Page 76 of Stolen Moments

“Tired. Sore. But nothing I haven’t gone through before.”

I can feel her eyes watching me as I stare at Sariah, who is now snoozing soundly in my arms, but I keep my attention on my niece.

I owe this little princess for arriving earlier than expected. Emery doesn’t know I’m in town yet, and I want to surprise her for her birthday tomorrow.

What the hell do I buy her?It needs to be special.

“Can I get some advice?”

Fuck, this is awkward. I’d scratch my jaw if my hands weren’t holding a baby, but there is no fucking way I would ask my brothers for advice. I would never hear the end of it.

“Sure. What can I help you with?” Rylann twines her fingers together and places them over her stomach.

“Well, what are some good birthday present ideas?”

Rylann grins. “Who’s the girl?”

“What girl?”

“Oh, please. Like you’d ask for advice on what to buy a guy.”

“Fine, you got me.” I shift forward on my seat and push to a stand. “There’s this woman I’ve been seeing, and it’s her birthday tomorrow. I’d like to get her something nice.” I hesitate, looking down at Sariah.

I’ve only just met her, and I love holding her in my arms. She’s going to have the rest of her uncles wrapped around her finger too. I place her tiny body in Rylann’s arms and take the seat next to her bed.

“Is she special?” Rylann tilts her head, trying to read me in the silent way she does.

My throat tightens. Why do I get nervous talking about Emery to my family?

Because everything seems too good to be true.

I push that thought back, not wanting to pull on that thread. Lately, Emery has been … off, maybe? A little skittish since visiting her parents. I want her to forget all about them and focus on the good. I want her birthday to be special.

There’s that word again.

“Yes, she’s special.” As soon as I speak the words, my shoulders feel lighter.

Emeryisspecial. Hell, I was just picturing what our daughter might look like.

“I’m so excited for you.”

“You’re not going to ask” — I hold up my hand, ticking off the questions I’m sure my family will throw at me with my fingers — “who is she? Where did I meet her? What does she look like? When are you going to meet her? When’s the wedding?”

Rylann lets out a hearty laugh that has her head hitting the pillows behind her. “I can just see your mom asking every one of those questions.” She wipes the tears from her eyes. “But no. I’m not going to ask you. When you’re ready, you’ll tell us.” She shrugs, adjusting her hold on Sariah.

“How do you do that?”

“Do what?” She lovingly runs a finger over Sariah’s baby-soft cheek.

“Act so calm and patient?”

“Mm, you know, I’ve been through a lot.” She pauses, looking down at her daughter again.

My stomach dips, knowing I’m making her think about how she lost her previous husband to cancer.

Before I can stop her, she continues, “When I walked away from your brother all those years ago, I never thought we’d find our way back to each other. We both married other people and had separate lives to live. Yes, we endured unimaginable heartbreak between then and now, and yet I wouldn’t change a thing. We had to go through all that to get here. Now, we have a beautiful growing family and our relationship is stronger than ever. I honestly believe everything works out the way it’s supposed to. So if this woman is your person, take your time and follow your gut. Be open and honest, and for the love of God, listen to her. She might be telling you things without you knowing. I have faith your heart will guide you.”

“Thank you.” I do trust my gut, and it’s working with my heart, pointing at Emery being the one.

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