Page 12 of A Game-Changing Christmas

More laughter escaped Hunter and Camilla, and Claudia’s laugh made baby Hunter shift. “Op!” Claudia closed her lips, but baby Hunter’s long lashes fluttered then his eyes opened, and Claudia fell in love. “Hi,” she cooed. Baby Hunter’s lips quirked slightly then his eyes closed, and he fell back to sleep. Claudia gasped.

“Tell me you saw that he smiled at me,” she whispered. Claudia’s phone beeped as Hunter and Camilla laughed. Claudia glanced in the direction of her cell on the counter by the sink. “I should probably get that.” Claudia slowly handed baby Hunter back to Camilla. “He’s so beautiful, congratulations you guys. My heart is full.”

Camilla yawned again. “Baby, give Claudia our number please.” Camilla glanced at Claudia, “Today, you were my sister. I hope you’ll stay in touch. Thank you for being here.”

Camilla’s heartfelt words embraced Claudia.

“Don’t mind if I do,” she said with a smile. “Is there anything else you need right now, either of you?” Claudia looked between Hunter and Camilla.

“No, thank you.”

“Okay.”

Claudia eased out of the hospital shirt and discarded it in a bin near the wall. Scooping up her phone, she left the delivery room and checked the notification in her window.

It was a text from Jaden.

Chérie, is everything okay? My calls are going to voicemail, call me back love.

Claudia quickly redialed him, and Jaden answered on the first ring.

“Are you okay?”

The depth of his voice sent a spirited ripple of heat down her neck.

“Yes, but my signal is sketchy, no worries.”

“We may have to switch service providers then.”

Claudia chuckled as she sauntered through the double doors into the labor and delivery waiting area where she found assistance in leaning against a wall.

“It’s not the service, silly. I’m at the hospital, but like I said, don’t worry.”

“What happened? Which hospital?”

“It’s sort of a long story. When you get here, I’ll tell you all about it. I’m at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.”

“I’ll be there in five minutes.”

“Okay.”

“Chérie,” Jaden said.

“Yes, babe.”

“I love you.”

Claudia’s head fell back, and her hand covered her belly.

“I love you, too.

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