Page 111 of Rafe’s Future

And maybe for the first time in her life, Lena knew she was exactly where she needed to be.

Rafe sat in the private family waiting room at the hospital, listening to the low murmur of voices around him. The adrenaline from the drive was long gone. Exhaustion, relief, and the strange anticipation he shared with everyone there were left in its wake.

Alice sat beside Digger, her crossed leg bouncing with visible nerves. Evie and Bones were talking quietly across from them, while Apollo and Nicki sat close together near the room’s rear window. On a small bench seat nearby, Coulter had one arm draped around Alex’s shoulders, and the poor woman looked as anxious as a cat on a hot tin roof.

Lena sat beside Rafe. Every few minutes, she’d reach over and squeeze his hand. He’d gotten used to her doing that, but knew he’d never get tired of the sweet gesture.

The door opened, and Falcon stepped into the room. Every conversation stopped. Rafe and the others stood as Alex jumped to her feet.

“Well?”

Falcon grinned. “He’s finally here. Mom and baby are both doing great.”

The room erupted in cheers of joy.

Falcon’s eyes turned glossy with the love and pride only a father could understand. “Eight pounds, three ounces. Avery’s exhausted, but she was truly amazing.”

Alex was beaming. “Did you two decide on a name?”

“James Alexander Morgan,” the new father announced before sliding his loving stare her way. “James is after my dad.”

“Uh . . . hello?” Coulter cut in. “He’s my dad, too.”

Falcon’s eyes rolled with a grin as the two brothers flipped each other the bird. “Fine,” Falcon conceded. “James is after our father. Whatever. But Alexander”—he smiled down at Alex—“is after you.”

Her eyes filled with tears as she threw herself into her brother-in-law’s arms. “Oh, Garrett. I’m truly honored. And I’m so happy for you both. Can I see Avery and the baby?”

“Of course.” He hugged her back. When they pulled apart, he looked to Rafe and the others in the room. “They’ll only allow so many back at a time, so you’ll have to take turns.”

Rafe went to him with an outstretched hand. “Go. We’ll all be here when you two get back. And congratulations, son. I couldn’t be happier for you and Avery.”

“Thanks, Boss.” Falcon pulled him in for a quick hug.

He watched as Falcon and Alex disappeared out the door.

Almost immediately, the conversations around him resumed. Rafe smiled as they all talked over one another, his attention drifting over to Lena. She was watching the door with a soft smile on her lips.

“A new baby.” She sighed wistfully. “That’s so amazing.”

He went to her. “Yes, it is.”

She turned toward him. “Their whole life is going to change, but in the very best of ways.”

Do it, now.

Rafe linked his fingers with hers and led her into the hall. He’d been trying to do this all day.

In the kitchen. The dining room. But then, Avery’s water broke. If he didn’t do it now, who knows what else would happen?

He stopped walking, glancing around to ensure they had the moment to themselves.

“What is it?” Lena looked up at him with a frown.

Rafe reached into his pocket. Her dark brows pulled together.

“Rafe?” she prodded again.

He held out the small velvet box, and Lena’s beautiful eyes grew wide. For a moment, she didn’t say anything at all.