Page 107 of Hero's Heart

“Thriving,” Callum said, his chest tightening with pride. “Smart as a whip and stubborn as his mama. Loves trucks, puzzles, and going into work with me whenever he gets the chance. Kid’s going to outsmart us all one day.”

Zac smirked. “Wonder where he gets it.”

Callum chuckled, but his attention shifted back to Sloane. She caught his eye, and he inclined his head toward the small dance floor near the band. Her brow lifted in curiosity, but she nodded.

“Excuse me, fellas. I just remembered I don’t want to talk to you after all.”

His friends all laughed, not at all offended. Most of them took off to grab their own wives when they saw what he was doing.

He crossed to Sloane, offering his hand. “Dance with me, angel?”

“With this belly?” she teased, but she placed her hand in his without hesitation. “You sure?”

“Positive.”

He led her to the floor, guiding her into his arms as the band began to play a slow, soulful tune. He kept a hand firm on her back, the other clasping hers, their bodies swaying gently to the music.

“We don’t get to do this much,” he murmured, his voice low. “Not since…”

“Our wedding,” Sloane finished, her lips curving into a smile. “That was a good day.”

“The best day,” he agreed. “I should dance with you more. I’m sorry I’m not good at romance.”

Her gaze softened, her hand squeezing his. “I’ll take what we have over flowery romance any day, Callum. This… us… is more than I ever dreamed of.”

His throat tightened, but he didn’t respond—he couldn’t. Instead, he pulled her closer, resting his cheek against her temple as they swayed. He wanted this moment to last forever, wanted to remember the feel of her in his arms, the life they’d built together, the promise of their future.

“Yes,” he murmured. “But tonight we romance. Tonight we dance.”

But then Sloane stiffened, her grip on his shoulder tightening. “Yeah. I don’t think that’s going to work for me. Sorry.”

She had every right to be pissed. “Angel, I promise I will do better. I know you don’t want romance, but I want to give it to you. I want?—”

“Callum.” She cut him off. “I think… my water just broke.”

For a moment, Callum froze, his brain struggling to process her words. Then a sentiment he hadn’t felt in five years…

Abject panic.

“Holy shit,” he finally said, stepping back to look at her. “Okay. Holy shit. Are you sure?”

“Pretty sure based on the puddle at my feet.”

How could she be so calm?

“Oh, hell.” He ran a hand through his hair, glancing around the room. “Okay, okay. We need to… we need to get to the hospital.”

Sloane wasn’t due for another two and a half weeks. Going into labor right now couldn’t be good. What if something was wrong? What if Sloane was in danger?

He remembered Dr. Annie was here. “Annie! We need you. Hurry, it’s an emergency!”

“Callum,” Sloane cut in. “I don’t think it’s an emerg?—”

Annie rushed over. “Everything okay?”

“No!” Callum knew he was yelling but he couldn’t help it. “Her water just broke. It’s too early!”

Annie smiled and looked at Sloane. “Any pain outside of normal labor stuff?”

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