The last three months with Jessie as his wife had been absolutely amazing, and Robert couldn’t be happier. He’d been re-elected Sheriff on November second and married the love of his life four days later. They’d waited until Jessie was out of school for Christmas break to go on a honeymoon, but the two weeks they’d spent together in the Bahamas were the best of his life.
“Come on in, Sylv—Mom. How are you?”
“I’m doing good but...” Sylvia bit her lip. But it didn’t look like she was concerned. It looked more like she was trying not to smile.
“Is something wrong?” Robert’s stomach sank as his mind raced through all kinds of possibilities of bad things that could happen to those he loved. It landed on Jessie and the fear that somehow Pendleton had gotten out of jail.
“Nothing is wrong, but I need you to do me a favor.”
“Anything.”
“I need you to get in your SUV and calmly drive to the hospital.”
Robert’s heart plummeted, joining his stomach low in his gut. “What’s going on? Who’s injured? Please tell me it’s not Jess—” Emotion choked Robert’s throat.
Sylvia held up both hands. “No one’s hurt. Although Jessie is in a fair amount of pain.”
“What?” Robert stood so fast his chair rolled back and slammed into the wall. His heart and stomach both leapt to his throat, blocking his windpipe. “What happened to her?”
“I was calmly trying to tell you to go to the hospital because Jessie is in labor.”
“What? She can’t be.” He quickly covered the few steps it took to get to his office door before turning back for his keys. “It’s too early. She still has three more weeks.”
Jake and Emily just had their baby last week. His little brother Jake, one of the strongest men Robert knew, was so cute with his precious little son, Adam. It made Robert eager to hold his own son.
“It is a bit early, but Dr. Young says the baby is measuring big enough that he’s confident he’ll be healthy.”
He opened his desk drawer, then slammed it again when he didn’t spot his keys.Where did I put them?
The next drawer he checked held his firearm. Out of habit, he pulled it out and slipped it into his holster. He was checking the third drawer when Sylvia laughed.
“Jessie warned me you were going to freak out, and she was right.”
“I’m not freaking out. Where are my da—darn keys?”
Sylvia stood and picked up the key ring off Robert’s desk. Instead of handing them to him, she dropped them into her purse. “Rudy is standing by to drive you to the hospital.”
“I can drive myself to the hospital, Sylv—Mom.”
“Right. And do you plan on standing by your wife as she gives birth while wearing your gun?”
Okay, Sylvia was right. He was freaking out. But it was because he was so excited and worried about Jessie and the baby. What if something went wrong?
Sylvia put both hands on his shoulders. “It’s going to be okay. Take a deep breath. Put your gun back in the drawer. I’ll make sure it’s locked up. Then Rudy is going to take you to your wife so you can see for yourself that she’s fine. In the meantime, I’m going to your house to pack a bag for Jessie and the baby, and I’ll pack a bag for you, too.”
“For me?”
“Do you want to be wearing your uniform when you hold your son for the first time?”
“Good point.” Robert nodded as he slipped his gun back into his desk. “Thanks.” He gave Sylvia a quick hug and walked out of his office. “Rudy! Get out here and drive me to the hospital! I’m about to become a father!”
* * *
Jessie lookedup when the door to her hospital room opened, surprised the doctor had returned already.
But it wasn’t Dr. Young who walked through the door. Her heart leapt, then raced when she saw her handsome husband.
Robert froze for a moment and stared at her. His gaze raked over her as though assuring himself she was okay.
