Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 80304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
“What feeling?”
“The right one.”
“What does that mean?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. But I liked it enough to do whatever I need to do to find out.”
“You’re really willing to wait?”
“Can I keep calling you? Texting you? Maybe sharing a meal with you every now and then?”
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“Tell me why, Crosby.”
“Because what if I fall for you?”
“I’ll catch you.”
“I’m being serious, Rush. I might be leaving Willow River.”
“If that happens, we’ll talk about it. See where we are when that happens, and decide together.”
I think about what that means. He’d have to leave his family, and I’d never do that. I’d never tear them apart. He needs them, and they need him. I’d never pull him from his family. I know what it’s like to be on your own, to not have anyone in your corner, and I refuse to be the reason he leaves that behind.
“I should go.”
“All right, gorgeous. Sweet dreams.”
“Night, Rush.” I end the call. Against my greatest efforts, the walls around my heart are being chipped away where Rushton is concerned. That was most definitely not part of the plan.
I jolt out of bed when I hear the shrill ring of my cell phone. Glancing at the alarm clock, I see it’s just after one in the morning. Grabbing my phone, I see Rushton’s name on the screen, and my heart drops. He never calls this late.
“Rush.”
“Gorgeous, we have a baby!” he says excitedly.
“What?”
“Orrin and Jade, she went into labor, and it was fast. They barely made it to the hospital. I’m on my way there. I’m almost to your place.”
“What? Rushton, slow down. Why are you coming to my place?”
“To take you with me.”
Five words that shouldn’t mean anything more to me than he will ever know. My heart feels all gushy just from those five words. They’re not declarations of love, but they might as well be.
“You want to take me with you?” I ask, barely getting the words past my lips.
“Damn right, I do. We’re going to meet my nephew.” His excitement is infectious.
“You should be with your family.”
“I will be. And you’re going to be with me. I’ll be there in five.” He ends the call, and it takes me about three seconds to toss off the covers and rush to get ready. I know Rushton well enough now to be sure he’s coming, and he’s not leaving until I get into his truck with him.
I’m sliding my arms into my coat when there’s a loud knock at the door. Grabbing my purse and phone, I pull open the door to find a smiling, disheveled-looking Rushton.
“Crosby.” The way he says my name, with so much meaning behind it, has me pausing. He takes advantage and wraps his arms around me, lifting me off my feet. “A new baby Kincaid.” He places me back on my feet but doesn’t let go of me. “You ready, gorgeous?”
“Yeah, I’m ready. You sure you want me to come with you?”
“Positive.” He steps back, gliding his fingers between mine and giving them a gentle squeeze.
“What about the twins?”
“They were on their way home from the club in Harris. They’re en route to the hospital now.”
I nod. “Are you sure it’s okay if I’m there?”
He drops my hand and raises his to cradle my cheek. “My family loves you. Jade and you are friends, and she’d want you there. Besides, I want you there. That’s all that matters.” He leans in, and I hold my breath, thinking that he’s going to kiss me, but his lips land on my forehead. “You got what you need?”
“Yes.”
His grin is boyish and contagious. “Let’s go meet my nephew.” He takes my hand in his and leads me to his truck that’s still running in my driveway.
Once we’re on the road, he reaches over and grabs my hand, placing our locked fingers on the center console. I know I should pull away, but he’s so excited I’m not even sure he realizes what he’s doing. It’s endearing to see this man excited about becoming an uncle again. My heart squeezes in my chest. I don’t know that I’ll ever be an aunt or get to experience being a part of a family, let alone one the size of his. I’m honored to be able to share this with them.
The drive to the hospital is quick, probably because I spent the entire time staring at Rushton. The glow from the dash gives me just enough light to make out his features. His smile is permanently etched on his face. We park and head inside with his hand once again locked with mine. I try to pull away, but he just holds on tighter. Hopefully, his family will be too preoccupied with the new baby to notice.
We reach the waiting room, and all eyes turn our way. So much for going unnoticed. “How are they?” he asks, leading us into the room.