His dark eyes travel my face, seeing more than I want him to, probably. A perk and curse of having known each other so completely once upon a time.
“I won’t be long,” I say. “Then I’ll join you in the waiting room, unless you’re planning to head out. I’m sure Ogram wouldn’t expect you to stay. Neither do I.”
“He should, and so should you.” Grüsh gently cups my cheek, the warmth of his big hand instantly soothing me with this simple touch. “I stayed away too long, and I can’t change what’s done, but I’m here now. I’m here for you, with you, in any way you need or want me.”
The urge to melt against him, interpret his offer the way I wish he meant it, is so damn tempting. Whether I do or don’t, heartbreak is inevitable. For all his beautiful, sentimental words tonight, his presence in my life is still temporary. He’s here for me now, but he’ll leave again. Return to his rock star life.
So, instead of accepting his comfort or verbally acknowledging his comment in acceptance or dispute, I nod, then turn and walk away.
GRÜSH
Since joining me in the waiting room, Cate hasn’t spoken a word. I’m no stranger to the sensation of time moving with excruciating slowness. That’s how it always feels on long stretches in the tour bus. But experiencing it in Cate’s company is a first.
Those endless, dragging hours on the bus were a pain-in-the ass burden I couldn’t wait to end. This is different. I’m not cursing the clock on the wall, antsy to get the fuck out of this room. Just for the silence to end. But this isn’t the time or place to talk about what the future holds for us, or ask why Hope said it wouldn’t be easy for Cate to be here for baby stuff.
That made no sense. We never talked specifically about kids while we were together, but I never got the feeling that she dislikes them. Even if she did, she wouldn’t let that interfere in her relationship with Hope. Especially when Hope needs her. Her protectiveness and affection for Hope have been crystal clear since I got to town.
Shifting in her chair, Cate rolls her head from side to side, then around.
This, I can do something about. I slip an arm behind her and slide my hand beneath her hair so I can massage the back of her neck.
Sighing, she bows her head, giving me better access. “You still have the magic touch.”
“Just with you.”
She huffs a single, incredulous laugh while side-eyeing me.
“You don’t believe me?”
Her lips part, but whatever answer she might’ve given is interrupted by Ogram’s entrance.
His presence brings us both to our feet, and when she steps forward, I move with her, my hand sliding from her nape to the small of her back.
“We have a son,” Ogram announces, his deep, joyful voice booming in the middle-of-the-night silence.
“That’s wonderful,” Cate says, clasping her hands together in front of her chest. “Can we see them?”
“Not yet. They’re keeping Hope in recovery for the next few hours, then she and the baby will be in a room for a few days, at least. They want to make sure everything is healing well before sending her home.” His smile withers, his lips forming a penitent line. “The procedure required an incision much larger than standard because of the size and position of the baby.”
“She’ll be well taken care of, Ogram. By her medical team, and you, and me,” Cate says. “And probably by half of Harmony Glen once the news is out.”
He nods, his expression relaxing. “You know I will do whatever is necessary for Hope and our child.”
“And then ten times more, at least, I’m sure.” The smile she gives him is warm and caring, while containing a hint of good-natured teasing. “Congratulations on your wonderful family. I’m so happy for you both. And for myself, since I’m the honorary grandma.”
“Thank you. Surely you know that you are much more than an honorary member of our family.” The smile returns to his face, then his gaze shifts from Cate to me. “And thank you for being here, Grüsh. Perhaps with some juggling, your schedule will allow you to visit your nephew from time to time. I would like very much for him to know you.”
The comment lands like a gut punch, even though I know he spoke from his heart, not to twist a knife in mine. “I hope to bearound a lot. So much, you might get tired of seeing me on your doorstep.”
“Impossible.” He pulls me into a hug tight enough to force a cough out of me. His powerful pat on my back thumps another grunted breath from me, then he releases me. “If you’ll excuse me now, I need to get back to my wife and child.” The smile on his face when he says those words couldn’t stretch any wider.
“Of course,” Cate says. “Tell Hope I’ll come back during visiting hours, but if she’s not feeling up to company, just to tell me.”
“I will give her the message, though I am certain she will welcome your presence at any time. She’s excited for you to meet—” There’s a twinkle in his dark eyes as he pauses. “The baby.”
“You’ve decided on a name, haven’t you?” Cate says.
“We have. We wish to tell you together.” Ogram looks from Cate to me. “Both of you, if you’re still in town in the morning.”
