“I guess I’ll have to take him, flaws and all.” Sybil heaved a sigh and smiled mischievously at Jared.
He grinned and reclaimed his spot at her side. “Maybe I shouldn’t have let you all meet. I didn’t know you’d gang up on me.”
“I’ve got your back, Jared.” Jase came out of the shadows. Shook her hand and addressed her. “But if you ever want to hear stories about this guy, let me know. I’m Jase, Cara’s husband.”
“Good to meet you.”
Although relieved the meeting went better than she’d dreamed, her back ached worse, and her stomach cramped. She nudged Jared discreetly, and he caught her hint.
He pointed to the baggage claim. “Looks like they’ve unloaded the luggage. Let’s grab them and get out of here.”
While the three guests found their bags, he pulled her aside. “Are you okay?”
“I think so. Just hurting a lot.”
“Why don’t we call in something to eat instead of going out as planned?” His brows crinkled, full of concern.
“I’ll be fine as long as I’m sitting or moving. It’s the standing still that makes it worse.” She sucked in a breath as another pain gripped her. “You promised them local cuisine, and that’s what they’ll get.”
Chapter Seventeen
Jared never imagined he’d attend a baby shower or bridal shower. Weren’t they typically women only events? Yet here he was, decorating for the combined event later this afternoon. At least he had Jase to keep him company while the ladies did their thing.
Wyatt and Evan were both still on their way from Pennsylvania and Louisiana, unable to leave earlier due to work conflicts. The important thing was they’d be there tomorrow for the wedding along with their wives.
Sybil came into the living room, her arm cradling her midsection. “When are you going to pick up the chairs?”
“As soon as I hang these banners Rysa brought.” He stabbed the end of the plastic banner with pink teddy bears printed on it with a thumbtack. “I wonder if she got enough of them.”
“I heard that,” Rysa called from the kitchen. “If we’re having a party, we’re going all out.”
He chuckled, moved the stepladder several feet to the right, and hung the other side. “One more to go after this one.”
“Would you mind going now? I’ll have Cara or Hollie hang the last one.” Sybil flinched and hunched forward.
“I think we should call the doctor. You’ve been having contractions since yesterday.” Numerous thoughts ran through his mind, but the two at the forefront were how much he hated seeing Sybil in pain, and that it was too early for Brilyn to come.
“It’s just Braxton Hicks. They’re normal.” She put a finger to her mouth. “Don’t say anything else, please. I don’t want anyone worrying.”
His gut said otherwise, but Sybil was the woman and knew more about these things. “Okay.”
“Back to the chairs. Could you get them now?” Impatience quickened her voice, and he passed it off to a pregnancy thing. “I want to make sure we have enough seating with a sensible arrangement.”
“I’m on it.” He stepped down from the ladder. “They’re in the fellowship hall, right?”
“Yes. The rear door will be unlocked for you.” She licked her lips then sighed. “I know, I know, I’m worrying too much about the details.”
“You want everything perfect. There’s a difference.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Need help?” Jase appeared out of nowhere.
Jared almost laughed at the stricken look on his face. “The loadingwillgo faster with two of us.”
“I owe you big time,” Jase said once they’d left the house.
“Too much estrogen for you?” Jared glanced at him with a smirk.
“Just a bit.” Jase chuckled. “I’m all for celebrating big events, but these women don’t do anything halfway, do they?”
