Page 125 of Need You Now

“Jesus Christ.” Seth laughs, ripping a hand through his hair. His nerves off the charts. “You’re officially cut off from playing bad cop. You goddamn terrified me.”

Lacey floats him a look of relief as she brings Sal in for a hug. Their happy squeals fill the kitchen, a rush of contentment nearly knocking Seth over.

Sal knows. It’s out.

Lacey’s coming back to Nashville.

Now all he’s gotta do is tell her he loves her.

It should be easy.

So why is he waiting?

Seth exits Lacey’s room, descending the stairs with a groan. The day feels longer than long, and he’s sore as hell, not like he’d tell Luke that, but there’s one thing he’s gotta do first.

Talk to Sal one-on-one. Talk honest. Make sure she’s okay. Really okay.

He loves that Lacey understands his and Sal’s friendship. That the only thing she’s jealous about is Sal liking Seth more than her. He chuckles to himself. That he can deal with.

He finds her in the living room. It’s late, the fire’s still going and so is Sal, apparently. Her back to him, he watches in amusement as Sal balances herself on the lip of the fireplace. A bag of gifts in her hands, she stretches out on tiptoes to reach the stockings that hang high on the mantel.

He goes to her side. “You know, I’m tall and I’m also not pregnant.”

She blinks down at him and smiles. “Tomorrow’s Christmas. Just playing Santa.”

“Yeah, I can see that, and so will Luke if he walks in here anytime soon.” He takes the bag from her, helps her onto solid ground. “I got the rest.”

Sal perches her slight frame on the couch. When Seth finishes stuffing stockings, he sits beside her. “I wanted to make sure you’re okay.” He gives her a look. “That we’re okay.”

She nods. “We are.”

But her lip is trembling, tears pooling in her emerald eyes.

He scoots close. “Sal, what is it?”

She wipes at her face. “Nothing.”

“It’s somethin’. You’re in here cryin’ and I know it’s not over bad Christmas presents.” He chances a glance over his shoulder. The last thing he wants is Luke walking in here and finding Sal weeping a river because of Seth. This time, his brother really will kill him.

She shakes her head. “It’s just ... I’m scared.”

He frowns. “Of what?”

She gestures around her. “Of everything changing.” She cradles her stomach. Lowers her voice. “Of something happening to the baby.”

Sighing, Seth takes her slender hand. “Ain’t nothing goin’ to happen to you or that baby. I won’t let it. And Luke sure as hell won’t. You hear me?”

“What if I’m an awful mother? I mean, I can’t even cook. What if we’re not ready?”

Seth chuckles. “Sal, there is no way you’d be a bad mother. You’re the most selfless person I know. You and Luke are gonna be great parents. I mean, hell, bossin’ people around is Luke’s business.”

Sal laughs, her eyes shiny with tears.

“What else?” he asks. “Give it to me now.”

She nods.Biting her lip, she raises her eyes to meet his dead-on. “I’m scared of you and Lacey,” she whispers. “I’m so happy for you, but ... if you break up ... if that changes, we change. I can’t lose either of you.”

His heart twists. “You ain’t losin’ me. You’re my best friend, Sal. Nothing’s gonna change that. And Lacey ... you don’t gotta worry about that either.” He exhales. “She’s a massive pain in my ass, but ... I love her more than anything.”

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