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At the term lawyer, Cole steps next to his dad and little brother. I’m not the only one that notices. Anger flames in Poppy’s gaze and she’s ready to burst, but the quiet sniffle from Maya changes her expression.
“Sweet girl, don’t be upset. This is a misunderstanding. I’ll handle it.” She squeezes her shoulder and gets out, steadily walking to Connie.
Connie scans her from head to toe, scowling in disgust.
Poppy offers her hand. “Let’s do this the polite way. Hi, I’m Poppy Graham.”
Connie snarls, but Poppy is undeterred.
“I hate you had to hear the salacious and farfetched tale of Evin and Rina. It was quite preposterous how she kept chasing after something that would never happen. Such a shame when women choose humility over humbleness.”
Straight fucking shot to the jugular. Pride fires to the surface and I grin outright.
“Fuck, she’s a pro,” Miller mutters.
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Poppy continues.
“I bet you have. Everyone loves to tell the story of the villain.”
“Actually, Maya and Cole can’t stop talking about your awesome trip to the mountains. I saw all the pictures and videos.”
Connie’s head jerks in surprise, her gaze traveling between her children. While the kids were out of school the week of the holiday, Connie wanted to take them to the mountains with her family for a few days. It was the first time they’d be away with her for an extended period since the incident years ago. Darby performed a miracle, getting Pierce to agree. Connie knows this, but her animosity is rooted too deep to show gratitude.
Poppy flicks her hand in the air, dismissing Connie’s refusal to shake. “Anyway, I understand your concern, finding your kids with someone you don’t know. You must have been so worried and scared.” She pours it on thick, and I’m taken back to the confrontation with Rina. “But there’s plenty of room on the cart. You want to jump on and join us for the tour?”
By the shocked expressions and chuckles, no one saw that coming, especially Connie.
“Told you she’s got this,” Ryanne declares proudly.
“Breath-taking, talented, sweet, and witty, I love her.”
Before I can tell Jackson to fuck off, the nagging feeling turns into sharp awareness. My eyes shoot to Darby, who’s wincing and breathing unevenly.
“Jesus, Darby! Pierce something’s wrong.”
Pierce hands Devin off to Cole and squats. “Baby, talk to me.”
“I… I… I thought it was normal muscles cramping.”
“How long has it been happening?”
“On and off all day. When Dev got excited, he kicked down hard and something changed.”
“Goddammit, I knew you were doing too much.”
Her hand flies out, fingers twisting in his sweater as she doubles over, flinching.
“Shit, I recognize that look.” Ashlyn hops off the cart, takes Devin from Cole, and waves a finger through the air. “Someone get Pierce’s truck. Darby needs the hospital. She’s in labor.”
Pierce tosses his keys blindly, huddling Darby and speaking softly. Miller catches them, sprinting off. I slide in next to her, Mom leans over the seat, and Dad closes in.
“Honey, is there a lot of pressure like last time?” Mom asks gently.
Darby nods.
“I don’t think her water has broken yet, but it’s close.”
“Oh, God, I can’t believe this is happening again!” Darby’s head flies up, all signs of pain gone. “My baby boy’s birthday is tomorrow. I can’t have two children on the same day.”
“Why not? Your dad and I did. Makes birthdays simple.”
I drop my chin to hide my chuckle.
“Mom! You had twins.”
Poppy crawls on my lap, her eyes lit with excitement.
“Darby, calm down. Your pulse is racing.” Pierce is oddly peaceful.
“My bag, Runner, Maya, and Cole…” she mumbles.
“We all have it covered,” Poppy assures her. “Worry about yourself and this little girl.”
“Pierce, are we ready for this?”
My chest tightens at the self-doubt in my sister’s tone. She’s unstoppable, fearless, and solid as a rock. This is the first time she’s shown any apprehension.
He pulls her face to his. “I’ve been ready since the day we met.”
“Miller’s back,” Dad announces.
“Please don’t let my water break when I stand.”
“You’re not standing, I got you.” Pierce swoops her up and she clings to him.
Her face swings my way, the silent question easy to read.
“Be there soon. We’ll bring your bag and get Runner settled. Try not to have the baby before we arrive.”
“Hurry.”
The moment Pierce leaves, chaos ensues. Familiar faces in the crowd calling out questions and offering to help. Ashlyn and Miller try to organize our family and the plans. Maya and Cole immediately beg Jill and Warren to follow their dad.
“He carried her to his truck,” Poppy whispers in awe. “That’s one of the most romantic things I’ve ever witnessed.”
“She’s the love of his life. Building this family with her is all he ever wanted.”
“At the same time, I have never seen such yearning and heartbreak.”
My line of sight follows Poppy’s. Connie’s fixated in the direction Pierce drove off. She’s wearing a look of raw devastation I know well.
