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)
“Mom and baby are doing well, and Daddy is beside himself,” Carol tells us. She hugs Rushton and then does the same to me. “It’s good to see you, Crosby.”
“You too. I hope it’s okay that I’m here. Rush called and insisted I be here. I don’t want to intrude.” I’m kind of throwing Rushton under the bus, but it’s what happened.
“Oh, we’re happy you’re here. I’m certain that Orrin and Jade will be as well.”
“Where’s Brooks and Declan?” Rushton asks.
“They’re visiting now. They want to get home to Palmer and Kennedy and the kids.”
Rushton nods. “I can relieve them after I meet him if they need me to,” he offers.
“Nah, it was a quick delivery. After we all get our turns, they’re going to want to get some rest. Palmer and Kennedy have plans to visit in the morning.”
“I’m happy to help with the kids,” I offer.
“That’s so nice of you. I’ll be sure to let them know. They might take you up on that, if you’re sure.”
“Absolutely. Just tell me when and where I can keep all three.”
“Are you sure you can handle Beckham and Remi?” Carol asks.
“Definitely. Besides, Blakely is a huge helper. I’ll be fine.”
Carol nods. “Thank you. You two should go in next so you can get back home and in bed. You’ll need your rest if that’s the case.” She chuckles.
“I can help her,” Rushton offers.
“You should be here with your family.”
“They’ll probably kick us all out. We can be a little overwhelming when we all get together.”
“I can see that.” I smile at her.
“Damn, he’s cute,” Brooks says, coming into the waiting room.
“I love that he’s going to get to be close with Beck and Remi in age,” Declan replies.
Everyone agrees, and Carol tells them about my offer to watch the babies and Blakely tomorrow, which they agree to immediately. It makes my heart happy to know that they trust me with their children outside of the classroom.
It’s not just Rushton that I’m in danger of falling for.
“Rush, you two go on in,” Raymond tells us.
“You sure, Dad?” Rushton asks.
“Yep. We’re going to stay in case they need anything.”
“He did that with us too,” Brooks says.
“Yep,” Declan agrees.
“Okay.” Rushton looks at me, and I nod.
We’re standing outside the door, and I stop him. “I love your family.” I don’t know why I say it, but I couldn’t stop the words even if I tried. As if they were ready to burst free.
Rushton dips his head and kisses the corner of my mouth. “They love you too, gorgeous.” With that, he pushes open the door, still holding my hand.
“Hey,” he says softly.
“More family to meet, little man,” Orrin says to the baby he’s holding in his arms. He stands and kisses Jade before walking to where we stand at the foot of the bed. “Orion, meet your uncle Rush and aunt Crosby.”
I choke on a sob. My hand flies to my mouth as I try to mask it. I would give anything to be this little boy’s aunt. “Hey, buddy,” Rushton says, taking Orion from his daddy. He turns to me. “Say hi to Crosby,” he says, keeping his voice low.
Reaching out, I softly trace my knuckle across his cheek. “It’s nice to meet you, Orion,” I say softly. I raise my gaze to Orrin, who is sitting on the bed next to Jade, cuddling her to his chest. “Congratulations, you two. He’s precious.”
“Thank you,” they reply in unison.
We spend about ten minutes chatting when Rushton turns to me. “You want to hold him?”
“May I?” I turn my question to Orrin and Jade.
“Crosby,” Jade scolds me. “Of course, you can.”
I nod and allow Rushton to place him in my arms. I stare down at the tiny miracle I’m holding, and a yearning I’ve never felt before hits me. I’ve always craved a family of my own, but this… it’s as if I can feel the dream in my grip. I close my eyes, and that’s when I feel his hot breath next to my ear.
“Are you all right?”
I nod and open my eyes. “Yeah. I’m good,” I assure him. We stay about ten more minutes before we give baby Orion back to his parents. We say our goodbyes and do the same to his family in the waiting room before heading back to my place. It’s late or early. However, you want to look at it when we pull into my driveway.
“Thank you for letting me be a part of tonight.”
Rushton turns to look at me. Reaching over, he tucks my hair behind my ear. “Thank you for being there. I wanted you there with me. You were the first person I thought of when I got the call.”
More bricks crumble from the wall around my heart.
“You want to stay?”
“Yeah, gorgeous. I want to stay.” He turns off the engine, grabs his keys, and climbs out of the truck. He follows me up the front steps and waits for me to unlock the door. I don’t turn on the lights when we step inside. Instead, I make my way in the dark to my bedroom. Rushton places his hands on my hips, blindly following me.