“Leanna! Axe!” Nikki’s shrill voice had him on the rebound. “Did you find Terri?”
“We brought the party,” Jolie shouted. “Ken called Ryker, and he said she’s still pregnant.”
Leanna whirled from Axe’s arms and wiped her lips, smearing her lipstick because he hadn’t touched them. She waved both arms. “They’re inside walking around. Did the cupcakes make it?”
“I’ve got them,” Carol called out, wheeling with speed toward the hospital entrance with pink bakery boxes piled on her lap. “Sherelle needs help with the takeout box.”
“I’ve got it.” Axe figured his moment with Leanna was over—for now.
“After you’re done there,” Jolie said, handing him her keys. “Get the gifts from my van.”
“Sure.” Axe didn’t like being ordered around, but then, maybe he should practice, because love was a merciless goddess.
* * *
Leanna’s feelings were all aflutter. Her friends surrounded her as they made their way into Terri’s birthing room. She was happy for Ryker and Terri, but she couldn’t keep from peeking at Axe, who stood in the back, helping Sherelle unpack the takeout containers full of barbecue ribs, fried chicken, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese.
Leanna’s mouth watered, but she couldn’t figure out if it was the tangy, delicious food or the man who’d made her put her heart out on a limb.
She walked over to where Terri was stretching and taking big steps. “You ready for this?”
The biker chick loomed large above her and nodded. Terri was big-boned and tough, but she’d fallen harder for Ryker than the heaviest sequoia tree hitting the forest floor.
“I’m so glad you got your daughter back.” Terri put her hefty arm over Leanna’s shoulders. “We never knew you were pregnant. Was that the year you studied abroad?”
“Yes, and the biggest mistake I made was to give her away. I’ve missed so many years with her.”
“She’s a good kid,” Terri said. “Everyone here was following her journey with the migrant caravan, and we had no clue she was related to you. Guess we should have known. She’s fearless, like you.”
“I’m not so fearless when it comes to love.” Leanna couldn’t help glancing at Axe who joshed with Ryker.
“He’s perfect for you,” Terri said. “Always watching you. If you have a chance, go for it.”
“I’m tired of chasing him and flirting with him for no reward,” Leanna said. “Some men are too cool to be owned by one woman.”
“The cooler they are, the more loyal they get.” Terri knocked her head on Leanna’s. “You have to be blind not to see how he watches you. Sizzling hot, which is why he needs shades. Are you sure you two didn’t have some explosive moments in Mexico?”
Leanna felt her cheeks burn, so she turned away. “How are the contractions? You up for opening gifts?”
“Sure! This baby’s taking his or her sweet time,” Terri said. “But you shouldn’t wait too long to open your gift. Even if love is forever, the man’s body has an expiration date.”
A sweet and deadly trap.
* * *
The Bumblebees always amazed Axe—God knew he watched over them often enough. They were a hive of activity, and they pulled together tighter than family, especially in the big moments of life.
True, the buzzing could get annoying, but right now, basking in the corner watching Leanna flap her hands and jump up and down at each jokey baby gift was like a dream come true.
He fingered the velvet ring box, and his heart contracted. He’d let Leanna know he didn’t blame her for his father’s death, and she’d seemed receptive to the next step. But as usual, Nikki and Jolie barged before they braked, and his moment was shattered.
“Pink,” Jolie said, holding up a frilly, miniature party dress. “Do you like it?”
“Love it,” Terri said. “What’s that shade called?”
“It’s bubblegum pink. Isn’t it sweet?” Jolie trilled.
“Looks flesh-colored to me,” Nikki said. “Porky pink.”
