Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
My eyes coast over the three friends, noting the same message in their expressions.
Best friends… Family.
Appreciation flickers in Major’s eyes before he goes back to Jewls.
“We should prepare the staff. And we’ll need more furniture,” Presley instructs no one in particular.
Finn and Robbie disappear down a different hall.
“What’s happening?”
“Rowan, our crew has done this over fifteen times. We have a system.” Presley types away on her phone.
“We’ll teach you the ropes. First rule is to make nice with the staff so they don’t kick anyone out.” Ember rubs her stomach. “They know us by now.”
“Whatever happens over the next few hours or days, do not piss off the staff,” Presley concurs.
“Please don’t,” Ember pleads. “I have to deliver here in a few weeks, and it will suck if my father-in-law has to shut down the ward again.”
“Again?” Harley inquires.
“Yes. Would you believe rockers can behave like angels? But one minor complication and the Marines went batshit crazy?”
“Not Finn’s finest moment, for sure,” Presley agrees.
“Noted.” I squeeze Ford’s waist tighter. “We’ll handle the Marines.”
Ford huffs but does it grinning.
The warm, soft mattress moves under me, and I snuggle in closer, inhaling a heavenly scent.
Fresh linen combined with sandalwood and cedar. Woodsy and masculine, enveloping me like a blanket and coating my skin.
I breathe in deep, gripping the sheet and exhaling with a little moan of appreciation.
The mattress goes solid, and Ford’s voice brings me out of my dreamy state.
“Baby, wake up.”
I open my eyes slowly, blinking away the blinding fluorescent lights and it all comes back to me.
We’re in the hospital. I’m not in bed, but in Ford’s lap, coiled into his body and covered with a fluffy blanket.
“How long was I asleep?” I croak.
“A few hours.”
I unwind myself and glance around.
Harley lies on one sofa with her head in Ace’s lap, sleeping soundly. Shayla is in a similar position with Collin on an oversized chair. Ginger is laid back in a recliner with a blanket like mine.
Tom arrived after I fell asleep and is sitting at the table playing cards with Talon.
“Have any of you slept?” I twist to face Ford and run my fingers along his jawline.
“No.”
I hold his stare, noticing the worry in his eyes. It’s not a surprise they haven’t slept. Throughout the night, each of the guys would trade looks, communicating their anxiety.
The surrounding silence is eerie. Last I remember, this room was packed with people. Raven and Declan arrived with enough food to feed the entire floor. Raven had bags loaded with provisions.
Clothes, toiletries, blankets—she had everything.
They are truly professionals at this.
Harley and Ace’s parents stayed until Major’s family arrived, then promised to return today. The trio left with them.
Robbie insisted on taking Ember home around midnight. Presley and Finn were still here, but aren’t now.
“Where are the families?”
“Meeting the babies.”
His response is so blasé it takes a full five seconds to sink it. When it does, I lurch out of his grasp, almost tumbling to the floor. “Jewls delivered?”
“She did.”
“Why are we sitting here? Shouldn’t we be doing… something?”
“We wait for Major, then we do whatever they need.”
It’s a simple statement that speaks volumes.
I lean in, brushing my lips along his. “Do you want some coffee?”
“I want you to stay right here.”
He repositions me on his lap, tucking the blanket around me and resting his chin on my shoulder.
A few minutes later, Major appears with Sam and Drake at his side. Talon gets to his feet, and I scoot over for Ford to do the same. Ace gently wakes Harley, edging from under her and joining the guys.
I hold my breath as Major talks low to them. All at once, four heads drop and chests expand. Ford yanks Major into a one-armed hug.
I can’t handle the suspense, chewing on my bottom lip anxiously.
“Two boys,” Major announces proudly.
A flash of black jets by, and Harley lurches herself at him, mumbling incoherently.
“How’s Jewls?”
Major puts her down and his eyes brighten. “She’s a fucking rockstar. No matter how many times we begged her to reconsider, she never gave up.”
“What do you need from us, man?” Talon asks somberly.
“I need you to meet my sons.”
A lump lodges in my throat and I go to Ford, taking his hand. He immediately relaxes.
We file behind Major and follow him to the room.
Margo and Cindy are crowded around the bed, fussing over Jewls. Harley goes straight to them after washing her hands.
Major motions to the bassinet, and we follow Harley’s lead and wash up before going near the babies.
Two little bundles of blue are lying face to face. Rosy cheeks, full lips, wisps of dark hair under their caps.
My heart stops.
They are so precious.
Major hands one to me. “This is Levi. And this is Koby.” He places the second baby in Ace’s arms.
My heart pitters at the name, knowing it’s a tribute to Major’s childhood best friend who died tragically.