“Yes. I want it all, but—” I held up a hand, and he nodded, waiting for me. “We still have so many things to talk about.”
He swallowed, his throat bobbing with the movement, and he jumped off the chair. “I need you closer to me. I can barely breathe right now.”
I snorted as he gently wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug. He smelled like home, and the embrace put all my stress at ease. Running my hands over his shoulders, I massaged a knot as the hug continued without talking.
I had questions. Lots of them. I’m sure he did too. But right now, this was enough. Us safe and together.
“You need to eat.” He broke the hug and kissed my forehead, lingering before he smiled down at me. “Saltines and Sprite?”
“My favorites.”
“I’ll get you some and be right back. Are your parents still here?”
“I actually don’t know.” I shrugged and reached out to grip his hand. “I’m so glad you’re here, Connor.”
His answering smile melted my heart.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather fucking be.” He kissed the back of my hand, handed me my bag with my phone, and went to the door, stopping and staring at me with an unfocused look.
“If you thought I was overbearing or protective before, you have no idea what I’m gonna be like now that you’re carrying our child.”
“Oh.”
Heat stung my face before he winked and said he’d be right back.
I nodded, and he left. Exhaustion plagued me, but I knew I had to eat a little before they’d release me tomorrow. My phone had ten missed calls from Connor, frantic texts from him as well.
Connor:PLEASE tell me you’re okay.
Connor:LANEY. Fuck! I’m so sorry. I’m on my way.
Connor:I love you so fucking much, please be okay.
Connor:I hate that Matt is with you.
My stomach tightened. Yeah, having Matt take me here wasn’t ideal, but it wasn’t like I chose to pass out on him. I went to his contact information and quickly sent him a thank-you-for-everything text.
He responded withanytime.
Then I texted my mom and dad in our group chat.
Laney:Connor is gonna stay with me through the night. You are dismissed from your duty. Clock out.
Mom:Your dad has already ordered ten baby outfits. He’s out of control.
Dad:Why are you ratting me out?
Mom:So she can talk sense into you!
Laney:Okay, I’m silencing my phone. I’ll text you when I leave tomorrow.
Mom:Love you!!!
Dad:If it’s a boy, you’re naming him after me, right?
Chuckling, I tossed my phone back in my bag and relaxed into the hospital bed. It was more comfortable than I thought, and I yawned just as Connor walked in with a soda and a sleeve of crackers.
“Thank you.” I reached for them, and he pulled the chair closer so he could touch me while I ate. His face seemed different from when he had walked in the door, and I leaned over, running my hand over his jaw.
