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Moving toward the bed, I kneel on the comforter in front of Aria. “Thank you,” I whisper before I kiss her softly on her lips. “I’ll call when I have any news.” She nods and I stand up, picking my phone up from the side of the bed. Turning, I see my mum watching us.
“Where’s Dad?”
“Getting dressed. He should be ready now.”
I nod. “Come on, let’s go.”
“Thank you, Aria. For watching Jacob,” my mum says, and Aria waves her hand.
“I love spending time with him. Give Libby my love.” My mum gives her a small smile and I wink at her before taking my mum’s arm and guiding her onto the landing and down the stairs. Dad’s waiting by the front door and I snatch up the keys to the truck from the small table in the hallway.
Jogging down the porch steps, we all climb quickly into the truck, my mum clutching her phone in her hand. I start the engine and speed away from the house, gravel from the drive spitting up behind us. We drive in comfortable silence for a few minutes until my mum turns to me from the passenger seat.
“Aria seems nice.”
“She is. Jacob adores her.”
“And you?” She raises her eyebrows in question.
“I really like her.”
“I was worried you’d come here and fall in love, like your sister.” Her voice sounds sad, but she smiles as I glance across at her. I don’t say anything. I’m not sure how to respond. I can’t lie. Ihavecome to the ranch and fallen in love, but I don’t know what that means for my future. Not yet anyway. Not until I’ve spoken to Aria. I want to ask her to move to the UK, but I know she loves it here. I can’t imagine going home and never seeing her again. That just isn’t an option.
Fifteen minutes later, I pull up outside the entrance to the hospital. Mum and Dad jump out and rush inside, leaving me to park the truck. When I get inside, I take the lift to the third floor, I tap my foot as I wait for the car to travel upwards. I haven’t let myself think that Libby or the baby might not be okay, but as I ride the lift alone, my mind works overtime. When the doors open, I see my mum pacing the waiting area.
“Any news?” I ask as I make my way over to her.
“They’re in theatre now,” my dad says as he takes my mum’s hand and forces her to sit down.
“You’re going to wear a hole in the floor, Em,” he says, stroking his thumb over the back of her hand.
“Surely we should have heard something by now?” Her eyes find mine and I give her a small smile.
“I’m sure everything is fine, Mum.” Before I can say anything else, her eyes go past me, and she gasps. Spinning around, I see Mason standing in the corridor, dressed in blue scrubs. My mum rushes past me and pulls him in for a hug.
“Is Libby okay?” she asks, and he grins.
“She’s good. She sent me back here to get you all. We have someone we’d like you to meet.” My mum bursts into tears and Mason chuckles, putting his arm around her. “Come on.” He guides her down the corridor and through a set of double doors. Dad and I follow, and I can’t help smiling as I watch my mum just ahead of me. She’s practically bouncing along the corridor and excitement radiates off her.
“This is us,” Mason says, coming to a stop outside of a closed door. Swinging the door open, he gestures for my mum to go in first. As I follow, I slap Mason on the shoulder.
“Congratulations, man.”
“Thanks, Jack.” His smile is wide, and other than the day he married my sister, I’ve never seen him look happier.
“Oh, Libby!” my mum exclaims, rushing to Libby’s side. Her smile matches Mason’s, and I can’t help but smile myself as I look at her sitting up in bed, holding a baby in her arms.
“Meet your granddaughter, Mum,” Libby says, her voice choked with emotion.
“A girl,” my mum whispers, and Libby nods.
“Are you okay?” She leans over and presses a kiss on Lib’s head.
“I’m okay. Sore, but she’s worth it. Would you like to hold her?”
“Yes.” Mum takes her from Libby, holding her close to her chest, silent tears running down her cheeks. Standing at the end of the bed, I catch Libby’s eye.
“Well done, Lib. She’s beautiful.”
