Page 112 of While We Waited

“You need to get in line.” I thumb my finger at Hudson. “Daddy is going to spoil his little girl rotten.”

Hudson frowns as he marches to me. “Why are you crying?”

“Because I’m happy.”

He wipes away the tears. “I don’t want you to cry.”

“Too bad I’ll cry if—

“Cannonball!” Brooks shouts and I glance over in time to watch him jump into the pool. He splashes several guests who laugh and begin stripping.

“Fuck,” Hudson mutters. “I’ll get him.”

“Let him be. He’s having fun. It’s a party.”

“It’s supposed to be your baby shower.”

“It still is. We revealed Sprog’s a girl. I got tons of presents. And everyone’s having a good time. The baby shower is a success.”

I spot someone standing to the side of the chalet.

“Is that Caleb?”

Hudson nods.

“What is he doing here?”

“He lives in one of the chalets on the edge of the property. I couldn’t not invite him.”

“Lives in one of the chalets? Caleb is stationed overseas.”

Hudson shrugs. “I guess he’s back home.”

“But he didn’t tell anyone.”

“I didn’t know it was a secret.”

“I need to find Maya.” I scan the crowd but I don’t see her. “She should be warned he’s home.”

Hudson motions to Maya marching toward Caleb. “You’re too late.”

I start toward her but he shackles my wrist. “Let them work it out for themselves.”

“You’re home!” Maya shouts and throws herself at him.

He catches her but sets her on her feet before stepping back. “I knew I shouldn’t have come to this party.” He marches away. Maya chases after him.

“I should…”

“Let them be. And enjoy your party.” Hudson motions to the pool where his brothers are now playing a rigorous game of volleyball against my friends.

I sigh. “I love the family we’ve created.”

He places a hand over my belly. “I love our little family.”

I smile up at him and he kisses me. My lips tingle and my belly warms. This man can get me excited with a simple kiss. I hope he always can.

Because I’m never giving him up. I tried once. It didn’t take.

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