Page 124 of Riding the High

I can’t understand why—maybe it’s the creation of life in my arms or the way Wade and Ivy look right now—but I feel the tears start to well up. Everything around me right now is so beautiful. So intimate. An overwhelming sense of gratitude washes over me.

“The fortress of strength and sass cries?” Wade jokes as a tear slides down my cheek. Cole is next to me instantly, swiping it off.

“Shut up, Daddy Wade,” I say. “I’m just so grateful to be here with you all.”

Cole’s arm goes around my shoulders and his lips hit my temple.

“You’re so fucking next,” he whispers. His hand grazes the small of my back and I look up at him.

“Can’t wait,” I say softly. His eyes darken and I know he means every word he says. With him, I want it all.

Cole kisses my cheek.

“Still not used tothat. Who’s with me?” Papa Dean asks, coming in the door, his hand raised. The room gives a collective laugh.

“I think it’s beautiful,” Jo says, winking at me. “Always knew you two were destined to be together.”

“Of course you did, Mama.” Wade side-hugs her and kisses the top of her head. “You know everything.”

“Sure do,” she says with a grin as she tightens her ponytail. “I’m seeing a lot more grandchildren in my future.” Jo winks. “And I love seeing you all happy.”

“Who’d have fuckin’ thought?” Wade chimes in as the room laughs.

I make my way to Ivy with a sleeping Billi and place her in her mama’s arms.

“You did so good,” I tell her.

“Thank you,” Ivy says, still emotional. “It’s like taking a piece of your heart out and praying for it to always be safe and happy. It’s the best and the scariest feeling in the world.”

“I bet,” I say, feeling the tears start to build again.

“I was so nervous,” she says quietly while the room chatters around us. “I didn’t know what it would be like. I kept wondering if I would feel a connection with her instantly. Whether she’d know me. But now that she’s here … It’s like she knows I’m her home and she’s mine.”

She smiles down at her daughter and kisses her forehead. I look back at Cole, ready to go home with him after this emotional night.

His eyes meet mine across the room and it’s as though he can read my mind. He pats Wade on the shoulder and makes his way over to me, stopping to speak to Ivy as he does, telling her what a great job she did.

“Love you both,” he says to Ivy and Billi as he kisses Ivy on the top of her head. “Let us know when you get home tomorrow.Mabes will be dying to come by when she gets home from Ernie and Trudy’s.”

Ivy nods. “Of course.”

Cole closes the space between us.

“Ready to go home?” I ask quietly when he reaches me.

“Nah. Not waiting that long. There’s a utility closet down the hall. We’re going there first,” he replies, dropping a kiss on my cheek. “I’m gonna practice filling my wife right the fuck up, and then I’m going to take you home so you can properly scream my name.”

He says this in the lowest whisper so no one can hear, his breath hot on my neck.Yep, that does me in.

I say congratulations to everyone one more time, then, like the dutiful wife I am, I follow my husband out the door.

CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

Cole

1 day to go

SARGE

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