Page 152 of Samuel

Jackson jogged over to his side. “Hey, get going. We’ve got the kids.”

“Are you sure?” Abby asked, panting as she doubled over with another contraction.

“Absolutely. We can’t wait to meet our newest niece, but we definitely want to do it at the hospital, not in the middle of Seb and Emma’s driveway.”

“Make sure you tell Katy what’s going on… and that I’m okay.” She cried as John helped her into the car.

“They will.” He grabbed her hand over the center console and pressed his lips to her fingers.

“I love you, Baby.”

“I love you too, Deputy. Let’s go meet our little girl.”

“Do you want to feel? They’re kicking up a storm right now.”

Sebastian moved to put his hand on Daisy’s belly, but his wife hip-checked him out of the way and set both her hands right where he was about to touch.

“Sprinkles. Don’t you think I’d like to have a turn feeling our baby move?”

“Don’t think I didn’t see you doing exactly that while I was tied up with the caterers.”

“Busted,” Daisy laughed.

The bond between those two women never ceased to amaze Sebastian. He’d known asking Daisy to carry their baby had been emotional for Emma on so many different levels, but it also seemed to bring their friendship to an even stronger place.

Sebastian was looking forward to the birth of his second child.It was a wild time to be having a baby. Sprinkles was opening its tenth franchise in Texas, Montgomery Equities had offices in six major cities around the country, and his former SEAL team members at Montgomery Defense had scored some major security contracts since he opened the business in Silver Springs. He’d just said hi to the guys and their partners, who were all there to celebrate his wife and baby. It felt so surreal after spending the last few years celebrating his friends’ incredible milestones.

“I don’t know how to ever thank you for the gift you’re giving us, Daisy. There aren’t words?—”

“And there doesn’t have to be. Because we aren’t just connected here,” Daisy pulled Emma’s hand over her heart and placed her own on Emma’s chest. “We’re connected here, too.” Her hand slid to Emma’s solar plexus. “We are burned across each other’s souls, Em. Hank is the love of my life, but so are you. You’re my soul sister. Seeing you happy, it’s like healing a part of my own heart, too.”

“Alright you two,” Seb cleared his throat. “No crying right now.”

Emma swiped at her cheek. “We’re not crying. Are we Daisy?”

“Who, us?” She let out a soggy laugh. “Not us!”

Sebastian wiped at his own eyes. He’d cried on very few occasions over the last few years. His mind immediately thought of the day Addie had first called him Dad. That had been such a big moment for his family. And when Emma held his hand and became his wife. Yeah, there had been tears there too. Something about settling into his family, one with strong females all around him, had softened all the rough edges of his soul.

“Let’s go get you both some cupcakes and open up some presents.”

“Now that sounds incredible.”

“I’m still mad that you wouldn’t let me bring any brownies today.” Daisy said as she looped arms with his wife.

Emma sighed. “You’re already baking the most important thing for us.”

“I still could have made brownies.” Daisy laughed. “Oh. Here, take your husband’s arm. I need to run to the bathroom!”

Sebastian watched as Daisy took off into the house. Emma threaded her arm through his, resting her head on his arm.

“Thank you, Seb.”

“For what?”

“This life.”

He inhaled sharply. “Emma.”

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