“It’s in their DNA.”
“I guess we’ll have to go through it all again in several months, minus the bridal shower—” Jase cut himself off abruptly.
Jared stopped at a red light and looked at him with a sideways glance. “What do you mean we’ll have to go through it all again in several months?”
“Forget I said anything.”
“Don’t think so.” He pressed down on the accelerator. “Is Cara pregnant?”
Jase nodded. “Don’t say a word. She doesn’t want to rain on your and Sybil’s parade.”
“Are you kidding? This is great.” Pure joy for his sister surged through him. “Sybil will be ecstatic, too. We’ve been struggling with guilt that she got pregnant by accident when you and Cara have wanted a child so badly.”
“There are no accidents, and I can guarantee you that Cara is thrilled for you guys.” Jase rolled his eyes. “You have no idea how many stores she dragged me around to, searching for baby girl clothes for Brilyn.”
He thought of all the shopping he’d done with Sybil and offered Jase a sympathetic smile. “I have an inkling.” His phone rang, and he tipped his chin to it. “That’s Mom’s ringtone. Would you mind answering it?”
Jase picked up the phone. “Hi, Nora. Jared’s still driving.” His eyes widened. “All right. I’ll tell him.” A few nods. “I’ll put him on speaker.”
“Jared, honey, you have to come home now.” His mom’s tone screamed urgency.
His chest tightened. “What’s going on.”
“Sybil’s water broke. We have to get her to the hospital.”
The brakes screeched. “What? It’s too soon.”
“Your daughter has her own timetable.” She’d switched to reassuring mom mode. “The girls are packing Sybil’s bags now, and she’s calling her doctor.”
He turned into the nearest parking lot—thankfully vacant—and his wheels screeched as he circled his car in a quick turn-around. “I’ll be there in five minutes.”
His hands shook on the steering wheel, and he prayed out loud. “Please keep Sybil and our baby safe.”
Jase tapped his shoulder. “Why don’t I drive?”
For the sake of everyone else on the road, Jared agreed. He switched spots with Jase and directed him back to Sybil’s. The truck hadn’t come to a complete stop when he jumped out and ran inside.
Sybil sat on the sofa, amazingly calm compared to Jared.
He dropped beside her. “How are you?”
“A little scared. Dr. Foster is on his way to the hospital, and he assured me thirty-seven weeks is considered full-term and there shouldn’t be any complications.”
With one arm under her arms, he helped her stand. “Let’s get you to the hospital.”
“Wait a second.” She touched his arm. “Will you call the chaplain to meet us there? I want to marry you before this baby gets here.”
“But you’re in labor.”
“I know, but this is important to me. Please?” She bit down on her lip, silently pleading with him.
It wasn’t conventional by any means, but what about their relationship had been? If they got married one day early, then so be it. All he wanted was a life with her at his side as his wife and a healthy baby. He made a quick call to the chaplain who conveniently was already at the hospital meeting with a patient.
“See? It was meant to be.” Sybil gritted her teeth as another contraction hit.
He scooped her into his arms and carried her to the door, then shouted to the group following behind them. “We’re getting married and having a baby.”
They met Chaplain Reed in the hospital chapel. Sybil was afraid if they went to labor and delivery first, she’d lose her chance to exchange vows before Brilyn arrived. Mom, Cara, Jase, Rysa, and Hollie arrived minutes behind them.
