hell, if I could convince them to move in with me, I would do it. I know if I can’t get her to drive one of my cars, no way can I convince her to move in with me. I’m just going to have to get creative. Not tonight, we’re both exhausted, and all I want to do is fall asleep with her in my arms and wake up the same way.
We’ve been moving at a snail’s pace in that area of our relationship. I needed to know that she was ready. I still won’t push her, but damn, knowing that I get to hold her in my arms tonight has me feeling some kind of way.
