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My vision grows blurry, and I’m lightheaded, sure I’m about to black out.
“Princess, breathe deep and focus on me.”
I do the first, but finding focus is difficult.
“The answer to your questions is yes. All of it. But I can see it freaks you the hell out. So, let’s go back a few steps.”
“Impossible. You just told me you want me to have your baby.”
“I also told you I love you. For a man like me, they go hand in hand.” His eyes glitter again, and his lips curve in that way that tells me he’s amused.
“If you laugh at me right now, I’m taking everything back,” I snap, my wits returning.
“Can’t take it back, but glad to know that even freaked you can find the sass.”
I drop my leg from his hip and narrow my eyes. “You are about to take a beautifully romantic and memorable conversation and turn it into an argument.”
He smiles wide, stealing a kiss, and squeezes my ass to hold me in place. “I’m not looking for an argument, Princess. I’m changing the subject so you don’t pass out.”
There’s no time to respond because there’s a hustle behind us and I turn to find everyone now in the hall. Thankfully, Miller releases his hold, whirls me around, and casually drapes his arms around my waist.
Stephanie spots us first, coming in. “The nurse and anesthesiologist are talking with Darby now. She’s pretty set on waiting, but knowing this is a big baby, doctors are concerned she may wait too long and get into immense pain. Annie got us kicked out when she leaped on the side of the bed to hold Darby down, demanding the doctor do it now.”
I snort, slapping my hand over my mouth.
“It’s okay to laugh. For a split second, I thought about joining in on holding her down, but we were ushered out.”
Todd comes to her side, linking his arm around her. “Baby, I’m glad you aren’t the one that got us all booted. Saw it on your face, didn’t know if I should hold you back or take off my belt to help secure her to the bed.”
I openly laugh now, feeling Miller’s chest vibrate at my back.
“Anyway, I think we’re heading back to Pierce and Darby’s. Todd desperately needs a shower, and we need to get the kids some things.”
“Oh no, Runner!” I angle my face to Miller. “He was with us when this all happened. He was hassling when I dashed out the back. We’re supposed to take care of him.”
“Your brothers cool with taking him tonight while we sit here?”
“Yes, they love dogs.”
“We’ll swing by and get him. I’ll shower, we’ll fill your family in, grab some takeout and head back.”
“Yes, that sounds like a plan. Did the valet give you my key fob?”
“Yeah.” He rolls his eyes in unexplained exasperation. “He also gave me the five hundred dollars you shoved in his hand.”
My eyes pop wide. “I thought it was a few fives and was too distracted to care. But he deserves every bit. I was in charge of Darby Kendrick!”
“Babe, I love you taking care of her, but you will need that money to replace those fabulous Dior booties. What the hell happened?” Stephanie is staring at my feet with a mixture of sadness and sympathy. “Scottie will want to have a proper burial for them.”
“Oh.” I swing my foot out. “Actually, they are a casualty of the best kind. Darby’s water breaking was a big production.”
There are two very masculine, very sharp, intakes of breath, and Stephanie’s expression turns horrified. “You are covered in amniotic fluid?”
It finally hits me how this may be a total gross-out. “Ummm…”
“That’s it, we all need showers. Let’s round up the kids and hit the road.” Miller manhandles me out the door, mumbling under his breath about me humping him with ‘that’ all over me.
“Hey, remember your disgust next time you drop the baby bomb.” I play.
“My woman, my baby, my bodily fluids, I’ll handle. There’s a huge difference.”
He stops by his parents, explains what our plan is. When he tells Cole and Maya the same, they back away apprehensively. I get it immediately, the look of fierce protection and adoration radiating from them. They aren’t cool with leaving Darby.
“Why don’t you text Uncle Miller what you need, and I’ll get it?” I offer softly.
Both their shoulders sag in relief and they nod.
We say our goodbyes, Miller refusing to let me drive and taking us to get Runner. I call my brothers, who, as expected, are cool with taking care of him. Then I call my parents, who are already on their way to Miller’s from their hotel.
When we get to Pierce and Darby’s, I gather the items for the kids, get Runner’s things, and find Miller hosing off the front porch. “One less thing to do tomorrow,” he explains, loading us in his truck.
