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“It’s still your day, Jordyn.”
“You’re right; it is my day, and I can’t think of anything better than celebrating the birth of our nephew.” Tears cloud my eyes because my heart is so fucking full, I can’t help it.
“I don’t know how that heart of yours fits inside your chest, future Mrs. Kincaid.”
I smile over at him as we pull into the parking lot of the hospital. The truck is barely in Park before I’m tearing off my seat belt and pushing open my door. “Grab the bag,” I call over my shoulder to Ryder.
“Woman, you better not try to get out of this truck on your own.” He gives me a stern look.
“Then hurry up, slowpoke. We have a baby to snuggle.” I turn back around, slipping my purse over my head, and wait impatiently for him to come and help me out of the truck.
“Maybe I should get a wheelchair,” he muses.
“Ryder!” I laugh. “Stop. Grab the scooter and help me down. I don’t need a damn wheelchair.”
He winks and reaches into the back seat to grab my scooter, then lifts me out of the truck, placing me on my feet. I don’t wait for him. Instead, I start my trek to the hospital entrance.
“What took you so long?” I ask when Ryder jogs to catch up with me.
“I had to get the gift bag. How in the hell did you get so fast on that thing?”
“I zoom around the house all day while you’re at work.”
“You’re supposed to be resting.”
“If I keep resting, my ass is going to leave a permanent indention on the couch. I can’t just sit around all day. I can’t wait to get this cast off.”
“Next week, sweets.”
Originally, it was only supposed to be six weeks, but when I went in for my checkup, the doctors decided I need a little more time. They then put me in an air-cast-boot-looking thing and advised me to limit the weight I put on the leg for two more weeks. And Bossy Mc-Bosserson is sticking to the rule to the letter. Hence the reason I have the damn scooter still instead of the crutches they gave me to use as well. Ryder doesn’t think they’re safe.
I love the man, but he’s driving me crazy. I don’t say anything, though, because I’ve been on the other side. Where there is no one there to fuss or drive you insane. I’ll take the former all day long.
When we reach the waiting room, it’s filled with family. Our family. I tear up again, but blink it back. Now is not the time. This is my new normal. It’s going to take some getting used to, but I’m definitely up for the challenge.
“Hey.” Carol, my future mother-in-law, comes over and hugs me. “Happy Birthday, Jordyn.”
I lose the battle as I smile back at her and wipe the tear from my eye. “Thank you.”
“Sweetheart, are you okay?”
I smile. It’s not fake or forced. It’s one-hundred-percent percent genuine. “I’m more than okay.”
She pulls me into another hug, and this time, I hold on a little longer and squeeze her a little tighter, but she doesn’t seem to mind.
“Go on back,” Orrin tells us. “We’ve all already had our turn. Everyone except for the twins, but they’re on their way.”
“Thanks.” Ryder turns toward me and winks. “Let’s go, sweets. We have a baby to snuggle.”
I barely contain my urge to let out a squeal of excitement. I wasn’t kidding when I said this is the best birthday I can ever remember.
Ryder pushes open the door, and I slowly scoot my way inside.
“Hey,” I whisper. Brooks is sitting on the edge of the bed with their new baby boy in his arms while Palmer looks at both of them with a blissfully exhausted yet happy look on her face.
“Hi, guys.” Palmer smiles. “Come meet your nephew.”
“Congratulations,” I say, wheeling over to the side of the bed opposite of where Brooks is sitting. “He’s so handsome.” I swallow over the lump in my throat.
“Thank you,” they say at the same time.
“You did good, Momma,” Ryder says as he leans over the bed and kisses Palmer’s cheek.
“Thanks, Ry. Do you want to hold your nephew?”
“Yes,” we say at the same time. Brooks and Palmer smile at one another before Brooks stands and walks around the bed, placing his son in his brother’s arms.
“Hey, little man,” Ryder coos. “Has Mommy and Daddy given you a name yet?” he asks the baby.
“Leo,” Palmer speaks up.
“Hey, Leo. I’m Ryder, your favorite uncle.”
It’s funny as hell, but also so damn sweet. I cover my mouth to hide my emotions. I feel a hand on my arm and look over to see Palmer smiling at me. She nods and mouths, “I know,” before her eyes go back to her son.
“All right, baby hog.” I offer Ryder a watery smile. “Can I have a turn?”
