Page 57 of While We Waited

“You laughed.”

I scowl. “I didn’t laugh.”

“I heard you.” She stands and wipes the dirt and grass from her clothes. “Bye, Mom and Dad. I’ll see you soon.”

I clasp her hand and lead her toward the exit. Her hand is small compared to mine but it feels right walking with her and holding her hand.

This is the woman for me. I don’t want to dim her sunshine with my grumpiness but considering what she’s been through and how she still smiles and lights up a room with her sunshine, I’m no longer worried about darkening her light.

“Are you feeling better?”

She bobs her head. “I am. The anniversary of Mom’s death is always sad, but I’m glad I got a chance to visit with her.”

“Do you come to the cemetery often?”

“A few times a year.” She pauses. “How did you find me here anyway? Wait. Did Maya send you?”

“Whole town is looking for you.”

She groans. “The whole town?”

I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. I want to touch more than her face but I need to be patient. Except for our onenight together, Nova’s made it clear she doesn’t want me. I’ll change her mind. But I need time.

I drop my hand. “They love you. They care for you. They worry about you.” They’re not the only ones.

“I’m never going to hear the end of this.”

“If anyone gives you a hard time, let me know. I’ll handle them.”

She giggles. “The big bad grump is going to handle it.”

She thinks I’m joking. I’m not. I won’t allow anyone to hurt Nova. She’s mine to protect.

Chapter 20

Hellions – four brothers who can’t wait to be uncles

Nova

Iwring my hands in my lap as Hudson drives us toward his parents’ house.

“There’s no need to be nervous.” He reaches across the console to squeeze my hand. “My parents are going to love you.”

I hope he’s right since his parents are the sole grandparents our little Sprog will have. I want to have a good relationship with them. I want them to spend time with our baby and me. Not avoid me because they hate me.

“I hope your mom likes the flowers.”

“She’s going to love the flowers. She has five boys. She doesn’t get flowers very often.”

“Your dad doesn’t buy her flowers? My dad bought my mom flowers all the time. My parents were such an adorable couple.”

I sigh. I want to be half of an adorable couple. I glance over at Hudson from beneath my lashes. I want to be an adorable couple with him. I shove those fantasies away. Now is not the time to lament falling in love with my baby daddy who doesn’t want me. Now is the time to freak out about meeting his parents.

“We’re here.” Hudson parks in front of a ranch house. Several cars are blocking the driveway as well as a few bikes laying on their sides in the front lawn. It appears crowded and homey.

He opens my door and lifts me out of the truck onto the ground. He intertwines his fingers with mine as he leads me to the front door. I cling to his hand.

The front door flies open and a young man steps outside. “They’re here!”

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