Page 112 of S.O.S. Billboard

Billboard blinked.

Same straight dark hair. Familiar gray eyes. Identical crooked smile.

“Cedric?” Billboard asked, his voice squeaking a bit.

“That’s me,” the man grinned, not letting go of O’Shea’s hand.

O’Shea was snuffling, trying to stem the flow of tears, and eventually her sunshiny smile broke through the deluge. That’s when she began peppering her brother with questions.

“How did you get here? How did you know about me? Where’s Libby?” She shot upright. “Wait. The twins. Is everything okay? Why are you in Boston instead of home with your very pregnant wife?”

Cedric chuckled.

Billboard heard a lot of O’Shea in that laugh.

“Everything’s fine. Libby’s fine and the twins are good. Your man here… I assume you’re Billboard?” Cedric asked, holding his hand out for a shake.

“That’s me.” Billboard relieved, cheerfully took the clasp.

Cedric turned back to his sister. “Your man here,” he continued, “got my number somehow, and texted me about what happened.” He looked at Billboard again. “I know you didn’t expect me to show up, but how could I stay away when my Peanut was hurting? My visit has a quick turnaround, though,” he warned O’Shea. “I’ll be leaving on a red-eye in about,” he looked at his watch, “five hours. But listen up, Peanut. As soon as my twins are born, they’ll expect a nice long visit from their auntie.”

“I’d love that,” O’Shea sniffled joyously.

She turned to Billboard and beamed; a look that said he might just have set all the firmaments of the heavens into motion.

Billboard felt heat move up the back of his neck, and…

What the hell? As far as he knew, he’d never blushed in his life. But making his woman this happy… He cleared his throat.

“I knew your brother would want to know,” Billboard told O’Shea before turning his regard back to Cedric. “And even though your trip up is a huge surprise, I’m glad you could make it.”

The siblings were staring at each other with such love, that Billboard knew his presence wasn’t needed. “I’ll just…” he backed slowly out of the room as the oblivious pair began to converse.

Billboard’s avowals of love could wait.

****

Three hours and at least five cups of coffee later, Cedric texted him.

I’m on my way if you want to get back to O’Shea. Thanks for this. It was great. I’m happy to have met you.

Billboard’s answer was sincere.I can tell how much your visit meant to her. Thankyoufor coming.

The reply was rapid.

I expect you to come visit, along with my sister, once my kids are born. I can see what you and O’Shea mean to each other.

If by that, you mean everything,his fingers flew,you’d be right. Safe flight.Billboard tucked his phone away and got to his feet.

He was overdue to take care of business, and this time he wouldn’t put up with any interruptions.

****

Billboard eased the door to O’Shea’s room open and peaked inside.

“Hey,” she called out alertly. “I wondered where you had gone.”

“I wanted to give you and your brother some alone time,” he answered, then turned. Seeing no actual lock on the door, he stalked over to one of the chairs in the room, brought it back, and jammed it under the doorknob.

---