Page 106 of One Little Kiss
“I know, baby. But it will be okay.” Weston’s on the floor next to us, so I pull her into a hug. “It’s two hours, and I won’t leave Weston’s side for a minute.” When she doesn’t immediately return the embrace, I lift her face to mine. I love this woman more than I ever thought possible. The fact that someone is hurting her claws at my chest like a wild animal. “The girls will be here soon to start wedding plans.” I smile like a kid on Christmas morning. “I can guarantee they’ll keep you busy. Two hours will go by in a flash. I want you to have the wedding of your dreams, so please try to enjoy the process, okay?”
“I really don’t have a clue about weddings, but I’ll try. Will you call me as soon as it’s over?” Her voice is small, and I hate that Darling does this to her.
“You know I will.”
The doorbell rings with a soft, musical melody I had installed last week. It’s less jarring than the original, and thankfully, Wes is handling it well. I release Winnie and turn to the door with Wes hot on my heels just as it opens.
“Hello, hello,” Lanie sings. “We come with wedding planners, swatches, dress designs, flower samples, and Halton made cake!” Lanie is truly one of the sweetest human beings on the planet, and I can’t think of a better person to sit with Winnie. Lexi and Rylan follow behind her.
“Ry-guy! Look at you!” I walk toward my best friend in awe of her growing belly. I’m not sure how I would have handled this a few months ago, but seeing her now actually glowing with my nephew growing inside of her, all I feel is pure joy. I’ve never seen her happier, or Halton, for that matter.
“Yeah, I’m thinking this little bugger is going to take after the Westbrooks in the size department.”
I chuckle because Rylan is a tiny little thing.
I’m not paying attention, so I miss Wes walk right by me to Lexi. I’m always astonished he can tell Lexi and Lanie apart.
“Ad-de? Ad-de?” he repeats, peering around her legs.
My little guy either has a serious crush, or he’s found his Rylan. Knowing that he may have a best friend built into his new family gives me more determination than ever to make sure he stays with us.
“He’s never had a friend he asked for or talked about,” Winnie whispers. “He hasn’t stopped talking about Ada James since he met her, though.”
Lexi drops to the floor so she’s eye level with him. “You’re about to go on an adventure with Colton, but I’ll bring Ada James over as soon as you get back if that’s okay with Mommy?”
He doesn’t wait for her to finish before he’s barreling down the hall to Winnie. “Ad-de. Ad-de,” he says merrily, clapping his hands in excitement.
“Okay, buddy. Ada James can come over and play when you and Colton get back. Sound good?”
A squeal of excitement leaves his little body as he does that happy toddler dance I love so much.
“We should get going,” I say to Lanie, knowing she’ll catch my hint and take over distracting Winnie.
“Don’t forget to call me as soon as it’s over.” Winnie’s panicked, and it shows in her trembling lip.
Turning, I bend forward to kiss her. “I’ve got this, baby. Trust me?”
She nods with fearful eyes. “I trust you.” She gulps as I scoop Weston off the floor. She places a kiss on his cheek while he squirms, then she turns and hustles out of view.
I turn to the girls, but they’re all on the move, hurrying past me to get to my girl.
“Don’t worry. We’ll take good care of her,” Rylan says, patting my arm on her way by.
“Thanks, Ry-guy.”
She smiles and rushes to meet the others.
“Just you and me, buddy. You ready?”
“Coto. Coto. Lub Coto,” he sings. It’s the best song I’ve ever heard.
* * *
We enter the library fifteen minutes early. I’m hoping to get Wes settled before asshat arrives, but just my luck, he’s already here, looming over the young librarian. This guy has creep written all over him. She visibly relaxes when she catches sight of me, but it sets off alarm bells in my gut.
Unconsciously, I pat the microphone tucked inside of the pocket of my button down, and adjust the glasses I don’t need, but hold a tiny camera.
“Stop touching the microphone.” Ash hisses. His response sounds like my conscience because of the tiny transmitter he placed inside of my ear.
