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He left enough cash on the table for the bill and a good tip before escorting Charlee out to his truck.
Seth and Bailey lived in Montana, but Bailey had wanted to have her first child in Prescott where she could be close to family and friends. They’d driven to Arizona a couple of weeks ago, in plenty of time for Bailey’s due date.
“The baby is right on time.” Charlee shifted in her seat to better look at Ace. “Did Seth sound worried about the complications?”
“He sounded like a nervous father-to-be, so we won’t really know until we get to the hospital.” Ace glanced at her. “I can’t believe Bailey is going to be a mommy. How could my kid sister be old enough to have a baby?”
“I’m right there with you.” Charlee shook her head. “I want kids one day, but it’s still hard to imagine being a mom.”
Ace clenched his jaw.Damn. He’d planned on never being a father, and it had always been a deal breaker for him. He’d grown up with brothers he’d always looked up to but had felt like he couldn’t measure up to. They were all good husbands and good dads. He just didn’t think he was dad material. Apparently not good husband material in Charlee’s case.
He mentally kicked his own ass. He’d known Charlee wanted kids since the first time she mentioned it, but he’d pursued her anyway.
“What’s wrong?”
Charlee’s words caught his attention and he cut his gaze to her. “Nothing. Just thinking.”
“You look like it’s something serious.” She frowned. “Your poker face sucks.”
He shrugged and turned back to the road. “Just thinking.” He left it at that and she didn’t ask him anything else about it. Now wasn’t the time to talk about it. They’d have the conversation later.
They arrived at the hospital just under twenty minutes and found their way to the waiting room in the birthing center. His parents were already there, along with his brothers and their wives—Jayson and Celine, and Jack and Dara. All the kids were with friends or sitters.
Apparently Justice and Fiona were on their way—they’d had to drop off Lora and Sophie at a friend’s home. Seth was in the birthing room with Bailey.
Charlee hugged Dara and Celine, along with Ace’s brothers and his parents, Molly and Gus.
“Is Bailey okay?” Charlee asked Molly.
Ace’s mom wore a concerned expression. “The cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck and he’s not getting enough oxygen.” Molly’s voice caught. “The doctor plans to do a C-section, but he’s concerned about her blood pressure, which is low.”
Charlee said, “This is Bailey we’re talking about. Nothing gets in her way and she always comes out on top. That baby will be just as tough as his mom.”
“You’re right, Charlee.” Molly smiled, but still looked worried. “Our daughter is made of strong stuff.”
Charlee hugged her again.
While they waited for news, Ace’s family mingled and talked about their kids, their spouses, their ranches and things going on around Prescott. Ace hung out with his brothers and dad, while his mother, sisters-in-law, and Charlee all talked. Justice and Fiona finally made it and joined in the family conversations.
Ace watched Charlee as she smiled and spoke with her and Bailey’s best friend, Dara, who had married his brother, Jack.
Charlee was beautiful and so much more. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. He wanted to touch her, hold her, be with her.
But he couldn’t be what she wanted and needed.
He’d have to tell her and he’d have to walk away from the woman he’d loved since they were young.
Charlee could feelAce watching her as she talked with Dara. He made her feel things she’d never expected to feel again, only far better. She’d always cared about him, despite the teasing. Could she fall in love with him?
Maybe she already had.
“How are you feeling?” Charlee asked Dara. “Do you have any morning sickness?”
Dara appeared vaguely ill at the thought. “Lots of morning sickness, but all day long. Otherwise I’m feeling pretty good.”
“Morning sickness doesn’t sound like fun.” Charlee made a face then smiled. “Worth it in the long run, though.”
“I heard you and Ace got snowed in together,” Dara said. “We all know he’s had a thing for you since we were kids.” She wore a mischievous expression. “So how did that go?”
