Tears burn my eyes, and I shut them, fighting them back. I don’t want to cry. This wasn’t supposed to be a sad moment. I take a deep steadying breath, “You’re going to be an uncle.” His fingers twitch against my palm. The tears I was holding back flood my face like the Hoover Dam. Nobody can tell me he didn’t hear me and understand.
A strangled cough snags my attention in the doorway. I look up, expecting to see a nurse, but I come face to face with a set of gold-flecked green eyes instead.
“Ryder—” My heart stalls in my chest. How much did he hear? “How did you know I was here?”
He waves his phone in the air, showing the tracking app.Damn it!“Is it true?”
I gulp, fidgeting with my nails. This was not how I intended to tell him. I actually thought about running away. “You don’t have to stay. I totally understand if you?—”
He hurries over to me, and I step back, expecting him to be upset. Instead, he presses his mouth to mine, and I open for him to deepen the kiss. I extend my arms up to wrap around his neck, and he lifts me off my feet. He pulls away, “I’m going to be a dad?”
Ryder
It’s been a month since Kelsey told me we are going to be parents. Two weeks later, I went and found the perfect ring. I knew I would marry her one day, I just never knew when, and didn’t expect it to be this soon. Not because I wasn’t ready, but because I never thought she would be able to love me.
I never wanted a family, until now. Now, I want it more than life. I will do anything to keep my family safe. My phone rings in my pocket, and I pull it out, accepting the call.
“Ryder,” I answer.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Langley. I was calling to inform you that Hayden is awake and he is doing well.”
Thank God!“Thank you for letting me know.” I’m not one for crying. I’ve always said crying makes you weak. But if that’s true, then call me weak. I pinch the bridge of my nose, fighting the sting in my eyes. I’ve been terrified I was going to lose my brother. I have a new goal, and that’s to fix our relationship. No more bad blood between us. I came too close to losing him, and that guilt has weighed heavily on my shoulders.
I dial Kelsey and Jessie’s numbers and start a group call.
Kelsey answers first, “Hey, handsome, what’s up?”
Jessie answers shortly after, “Ugh, what?” She groans sleepily.
“Are you seriously asleep at four in the afternoon?”
“Some of us have better things to do than sleep at night, Ryder.” She snaps, and Kelsey laughs.
I huff and decide to get on with the news instead of arguing with my sister. “Hayden’s awake, and he’s doing well. The nurse called a few minutes ago.”
I hear Jessie fighting her bedsheets in the background, and Kelsey is crying. “Are you for real?” She sniffs.
“Where are you right now?” Jessie asks, sounding breathless as if she just fought a jackrabbit.
“In the office, finishing up some things.”
I’ve been working things out with Kelsey’s grandfather. She doesn’t know about us being in contact, and I figure it’s better this way for the time being. I’ve ultimately taken over Lilith’s position. Come to find out, Henry Vaugn had no idea Kelsey existed. Well, he knows of her but doesn’t know what she is to him. Once I know shit is stable between him and I, I’ll give Kelsey the choice to tell him. I feel it should be her decision if she wants to pursue a relationship with him or not.
Jessie ended the call, and Kelsey quickly followed after telling each other, “I love you, bye.” Those three words are my favorite words that could leave her perfectly plump, pouty lips. I pulled up the trackers on the girls’ phones and found they’re on their way to the office. I smirk, knowing they would be headed this way, wanting to visit Hayden as soon as possible.
I read over the newest email from Henry Vaugn, the US president, also known as Kelsey’s grandfather.
Good afternoon Ryder Langley,
It is with kindest regards to be communicating with you. I understand the unfortunate events that led to the passing of Lilith Young. I wish the best to you on your newest promotion as director of the Department of Internal Special Services. Please respond with a date and time that works best for you to meet and discuss the specifics of your expected duties.
-Henry Vaugn, US President
I exhale, the force of the air puffing out my cheeks. Planning a trip to DC is not going to be easy without Kelsey hounding me with questions. Knowing her, she’ll be five steps ahead of me and meet me there. I’ll have no choice but to tell her before that time comes. I type out my response, checking my calendar for any free days. Just as I click send, the elevator doors open and out steps my sister and the love of my life. I close out all the tabs on my computer and shut it down. I push the chair back and stand, grabbing my suit jacket off the back of the chair.
“Hello, handsome,” She greets, standing in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe. She’s in yoga pants that flare at the feet. I love those pants. They make her bubble ass look good enough to eat, and the recoil with each step is mouthwatering. My eyes trail up her body, landing on those big, gorgeous green eyes.
“Hey, beautiful,” She blushes, and her eyes drop to the floor. I love making her blush. I fall in love with this woman more and more every day.
