Porter

  “I missed having you in bed with me last night.”

  “I know. I missed being next to you too.”

  “I want you with me every night.”

  “I wish I could be.”

  “There are ways to make it happen.”

  “Like what? Getting married?” I chuckle. “Because that’s the only way my dad is going to go along with his little girl being bedded by you every night.”

  Porter doesn’t laugh. Or smile. “Well… I’ve already made the decision that you’re mine, and no other man will have you.”

  That sounds an awful lot like he’s hinting at marriage. “What are you saying?”

  “What do you want me to be saying?”

  I’m too scared to say the words.

  “You take all the time you need to come up with what you’d like me to be saying. And when you decide what that is, you let me know.”

  The song ends and Porter leaves me standing on the dance floor. Stupefied. With maybe some sort of hint of a marriage proposal hanging in the air.

  I’m not certain. But we’re damn sure going to discuss this later tonight.

  I find Stout upstairs with some of our Lovibond clients. “Hey man. I’m going to take off.”

  “So early?”

  “It was a long week at that conference. I need to crash and catch up on my rest.”

  “I’m glad you came.”

  “Your girlfriend did a great job putting it together.” I knew he was going to start fucking that redheaded baker living next door. And damn if it’s not working out well for him.

  “She did. I hope she’s not too tired later on to celebrate my birthday with a little one-on-one.”

  It’s nice to see Stout happy with someone after the way Eden hurt him.

  “I bet you don’t have to worry about that.” We do the half-hug-guy-handshake thing. “Happy birthday, man.”

  I’ve had a few drinks so I’m taking advantage of the car service. My phone vibrates in my pocket and I take it out, fully expecting to see some kind of sexy text from my girl.

  Not what I get.

  Mom: Call me ASAP.

  I immediately know something bad has happened.

  She answers on the first ring. “What’s wrong?”

  “Bethany has had some complications with the pregnancy.”

  Oh God, no. Please do not tell me that something has happened to her or the baby.

  “She went to the hospital because she was bleeding, and they had to take her to the OR for an emergency C-section. She’s still back there, and they haven’t told us anything yet.”

  My heart immediately aches for my brother. I can’t imagine being in that situation, especially after losing so many pregnancies and struggling to conceive this baby, and not knowing what is happening to your wife and child.

  “I need to go home to get my truck, and I’ll be on my way.”

  “I’ll tell Cade you’re coming.”

  “Call me as soon as you know what’s happening.”

  “I will. And I know you’re going to be anxious to get here, but please drive carefully.”

  “You know I will, Mom.”

  The second I end the call with her, realization strikes: I’ve had drinks. I can’t drive to Mobile. Okay, but that’s not going to keep me from being with my family at a time like this. I lean forward so the driver can hear me. “Do you know if Ken is working the event for Lovibond tonight?”

  “I believe he is.”

  Good. I’m certain I can depend on him if Frankee isn’t able to drive me. I pass a cash tip to the driver before getting out.

  “Thank you sir. Much appreciation.”

  Porter: Where are you?

  Frankee: Almost at your condo.

  I’m throwing some clothes in a bag when Frankee comes into the bedroom. “What’s going on?”

  “Something happened to the baby and the doctor is doing an emergency C-section on Bethany. I have to go, but I had several beers at the party, and I can’t drive. Can you take me?”

  “Of course, I’ll take you.”

  Frankee is that girl—the one who doesn’t let you down.

  “Do we have time to run by my house and let me pick up some clothes, or do we need to get on the road right now?”

  “We can go by and get your things. And I guess try to explain why I’d ask you to drive me home.”

  “Well, I was going to tell you later tonight about the discussion I had with my mom about you and me.”

  “She knows.”

  “Yeah.”

  “I knew she did. I could see it on her face. What did she say?”

  “It’s fine. I asked her to keep it to herself until I figure out if I’m staying or going.”

  I don’t miss a beat stuffing clothes into my bag. “You’re mine and you’re staying. I’m not letting you go.” My possessive, bossy, overbearing words could piss her off, but I don’t care. I want her to know where we stand.

  “Can you drive my truck?”

  “I have no idea. I guess we’ll find out.”

  She scoots the seat forward as far as it’ll go, and she looks like a small child sitting behind the wheel.

  We go by Frankee’s house, and she’s in and out in under fifteen minutes. I have no idea what she told her parents, and I don’t ask. I’m too consumed with worry for Cade, Bethany, and their child.

  “I don’t know how Cade will react if something happens to Bethany or the baby.” It isn’t fair for anyone to have so much loss.

  “You have to believe that they’re going to be okay.”

  “I want to believe that.” But there’ve been so many times when it wasn’t okay.

  Frankee places her arm on the console of the lowered seat and offers her hand. I don’t hesitate to take it. “I’m relieved that you’re going with me.” I want her by my side if something bad happens.

  “I’m glad you want me to be there with you.”

  I look back at the time I called Mom, and it’s been almost an hour since we spoke. Surely, she knows something by now. “I don’t know why she hasn’t called. She said she would call as soon as she heard.”

  “They may be slow in notifying the family of what’s going on. She may not know anything yet.” Frankee squeezes my hand. “I’m sure it’s okay and you’re an uncle again. Maybe to a sweet niece this time.”

  “I hope so. I’d love to see Cade wrapped around a little girl’s finger.”

  “We girls certainly learn how to do that with our daddies at an early age.”

  “I know. Not only was Alexis the baby, she was also the only girl. Dad did anything she wanted him to do.”

  “Same here. My daddy will do anything for me.”

  I jolt when my phone rings. “Hey. What’s going on?”

  My mother’s voice is clear and calm. “Bethany and the baby are both okay. She had a six-pound, two-ounce baby girl and her name is Anna Cade.”

  My heart swells with happiness for my brother. And I may even have a few tears pooling in my eyes.

  I turn to Frankee. “I have a niece named Anna Cade, and she’s okay.”

  “Who are you talking to?” Mom asks.

  “Frankee. She’s coming with me.”

  “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy that she’s with you.”

  “Me too.”

  “Everything is okay here, so don’t rush.”

  Bethany was put to sleep for her surgery, so she’s mostly out of it when we get to the hospital. Cade, on the other hand, is bouncing off the walls like a madman despite the fact that it’s four in the morning.

  “Congratulations, bro.” Finally a dad after seven years of trying for a baby.

  “I can hardly believe she’s here. And three weeks early. We thought for sure she’d come late since Bethany hadn’t made any kind of progress when the doctor last checked her.”

  “She’s a Beckman. Of course, she arrived early.”

  “Could you see her in the nursery window when you came in?

>   “They had the blinds closed.”

  “You’ve got to see my baby girl.” Cade takes out his phone and hands it to me. “I only got a few pictures because everything happened so fast. I swear she’s the best-looking baby I’ve ever seen.”

  “She’s a beauty.” I thumb through his pictures and immediately discover that Anna Cade has taken after the Beckman babies in the hair department. Sticks straight up. “She’s definitely yours. She has the Beckman hair.”

  Frankee laughs. “Oh my goodness. Looks like a little Mohawk. Cutest thing ever.”

  “How much longer does she have to stay in the nursery?”

  “She should be coming out at any time.”

  Frankee rubs my arm. “Bethany was asleep when she was born. She hasn’t even met her daughter yet. We should give them this family time and come back tomorrow to see her.”

  I hate to leave without seeing my niece, but I know Frankee’s right. Even Mom and Dad and Bethany’s parents went home to let them rest.

  “You don’t have to go.”

  Frankee moves toward the door. “Bethany will need to nurse when they bring the baby to the room. She isn’t going to be able to comfortably do that with us standing over her. Don’t worry. We’ll be back in the morning to meet Anna Cade.”

  My brother and I hug. “Been a long time coming. I’m happy for you and Beth.”

  “I know you are. And I hope you know that Anna Cade will be needing cousins before too much longer.”

  “She has two.”

  “She needs cousins who won’t trick her into picking up a dog turd.”

  “And then tell her it’s chocolate.”

  Cade shakes his head. “Fuck. I won’t be able to take my eyes off those two for a second with her.”

  “I would not recommend it.”

  Cade slaps my arm. “Go get some sleep.”

  “I’d tell you the same, but those days are over.”

  “I’d trade sleep for my baby girl any day.”

  “And I’m certain you will.”

  Frankee and I leave the hospital and crash at my parents’ house until morning. Well, until late morning. We fall into bed, fully clothed, and that’s the way we wake.

  “I smell bacon.”

  “And biscuits.”

  “She’s cooking to lure us out of bed.” I smack Frankee’s bottom and give it a squeeze. “And it’s working. Come on. I’m hungry.”

  “Okay.” Frankee sits on the edge of the bed. “Hey, I know you haven’t seen your mom since we were here last weekend. Don’t be shocked if she has less hair. Maybe even bald patches.”

  That was the last thing on my mind. I probably would have been a little shocked for a fraction of a second without the reminder. “I didn’t think about that.”

  Frankee’s prediction is accurate. Mom has a lot less hair, but her glowing smile is still there.

  I go to her and hug her from behind, kissing her on the cheek. “Good morning, best mother in the world who is cooking breakfast for me.”

  “Good morning, son who is going to put on some coffee.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Frankee, it’s good to have you back.”

  “I wasn’t expecting to be back quite this soon.”

  She’s implying that she did expect to be back. That tells me more than she knows about where her head is in regard to our future.

  “What can I do?”

  It pleases me that my girl isn’t afraid to jump in and help with breakfast.

  “Plates and cups are in the upper cabinet to the right of the dishwasher.”

  “Everyone drinking coffee?”

  “You know we are a coffee-drinking family, baby.”

  “Just making sure.”

  Breakfast is low-key since it’s only the four of us. It’s nice to have this quiet time with Mom and Dad.

  “How did Cade handle the delivery?”

  “He was a total wreck.”

  “Worse than the day he and Bethany got married?” I chuckle as I recall him puking his guts up only moments before the wedding.

  Dad clears his throat. “A hundred times worse but he had every right to be. It’s scary enough when your wife gives birth to your child under the best of circumstances. I was terrified every time your mother gave birth, but what Cade went through last night was a nightmare.”

  My mom grins. “Just wait until your first one is born. I guarantee that you’ll be a wreck too.”

  My first one. That’s not something I’ve given a lot of thought. A baby has always been an abstract idea in the back of my mind. An event for the future—the distant future. But now I see both my present and future sitting next to me.

  And it doesn’t feel so distant anymore.

  Bethany is alert and bright-eyed when we enter her hospital room. A big difference from the sedated post-op Bethany we saw early this morning. “You look like you feel better than you did the last time we saw you.”

  “I’m so sorry. Cade told me you and Frankee came last night, but I have no memory of your being here.”

  “Understandably.”

  Mom makes a beeline for Anna Cade. “How is my granddaughter this morning?” Mom laughs. “Granddaughter. It feels strange saying that after only saying grandson for so long.”

  “She’s as perfect as she can be.”

  Mom takes the baby from Bethany and rocks from one foot to the other while studying her face. “She looks like a petite version of Cade when he was born.”

  “I bet she would have been as big as her daddy if she’d stayed in there and baked until she was done.”

  Mom holds Anna Cade for a while and kisses the top of her head before passing her to Frankee. “All Beckman babies have this wild head of dark hair when they’re born.”

  Frankee takes my niece and immediately rocks from one foot to the other just as my mother did. Instinct. “I love it. I think it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”

  “Porter’s was the worst. It wouldn’t even lie flat when it was wet.”

  Frankee goes to the chair with Anna Cade and places her on her lap, leaning forward to play with the tuft of hair on top of her head. “My goodness, you are a beautiful baby. And I just can’t get over this hair. I didn’t have this much until I was two.”

  Frankee lifts the baby and presses their cheeks together. “Bethany, you are going to have so much fun snuggling with this little cuddle buddy.”

  I take a special kind of joy in watching Frankee with my niece. I like the way she looks holding a baby.

  Even more, I like the way she looks holding a Beckman baby.

  It’s been a month since the night Porter brought up the topic of having me with him every night and how to make that happen. He was vague about the means, but I’m fairly certain he was hinting about marriage without actually coming right out and saying it.

  I fall deeper in love with Porter every day, and the thought of this relationship growing into something like marriage is becoming less and less crazy.

  Am I ready to marry Porter today? No.

  Do I want to continue this relationship and explore the possibility of progressing in that direction? Absolutely. But that isn’t an option if I’m living eight hundred miles away.

  I’m staying. I’ve made up my mind. And I’m ready to tell him.

  “Hey there, beautiful birthday girl.”

  “I don’t think there’s been a single day that’s gone by during the last two months when you didn’t tell me I was beautiful.”

  “And there never will be. Because I’m going to tell you every day.”

  Every girl should be told she’s beautiful on a daily basis. There should be some kind of rule about it. “You won’t hear me complain.”

  “Are you excited for tonight?”

  “I might be if I knew where we were going.”

  “I guess I’ve held it in long enough. We’re going to see Halsey tonight.”

  “For real?”

  “I know they’re not old as
fuck, but I thought you’d enjoy seeing them.”

  He loves to poke fun at me about loving my old music. “Are you kidding? I love Halsey. You know I love Halsey.”

  “I do, and that’s why we’re going, birthday girl.”

  “What an awesome gift. Thank you.”

  “That’s not your only gift. Hold on.” He goes into his bedroom and returns with a small pink and purple gift-wrapped box. “Happy birthday, baby.”

  “It’s almost too pretty to tear into.” I grin. “Almost.”

  “I’ve been waiting to give this to you all week. I can’t stand it any longer. Open it.”

  “Don’t have to tell me twice.”

  I rip the paper and lift the top of the jewelry box. A white-gold and diamond pendant. “Porter… this is gorgeous.”

  “Do you like it?”

  A cushion-shaped diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds. Doesn’t get any prettier. “I love it. I really do. Will you put it on me?”

  “Turn around and lift your hair.”

  He clasps the necklace and places a soft kiss against the back of my neck. “I love you so much, baby.”

  I turn in his arms and press a kiss to his mouth. “I love you too.” I touch the diamond pendant at my throat. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

  “A diamond for your neck this time. Maybe one for your finger next time?”

  I can’t stop the smile forming on my face. “Maybe.”

  “What do you think I mean when I say a diamond for your finger?”

  “I think you’re talking about an engagement ring. Just like I think you were talking about marriage a month ago when we discussed being with each other every night.”

  “Would you consider marrying me if I asked?”

  “I would consider it.”

  “I would have gotten you a ring instead of a necklace if I’d known that.”

  “No need to rush it.”

  “I don’t have a choice but to rush it. Our time together is winding down.”

  I was going to tell him later tonight, but I can’t wait. “I’m not going to Austin. I’m staying here. I’m choosing you.”

  He pulls me into his arms and squeezes me tightly. “You have no idea how happy you just made me. Does this mean we’re finally going to tell everyone about us?”