Page 61 of Make Your Play

And I can’t help but feel bad for my best friend right now.

We’re all family, so it’s hard to sit back like this, not knowing what’s going on, but Nova keeps assuring everyone that they’re taking care of Riley. It’s hard to believe her, though, when her face says she doesn’t even believe herself.

The entire waiting room is silent. Nash is still with the doctor and we have no idea where they took him or what he’s doing. Lincoln is sitting next to Nova with his arm around her shoulders, holding her tightly against his side. Carson’s sitting next to me, staring down at his phone.

Caleb left ten minutes ago since he had to go relieve his nanny, but we all promised to keep him in the loop. It’s understandable that he had to leave and no one faults him for it.

My eyes scan the room as my mind runs rampant with thoughts. Situations like this make me glad that I’ve made the clear decision to never settle down. I’ve never wanted kids for a number of reasons, but mainly because the thought of having someone dependent on you like that terrifies me.

I can barely keep myself together, let alone having to worry about caring for someone else. I can’t even imagine what Nash must be going through right now. All I know is, I will never put myself in a position like this.

Settling down? No.

Having kids? Fuck no.

Movement catches my attention from the hall and my stomach almost falls to the floor as I catch sight of her auburn-colored hair.

“Hadley?” I instantly say without even thinking as I climb to my feet. Carson glances up at me, but I ignore him as I start to walk in her direction.

She pauses in the hall, just outside the door, her hazel eyes instantly finding mine. “Rowan? What are you doing here?”

Hadley dated my brother Beau for almost two years, but he went and fucked it all up when he cheated on her last summer. Beau and I don’t exactly get along, so I don’t blame her for ending things with him, especially after how shitty their break-up was. I haven’t seen her since that night, which makes it even weirder seeing her here… four hours from where she calls home.

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“I’m here on a traveling contract,” she says with simplicity as I step into the hall with her. We move to the side, sure to stay out of anyone’s way, although it’s quiet in the hospital now. “I’ve been here for a little over a month, although I’m hoping maybe they’ll hire me full-time after my contract is up.” She tilts her head to the side. “Now it’s your turn.”

“A friend’s…” I pause, thinking of what the hell Riley even is to Nash. I know he’s been staying with her. Tonight he called her his wife. Hell, I have no fucking clue. “Wife?” The word comes out like a question and she gives me a weird look. “Yeah, I don’t know the specifics of their relationship, but she had anemergency C-section, and we’re just waiting to hear what’s going on.”

Her nostrils flare. “I think I know who you’re talking about.”

I nod in understanding, although not completely agreeing with it. “They took Nash, so I think that might be a good sign.”

“It is,” she says with a small smile. “I’m not legally allowed to say anything because of HIPAA, but it’s not a bad sign, if that helps.”

Relief instantly floods me. It doesn’t mean her situation isn’t any less serious, but it definitely brings me some comfort. “Thank you, Hadley. It really does.”

“Good,” she says, smiling as her hazel eyes shine back at me. “Well, it was nice seeing you and I hope everything goes well with your friend’s wife… or whatever she is,” she adds with a wink.

“Ro, come here,” Carson calls for me, ducking his head through the doorway. “Nash just texted Nova.”

“Shit, okay. I’ll be right there,” I tell him, glancing at him and then back to Hadley. My gaze meets hers in a rush. “Maybe I’ll see you around?”

She bites back a grin. “Maybe you will.”

I watch as she turns around, her auburn hair swishing in a ponytail as she heads back down the hallway. I wait a moment, shaking away thoughts I shouldn’t be having about my brother’s ex before dipping back into the waiting room.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

NASH

“Do you want to hold him?”

I stare down at the newborn baby in the bassinet, absolutely terrified to even touch him. The only baby I’ve had experience with was Posey and that was only because Nova wouldn’t let me be afraid. She insisted I learn how to hold her and feed her, so I know the basics… but this is different.

Completely different.

My eyes flash to the nurse and I quickly read her name tag before looking back at her. “Am I allowed to?”

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