Page 30 of The Sheriff's Mistletoe Bride
“I would have to agree with that one.Here’s to great company and a rain check for the next one.”
“Agreed.Poor Jillie.”Ally looked at the sleeping child.“Perhaps I should take her home?I’ll get her to school in the morning and do the regular after-school stuff with her.”
“She’ll be really upset if she misses her cousin’s entrance.But she is too tired.If anything happens, I’ll stop by your house and let her know.The nurse did say it could be another few hours.”
“Don’t worry about a thing.And Tori will be fine.She is a tough lady—as you know.”
He carried Jillie outside in his arms.She was struggling to wake up but losing the battle.He placed her in the seat and buckled her in.Then he made sure Ally was settled inside.Her window was down, and he placed palms on the doorframe.His tone was low and full of sincerity.
“Thanks for being such a good sport about all of this tonight.It didn’t go like I had hoped with the dinner and all, but it means a lot that you understood.”
“You and your family have welcomed me and made me feel like part of this family and town in so many ways.Annie was right about this place and the people.So, there’s no need to thank me.”
Then Matt did something that felt right.He leaned in and placed a kiss on her lips, and they met his in unison.The kiss was brief, but it lasted far beyond that moment.It wasn’t just a thank you.It was wrapped in a promise of much more still to be named.But for the moment, it was everything.
No more words were spoken, and he stood for a few moments watching the red taillights grow dimmer in the distance until they were not visible.Hands in pockets, he re-entered the building with purpose in his steps and a hope in his heart that had been missing for a very long time.
An hour later the swinging doors opened, and a tired but exuberant Cade strode out, seeming to be walking on air.Matt jumped up and the men embraced without speaking.Then the dam broke and laughter mixed with some manly tears.
“She’s amazing.”
Matt wasn’t sure who was amazing, so he had to ask.“Which she?Tori or…?”
“Tori!The determination and the strength—she’s just incredible.”
“So, what about the reason we’re here?Get to it, man.The baby!”
“Perfect!”Cade beamed.“Seven pounds, eight ounces, twenty-two inches long, all fingers and toes, and got a great set of lungs.”
“And…” Matt prompted.“What is it?”
“Oh…that’s right.I forgot to tell you.”
“I swear you’re doing this on purpose… Spit it out!”
The man’s smile broadened as did his chest.“A boy.A son.I have a son.Come see him.”Cade was already halfway through the doors when Matt got over the shock of surprise and fell in line behind him.Tori was in the room just down the hall and Cade held the door open for Matt to enter.
Tori looked great with a huge smile on her face and a little bundle wrapped in a blue blanket in her arms.“It’s time for you to meet your uncle Matt.”She adjusted the fold around the newborn’s face and Matt approached slowly, trying to focus.For some odd reason there seemed to be some moisture crowding his vision.
“Oh my, Tori.He is amazing.”Matt laid his finger on top of the blanket fold to better see his new nephew’s face.It was claimed as if on cue, by a little fist that held on to it.And that little fist had reached right into his heart and staked their claim.
“This is Joseph Caden Lockwood.And this is your uncle Matt, and he will always watch out for you, too.Just like Momma and Daddy, will.”
“Hey, little man.What a grip.You’re going to be a baseball player.”
“A quarterback,” his dad corrected.
“A little boy with a mind of his own to choose for himself, gentlemen,” Tori corrected, already being the mother hen.
“He will be a little boy with awesome parents,” Matt added.“And a cousin who gave it up and crashed about an hour ago.Ally took her home to bed.But she’ll be here bright and early, I’m sure.”
“Speaking of bed—” the nurse stood just inside the door “—it’s time this youngster and his mom got some rest.”
Matt met his sister’s gaze.“She’s right.You won’t get much sleep for the next eighteen years or so.If your raising of us three is any indication.”
“What do you mean eighteen?I keep an eye open for you three… Always will.”
Matt leaned over and placed a kiss on her forehead.He needed to make his exit before the darn moisture became blinding.“See you in the morning, sis.”He gently squeezed the little fist that had let go of his finger.“Take care of Mom, Joey.Big job you have ahead of you.”He turned to Cade and shook his hand.“And you have the watch over them.Congrats, Dad.”
