Page 150 of Need You Now

Lacey adjusts the balloon arch, excitement burbling in her stomach. Nerves, too. Even though it’s only been a few weeks since she quit her job, planning a party feels weird. Like it’s so far away from herself. Still, it’s nice. Normal. Not to mention, she misses it. The logistics, being bossy, barking orders. It’s what she was good at.

She lets her gaze drift around the old farmhouse that is Wild Antler Farm. Now, currently decorated in a country chic theme. But back then, it was her oasis those two years she lived with Luke and Sal. Her oasis now. It’s been a week since she and Seth came back to Nashville.

New year. New phone. And soon, a new baby.

Lacey gasps when Sal enters the living room, followed by a loping Seth. She scowls at him. “You had one job. Keep her out.”

Seth raises an amused brow and sneaks around Sal to give Lacey a kiss. “Kinda hard seein’ as she lives here and all.”

Sal laughs, pretending to shield her eyes from the gigantic throne set up in the corner of the room. “I’m so sorry, Lace, but I needed—” She breaks off. Her sister has a wince on her pretty face, her hands rubbing slow circles on her stomach.

“You okay, Sal?” Lacey ventures.

She turns, her face clearing. “Yeah.” She exhales. “Baby is squirming.”

Lacey moves close, her hand out. “Can I?”

Sal smiles. “Of course.”

Lacey palms Sal’s belly, feeling the motion inside. “Oh my gosh,” she giggles. “She’s so wiggly.”

“Don’t you mean he?” Seth’s grinning.

“Absolutely not. Boys as a species are overrated.” Lacey arcs a brow at Luke, who’s stepping inside the living room. “No offense.”

He laughs, looks at Seth. Pride evident in his eyes. “You ready to get?”

Seth raises his fiddle case, swaggers. “Down to clown, man.”

Luke crosses the room to kiss Sal. His broad hand slips over her stomach. “We’ll be recordin’ all day. You’ll be okay?”

Sal shakes her dark head, amusement dancing in her eyes. “I’ll be fine, Luke.” Lacey smothers a smile. She’s never seen Luke so nervous.

“I’ll take good care of her,” Lacey reassures. “We’ll pamper her.”

“Relax, man, it’s a shower,” Seth quips. “Not delivery day.” Then he slips Lacey’s hand into his and leads her out into the hall.

She stops in front of him, bracing a hand against his chest. “I’ll miss you.” She sounds all of a lovesick girl, but she hasn’t been without Seth in over a month.

“Hell,” he says, his gaze heavy-lidded, “I’m already goin’ crazy.”

She yanks him into her, kissing him hard. Seth growls, his hands going to her hair, the front of his pants stiffening against her.

A clearing of the throat.

With a sigh, Seth pulls away. Tosses a grin over his shoulder. “I don’t s’pose we can be late?”

Luke snorts. “Nice try.”

Turning back to Lacey, Seth sweeps a finger under her chin. He leans down, giving her one last kiss. “I love you. You’re gonna kill it,” he tells her.

She nods, his confidence in her a comfort. “You too.”

Lacey smiles and follows them out onto the porch into the chilly morning air. She watches them leave, taking in Seth’s relaxed lope. Ever since he confessed the truth to Luke, he looks lighter. Sunnier. Like a weight’s been lifted from him.

Then, Luke’s truck is spinning out dirt and snow as it winds down the snakey road to the highway.

The sight has her stomach plummeting to her feet.

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