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“Yep,” Tripp and I said at once.
Waylynn stared for a brief moment at Trevor before she lost it in a fit of laughter.
“Christ Almighty, look at the poor bastard. He doesn’t know what to do.”
Tripp started laughing next.
“He looks like he wants to knock the shit out of Aunt Vi’s poor boy toy!” Waylynn added.
“Are y’all talking about Trevor?” Steed asked, sitting down at the table with Paxton.
Paxton shook her head. “Don’t be mean. I think it’s cute Trevor has finally fallen for someone.”
“Lord, don’t let Mom hear you say that,” Waylynn said. “She’ll make it her mission in life to get them together. She’s already worked her magic on these two.”
She jerked her thumb toward me and Tripp.
Mitchell was now at the table with a very miserable looking Corina. She forced a smile, but I could tell she wasn’t feeling well.
“I say we throw Cord and Maebh to Mom, while we’re at it,” Mitchell said with a chuckle.
Waylynn cleared her throat as everyone turned to her.
Jonathon let out a groan as he said, “What did you do now, Waylynn?”
Her eyes widened, and she pretended to be shocked. Her hand went to her chest while she said, “Me? Why all I did was happen to point her out to our mother and possibly let it slip that Cord couldn’t keep his eyes off our new Irish friend.”
We all laughed.
“Those poor bastards,” Tripp said as he took my hand and kissed the back of it. When he winked, my stomach felt like a million butterflies were flying around in it.
“Boys!” Melanie called out. “I need a picture of all my handsome men. Come on. That means you too, Jonathon…Wade. Come on!”
All of them groaned as Melanie smacked Mitchell on the back of the head, only because he was closest to her.
“Stop acting like that. You know this happens every year.”
As they all got up, Melanie turned to the table.
“Girls, you’re next.” Melanie pointed to me. “And that means you too, Harley.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I said with a nod.
Waylynn grabbed her drink. “The annual family pictures. I swear if she could do this once a month, she would.”
My eyes glanced to Corina. She looked pale. I stood and made my way around the table and sat down next to her. Taking her hand in mine, I squeezed it.
“Corina, what’s wrong?”
She swallowed hard. “I don’t feel good. My head is spinning, and I feel hot.”
Placing my hand to her forehead I shot my eyes over to Waylynn. She was watching us with a concerned look on her face.
“You have a fever, Corina.”
“I feel like I’m going to pass out.”
I grabbed her water and poured it over a napkin. I dabbed it on her forehead and cheeks.
“Drink this,” I said as I took Mitchell’s ice water that he hadn’t touched. “Small sips. Have you been drinking lots of water?”
She shook her head. “Probably not enough.”
Amelia walked up. “Mom stole Wade from me and…what’s wrong?”
Paxton was now up. “I’m going to go get Mitchell.”
“My body hurts so bad,” Corina softly said. She was weak, and for the first time this evening, she wasn’t trying to put up a front.
“Sweetie, we’re going to get you to a bed.” I pointed to my clutch. “Waylynn, reach in and grab my phone.”
She did as I asked.
“I saw Dr. Peterson saying goodbye to your parents earlier. I have his number in my phone. We might be able to reach him before he gets too far away.”
Waylynn pulled up the number and started talking.
“What’s wrong?” Mitchell asked as he rushed up and took the seat next to Corina.
“I think she might have the flu,” I said.
Mitchell’s head snapped up as he looked at me.
I stood, motioning for Mitchell to do the same. “Let’s get her into the house so she can be comfortable. Waylynn’s calling Dr. Peterson now.”
Mitchell and I helped Corina stand. We were soon surrounded by the entire family and Tripp had taken over my spot.
Mitchell called out over his shoulder. “Paxton, can you call Dr. Buten?”
She nodded and rushed in front of everyone, making her way to the house.
“That’s Corina’s OB,” Amelia told me, taking my hand in hers.
I gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry. She’s going to be okay.”
Amelia gave me a tight smile, but I could see the fear on her face.
As we all walked toward the house, Aunt Vi gave an announcement that things were going to wrap up early due to a family emergency. I hated that my fairytale evening had to end, but I was more concerned for Corina and the baby.
Mitchell carried Corina up to the guest bedroom where he and Amelia attended to her. Luckily, the girls had all gotten ready here at the house, so Corina had a change of clothes.
Sitting in the living room, I watched as members of the family paced or sat looking scared.
