Page 89 of A Lifetime of Afters
I looked up, worried he was angry with Hawk again.
His glossy eyes met mine. “You’re going to be a wonderful mother.” Without waiting for a response, he slipped out the door.
My dad hung on a little longer, his eyes twinkling. “When’s the baby due, Noelle?”
I let go of my rosy cheeks and looked at my dad. “July 27th.”
His eyes lit up. “Christmas in July.” He rounded my desk. “I love you, Christmas. You’ve made me very happy.”
On his way out he kissed Harley on the nose. “Big mouth.”
Other than Harley, Lou was the only one left. “Well, girl, you really know how to clear a room.”
“They were taking up too much of her time,” she replied nonchalantly, studying her manicure.
I laughed. “I can’t believe you called me out like that in front of everybody.”
“It would have come out eventually,” she waved away my concerns. “Are you happy?”
“Yes. How can I not be? But I’m not sure how he’ll feel.”
“He’ll be happy,” Lou asserted. “Shocked, maybe. But happy.” She smiled, her eyes far away. “He’s always loved babies. How he doted over both of you when you were babies. He wasn’t much more than a baby, himself.” She patted my hand. “He’ll be happy, lamb.”
Turning her attention to Harley, she shook her head. “You need a spanking.” Leaning over, she dropped a kiss on her head. Rounding my desk, she kissed me as well. “I’ll leave you two to your shenanigans.”
“Can I plan the shower?”
I slanted a sideways look at her. “What did you have in mind?”
Harley laughed and waved away my concerns. “Mom will supervise.”
“I’ll allow it,” I feigned reluctance. “So long as Lou supervises.”
Harley’s smile faded.
I knew what was coming.
“You need to ask him to come home.”
My fingers went to the ends of my hair. “I know.”
Chapter Thirty-three - Favor
Good morning, baby.
I have a favor to ask. I want to get my family together to celebrate Hunter. Will you help me?
I can do that.
Tell Harley I spoke to Andrea at Cake Me Away and she’s ready for the specifics. She just has to call her.
Harley’s legendary sweet tooth. The fact Hawk secured a cake before anything else attested to that.
He sent me the rest of his instructions and I followed them to the letter.
Today was the day. I paced back and forth, pretending to check on things in the kitchen to cover my nerves. On my fourth circuit of the house, I heard the roar of his truck coming up the driveway. Darting around a chair, I ran for the door.
A chorus of panicked, ‘Carefuls!’ followed me.
