Page 96 of Lead Me Knot

But then my mom says, “I also saw the rings on your finger when I stopped by earlier. It’s hard to miss that many diamonds sparkling on your hand.” I didn’t even think about hiding them when she came by. They’re just a part of who I am now. Looking at Baylor, she smiles. “You did really well.”

“Thank you, Peaches. We also got married on the spur of the moment. We would have had you there if it were planned.”

“Does your family know?”

“No, we wanted to stop by here first.”

Coming around the counter, she holds her arms out for me. “I appreciate that.” She hugs me. I close my eyes, appreciating everything she’s done for me to get me to this point in life. I know how things will change for all of us. I know it will be for the better, but it’s still kind of sad to be leaving your childhood behind, even at twenty-nine. “I’m also happy for you both.” She turns to Baylor, and they embrace. “I figured you two haven’t been together long, but I could see the change in my daughter. The joy you’ve brought her.”

“I love you, Mom.” I give her another quick hug before adding, “We need to go break the news to the others.”

“I love you, honey.” Pointing at Baylor, she fake scowls. “Take care of my girl.”

He slips his hand around mine, bringing it to his chest to hold over his heart. “It will be my greatest honor.”

My phone vibrates in my back pocket, surprising me. I reach for it just as Baylor reaches for his. When I look at the text from Christine, it reads: I’m having my baby.

“Oh my God?—”

“My sister’s gone into labor.” His eyes fasten to mine. “Detour to the hospital?”

CHAPTER 34

Baylor

I missedmy niece’s birth. I’m not missing this one.

Niece or nephew, I don’t care. Healthy and safe are all that matters. Same for my sister. I’m glad I can be here. When we walk in, my dad stands at the edge of the waiting room holding hands with Daisy while Beckett sits nearby playing on his gaming device.

Lauralee and I held hands until we came around the corner in sight of the entrance. We agreed now was not the time to break our news. We’d rather the family focus on Christine and the baby. “Hey, Dad, how are they?” I ask on approach.

“Last I heard, good heart rates for both, and she was going to start pushing.” He checks his watch. “That was about fifteen minutes ago.”

Daisy raises her hands in the air. “Bay Bay.”

I lift her, settling her on my side, before I kiss her chubby little cheek. “How are you, Daisy girl?”

She giggles and starts blowing raspberries in the air.

I say, “Hey, Beck, you doing okay?”

“Bored,” he replies, not lookingup from his game.

My dad says, “If it gets too late, I’ll take them home and get them to bed.”

Lauralee tucks strands of hair behind her ear, and says, “I can do that, so the family can be together.” She brushes against my side as she moves closer to huddle in. “I’ve sat with them many times. I know their bedtime routine.”

“Thanks. I’d like to be here when my next grandkid is born. Tagger’s folks are on their way.” My dad adds, “I wish Griffin could be here. It’d be nice to have the family together again.”

Lauralee takes Daisy from me, anchoring our niece on her hip and tickling her tummy. I move closer to my dad, lowering my voice to ask, “Have you heard from him lately?”

“A month or so ago. He’s hard to pinpoint on a map, but said he’d be back in Texas soon to visit.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I think about my brother and what drove him away. Same as me, I suppose. Feeling like Peachtree Pass wasn’t home once my mom passed. That took me years and talking to my sister to get over. Now, I’m ready to return for good. My gaze tracks over to my wife, who’s found a book to read to Daisy.

She’s a natural caregiver. Lord knows she takes care of me and keeps me on my toes. I’m pretty sure she would say I do that last part to her as well. We still have plenty to talk about and more details to work through, but I can’t wait to start life with her.

I say, “If we can get him to stay longer than a few hours, we might be able to talk some sense into him.”

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