Page 163 of Need You Now

Lacey peers behind Seth as he paces, keeping watch on the entrances and exits for Luke.

Closing his eyes, Seth hurls a positive thought out into the universe. All the positive goddamn thoughts for his brother and Sal. Please, Christ, let that baby be okay. It’s got a family to join. The best parents in the world to meet.

Anything else ain’t happening. Anything else is unimaginable.

One minute.

Two minutes.

Thirty minutes pass.

Then—

The hard sound of frantic bootsteps in the hall hit Seth’s ear.

He whips around, Lacey gasps, and then Luke’s rounding the corner, wild-eyed and crazed.

Seth’s chest expands in relief at the sight of his brother.

Thank Christ.

Seth lifts his arms. “It’s about goddamn time, man.”

“I left my damn phone in the truck,” Luke shoots back, not slowing his stride as he rushes down the hall. “Where is she?”

Seth points at the double doors. “She’s in there. Go,” he says. “Go, man. Go take care of Sal.”

Luke barely has time to give Seth a grateful glance before he slams through the doors and disappears.

Seth lets out a steadying breath, turning his gaze to Lacey.

For the last half hour, she’s been tense and alert. Now, her shoulders sag. Every ounce of adrenaline drains out of her as reality settles in. Her beautiful face crumples and she bursts into a heartbreaking sob. “I can’t do this,” she whispers.

“C’mere.” Seth grabs her hand, gathering her into his arms, the pump of her heart quickening against his. “I got you.”

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