Page 154 of Samuel

His hand slid over Daisy’s belly, laughing as their niece or nephew kicked against the pressure.

“It’s wild to know this little one is coming soon, but that we’ll still get to sleep through the night once they’re here.”

“Exciting, isn’t it? We’ll get all the great cuddles and then come back to our craziness with Sunny and Henry.”

“Are you doing okay?”

“Of course. I’m Aunt Daisy. I’d always hold this sweetbaby close to my heart, whether or not Iactuallycarried her close to my heart.”

“We’re certainly always going to have a special connection tohim, won’t we?”

A sharp elbow dug into his side and he laughed.

“I wrote down my brownie recipe today when we got home from the shower,” she whispered, wrapping her leg over his as she curled into his chest.

“You did? Why?”

“I’m going to give it to Emma when the baby comes.”

“Christ. Are you trying to kill the poor woman on the day her kid is born?”

Her big blue eyes stared up at him. “What do you mean?”

“She’s already going to be an emotional wreck because how can you not be when your child is placed in your arms for the first time?” His mind wandered back to the first time he held Madison, and then Henry. His eyes had filled with tears both times, and he didn’t hold a single one back. “But finally having that recipe will probably send her over the edge.”

“I thought it would be nice. You know she’s been asking me to give it to her for years.”

“It is a nice gift. Just maybe wait until things settle down emotionally for her and Seb.”

She sighed, her head falling back onto his shoulder. “You’re probably right.”

“Did you enjoy today?”

“Celebrating Emma and Seb and their beautiful family with Addie and the new baby? I’d say it was long overdue. I almost, almost forgive her for eloping and not telling us for two months. Almost.” She brushed her face.

Hank’s brows creased. “Why are you crying, Sunshine?”

“I just feel so blessed. That we’ve gotten to have all this time together. This family that we’ve built, with our kids, andwith our friends. I never could have imagined when I came home all those years ago that this is where life would lead me.”

“All because a handsome sheriff failed to give a speeding ticket to the whirlwind who stole his heart.”

“Hm. I thought it was all because a sweet small town farmer charmed the pants off a cranky old sheriff.”

His fingers dug into her sides until she burst out laughing.

“You better close your eyes and go to sleep before you get yourself in trouble, Daisy.”

“Trouble sounds like fun.” She scrunched her face up and yawned. “But sleep sounds just a bit better tonight.”

He pressed his lips to her temple as she wiggled against his side to get comfortable.

“Goodnight, Sheriff.”

“Goodnight, Sunshine.”

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