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“Cal,” she said in a quiet voice. “He came over this morning to help me and Pops paint the back fence.”
Brandy’s brows lifted at this, and Steph braced herself for a barrage of questions, when a nurse bustled into the lobby. She decided the woman’s cheerful expression could only be good news.
“You have a son,” she told Dave. “He’s being checked over, but everything seems fine so far. And Julie is just waking up. They’re both fighters.”
Dave wiped at the tears falling on his cheeks. “Can I see her?”
“Of course.”
He turned toward Steph and the others. “Thank you for coming. I’m sure she’ll want to see you, too.”
“You go ahead,” Brandy said with a wave of her hand. “We can wait.”
Steph leaned back in her chair, relief flowing through her. “Thank goodness. I hope that little guy will be fine.” She texted Cal the update. Seconds later, her phone rang. She was surprised that he was calling her, so she walked out of the lobby and into the parking lot to answer it.
“Hello?”
“How are you?” Cal asked.
“Relieved. The nurse said Julie and her new baby will be fine.”
“That’s really great news,” he said, his voice warm. “But how areyou?”
“I’m good.” She puffed out a breath and stopped by her car. “No one needs to worry about me—I’m not the one who had a C-section.”
“But your friend did, and I wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
Steph didn’t know why tears filled her eyes. “You’re sweet, Cal, but I don’t need any fussing over. How did the rest of the fence go?”
“We got it done in no time, probably faster because you weren’t here distracting me.”
“Funny.” She sighed, leaning against her car. “Sorry I ran out on everything.”
“Bee, you don’t need to apologize for going to help your friends.”
“Well, it’s not exactly that,” she said. “I don’t think I’m up for the hike we planned. I don’t want to abandon everyone, and I might be helping Dave with his toddler. She’s with their neighbor, who’s as old as the hills.”
“That old, huh?” Cal asked, his tone amused.
“I feel bad that you came all the way to Everly Falls to do my chores.”
Cal didn’t laugh. “I was happy to do it, like I told you. So if you’re done apologizing, text me what you and your friends want for dinner. I’m bringing food over. And if you don’t text me your orders, you’ll have to live with whatever I get.”
“Cal—”
“It’s no trouble, I promise.”
She blinked against another round of tears. “I was really scared,” she whispered.
“I know,” he said softly. “Everything’s going to be all right though. I talked to Rachel, and she’s going to check in on your friend, too. Told me that the maternity staff there is excellent.”
“You’re making me cry,” Steph said, her voice trembling.
“As long as they’re good tears?”
“They are.”
“Good.” The smile was plain in his voice, and Steph really wished he were standing in front of her so she could hug him. “Don’t forget to text me the food orders. I’m heading out in about fifteen minutes.”
