They rose to their feet at the same time Alex walked out of the kitchen, her mother alongside him.“Jared called.”
“I just heard,” Aiden said.“Two cars or one?”he asked his father.
“Let’s take two in case anyone wants to leave early,” Lizzie suggested.
Aware her mother would be the one dragging Alex out if the night went on too long and he got too tired, she stifled a laugh and nodded.
“Sounds good,” Aiden said.
When they arrived at the hospital and made their way to the waiting room, the rest of the Sterling siblings had already arrived.Even Remy and Raven, who had just returned from vacation were there.
“Where’s Dad?”Dex asked as they joined the crowd.
“Dad and Lizzie are on their way,” Aiden said.
“Is there any news?”Brooke asked, turning to Fallon and Noah.
She shrugged.“I don’t know.We just got here, too.I had to get Aunt Clara to stay with Gabbi,” she said of her former boss, now partner at the gallery they co-owned.The twins were huddled together in the corner, bouncing with excitement.
“Not yet,” Remy said, joining them.“We were with them when her water broke and drove them to the hospital.Jared said Charlie’s contractions were only five minutes apart by the time we arrived.”
The next hour consisted of everyone hanging out in the waiting room, eager for the arrival of the newest member of their family.Remy left to meet Alex and Lizzie at the entrance of the hospital and bring them to join the family.Aiden kept the twins entertained with wild stories of his worldly adventures.Though Brooke was sure he exaggerated most of them, the girls were fascinated.Noah was busy on his phone, and Dex was in a corner with Samantha, their heads together as they talked in low voices.And Brooke listened to Fallon and Raven chat while taking in the warmth of the scene around her, grateful to be part of it.
The automatic doors leading to the delivery rooms opened and Jared stepped into the room, a dazed look in his eyes.“Kylie Gigi Sterling has arrived!We named her after both our moms.”
Brooke glanced at Alex, who had tears in his eyes.“That’s wonderful news.”She turned to Aiden who’d stepped up beside her and pulled her into a hug.
Jared’s happiness spread through the waiting room, and everyone rushed forward to congratulate him, making it quick because he was eager to get back to Charlie and the new baby.
They waited for a chance to see the new family and finally, Jared reappeared, ushering them in a few at a time, starting with the twins.He wrapped an arm around each girl and led them out the door and toward their mom and new sister.
Seeing the tender happiness that they shared made Brooke think about her own future.She wanted this one day; the love, the babies, and a husband who looked at her like she hung the moon.
Before she could think on that further, it was their time to go in to see the family.Charlie was exhausted but glowing.Jared hovered like a new dad.
And Aiden sat in the visitor’s chair, cradling his niece in his arms.He looked up at her, warmth and other emotions in his eyes, and she knew.He was the only person she wanted this kind of future with.
The longing she felt in that moment was so overwhelming she teared up, accepting the inevitable.No one made her as happy as Aiden Sterling.No one had ever made her as miserable, either.But love took work.Both parties had to try their best.Though Aiden had shattered her years ago, he was still the only person who could make her feel whole.Which meant she had put the past behind her.She believed that Aiden wouldn’t hurt her again.
And that set her free.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The family stayedat the hospital until visiting hours ended.The nursing staff all but had to kick them out.Everyone was so thrilled about the new baby and Aiden was right there with them.
But it wasn’t just the new addition to the family that put him in a good mood.As they walked across the hospital lobby, Brooke at his side, she intertwined her fingers with his.They were together.Though they still needed to talk about their relationship and what it would look like, to him, that was just a technicality.He wasn’t going anywhere, ever again.
As they stepped out of the hospital and into the night, Aiden paused.The asphalt was wet from rain, which obviously started sometime while they’d been inside.
Beside him, Brooke stilled and stared out at the dark night.“I hate heavy rain,” she said.
“I know, sweetheart.But it’s not icy and I can handle the short drive home.”
Ever since her father died on icy roads at night, driving in bad weather made her nervous.Even rain.
“I’ll drive slow.I promise.”He glanced at her.“Ready?”
She nodded and as he walked forward, she fell into step alongside him.
