Page 68 of July 27

He found himself ready to support Cora. She was strong. She was going to make a wonderful mom.

The door swung open.

Wire burst in with wild eyes, zeroing in on the bed. "Cora."

His sister dissolved into tears, letting go of Ruger and reaching out for her husband. Ruger stepped back as his brother-in-law reached her side.

"Where have you been?" Cora grabbed Wire's beard, his face, and his vest. "I couldn't stop the baby from coming. It's too soon. She's not supposed to be here for another three weeks."

"It's perfect timing," bellowed the doctor. "Your little girl will be fine."

Relief swept through Ruger. He'd lost track of time. It was closer to her estimated due date than he remembered. The baby would be okay.

"Phone went dead." Wire kissed her. "Jagger found me. I rode as fast as I could."

Cora's face contorted. She held her breath.

Wire's gaze snapped to the nurse. "What's happening? Help her."

The nurse smiled. "Your wife is having a baby."

"She's not supposed to hurt."

"She's doing her job." The nurse patted Cora's forehead with a wet washcloth. "You can help her push. With the next contraction, count so she knows it won't last forever."

Ruger stepped back, making his way to the door. He wasn't needed any longer. Wire arrived in time to see his daughter take her first breath.

"Ruger?" Cora lifted her head off the bed. "You promised to stay."

He cleared his throat. "Wire's here to help you."

Wire met his gaze. "She wants you, brother."

He dipped his chin and returned to the head of the bed. The next hour was the longest and the shortest of his life as he watched his niece enter the world.

Chapter Thirty One

Jagger handed Rachel a bottle of water, having already given Katrina, Brooke, and Daisy one. She sat with the other women in the waiting room, nervous for Cora, knowing she was going through childbirth.

Thank God she had Ruger with her. Rachel couldn't imagine going through childbirth alone.

When Katrina got the call at Daisy's house and heard about the mad scramble to find Wire, everyone dropped what they were doing and put all their energy into finding the baby daddy.

"This is taking forever." Daisy stood, rubbing her arms. "How long is this going to take? Did anyone ask Ruger if she was having the baby or having false labor pains?"

"Probably labor. It's close enough to her due date." Katrina rubbed her baby bump. "Everything will be okay."

Brooke reached over and squeezed Katrina's arm. "How are you feeling?"

Katrina waved off her concern. "I'm fine. Just anxious to hear what's going on in there."

Rachel set the bottle beside her in the empty chair, unsure if she should be included in the party waiting for the baby's arrival. These women were friends who had bonded over the years.

They barely knew her and had no idea what kind of family she came from.

The mixed emotions kept her quiet, lending her support by being here.

Jagger stood at the side of Katrina, keeping his hand on her shoulder. His thumb constantly thrummed against her.

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