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“That’s a very graphic image.”
“My point is you shouldn’t wait,” she says sagely. “You two obviously want to be together, sobetogether. Don’t get hung up on the details.”
“You know, you’re strangely wise for someone so young.”
“That’ll be two thousand dollars for my consultation services.”
I throw my head back and laugh. “Nice try, kiddo.”
“Do you feel like grabbing lunch with me? I’m craving a gyro now that the whole Mr. Ratchet debacle is over.”
“You know what, that sounds—” My phone rings, interrupting me. When I look down, the caller ID tells me it’s Tom Peterson, Dani’s boss. How strange. I answer in a hurry. “Hello?”
“Hi, may I speak to Luka Antonov, please?”
“Speaking.”
“Hey, Luka, this is Tom Peterson.”
“Is everything alright?” I ask, cutting to the chase.
“Everything’s fine, but we were in the middle of a briefing and Dani’s water broke.”
My heart stutters.
“We called an ambulance, and now she’s on her way to the hospital. She has you down as her emergency contact.”
“I’m on my way,” I say hastily.
“What’s going on?” Tabitha asks, rightly concerned.
The tips of my fingers and toes buzz with excitement. My head is lighter than air. “You’re about to be an aunt, kiddo.”
Chapter 43
Dani
All the books I read told me to expect a hard and long labor with my first child. That’s why I’m still so stunned. It all happened so fast. Between my water breaking, being rushed to the hospital, and the actual delivery—it couldn’t have taken more than an hour-and-a half, tops. The nurses joked that little Willa must have been in a hurry to greet the world.
My daughter rests against my chest, sleeping soundly. I’m obviously exhausted, but I never once look away. She’s so small and fragile andpink. A little on the smaller side because she arrived a couple weeks early, but the doctors have assured me she’s as healthy as an ox. A strong pulse and even stronger lungs. I wouldn’t be surprised if she grew up to be an opera singer one day.
The reality of the situation doesn’t fully hit me until I hear the squeak of rushed footsteps barreling down the hall. Luka appears in the doorway to my private hospital room, his hair windswept and his cheeks bright red from running. Tabitha follows so close behind she almost runs him right off his feet.
“Are you okay?” he asks, frantic. “Is she alright? What—”
I hush him gently, reaching out a hand to invite him over. Luka joins me at my bedside, staring down at our baby girl in teary-eyed amazement. “Five pounds fourteen ounces,” I tell him, choking up a little. My tired brain and overexertion are finally catching up to me.
“Can I hold her?” he whispers.
“Watch her head,” I remind gently as he takes her.
I’ve never seen anything more precious. Luka holds Willa against his chest, his big hands covering the entirety of her back. The look on his face is priceless. This right here is a father in love.
“Hi, honey,” he coos. “Who’s the prettiest girl in the world? Yes,youare.”
I laugh softly. “She’s going to grow up to be a daddy’s girl, I can already tell.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here. I thought it would take longer…”
