Page 68 of The Homecoming

Justin went green, plopping down on the couch and leaning back. She felt sorry for him; he should be getting it on with his new wife and instead, he’s in a hospital room learning about placental abruption.

Hannah remained entranced by the baby. “We’re so glad you guys are okay. When Ben sent out the text on what happened, I was scared for you.” She smelled the top of Danny’s head again, taking in his newborn scent.

“Thanks.” She nodded. “So, where are you guys headed tonight?”

“Just home,” Hannah replied without taking her eyes off of the baby. “We fly out tomorrow afternoon to honeymoon in Key West.”

Hannah reluctantly relinquished the baby back into Autumn’s arms when they hugged, and she wished them safe travels for their honeymoon.

***

The next morning, Rebecca came through the door with wedding photos on her phone and a sausage, egg, and cheese croissant for Autumn, who could have kissed Rebecca right then and there. It was the best food she’d had in days. Now, it was her turn to cuddle the baby while Autumn ate and swiped through the photos.

It had been a lovely wedding. The barn looked magnificent with the white strand lights, the flowers, and the candle lanterns they’d installed.

Most importantly, Hannah and Justin were beaming in the photos. She scrolled through the requisite photos of the couple cutting the wedding cake and Hannah mashing cake into Justin’s mouth. One of the last images on the phone was a selfie of Rebecca and Weasel at the reception, heads together as he wrapped his arms around her and both of them smiled. She’d never seen Weasel in a dress shirt and tie. She smiled at the photo, realizing how happy and content they looked. They were cute together.

“They came by last night.” Autumn wiped her mouth with a napkin.

“They did?” Rebecca didn’t look up.

“Yeah, she brought me her tossing bouquet. Made me catch it.”

Rebecca laughed. “Well, looks like you’re the next one to get married.”

“I don’t think it counts if the bride practically hands it to you,” Autumn laughed. “It looks like it was a lot of fun. Wish I could’ve been there.”

Rebecca kissed the top of Danny’s head. “I wish you were there, too. It was fun, and I’m so impressed with what y’all have done out there.”

“The guys have worked really hard on it. It looked like you and—”

A knock came at the door. “Come in,” Autumn called out, seeing Weasel come through the door.

His eyes immediately went to Rebecca. Her head turned back to the baby in her arms so fast, Autumn feared whiplash. “Good morning, ladies,” he said.

Almost speak of the devil, and he appears. “Hey, you’re already out and about this morning,” Autumn said.

“Always,” he replied. “Just stopped by to see how you were doing and to check on the newest member of the force.” He slid a glance at Danny before he settled on Rebecca. “And to see if you needed anything.”

Autumn shook her head, thinking it had more to do with Rebecca’s car in the parking lot than with checking up on her. “No, I’m good. Hopefully, they’ll let us go home today. I just had the best breakfast ever, thanks to Rebecca.”

Rebecca smiled and shook her head. “What have you been eating, if that was the best breakfast ever?”

“Hospital food,” Autumn quipped.

Weasel nodded but his gaze never left Rebecca. “That’s good. So, everything is good, health-wise?”

Autumn rolled her eyes, guessing if she’d said something off the wall, like that she’d grown a second head or that her uterus had fallen out, it would still only elicit a nod from him in Rebecca’s presence.

Rebecca snuggled Danny closer and smelled his head, making a great show of ignoring Weasel. If a stare could cause an explosion, Rebecca’s head would be in danger. “Yes, everything is good, health-wise,” Autumn spoke loud enough to startle him. He hid whatever his feelings were behind a calm, stoic expression. But he needed to leave so Autumn could talk about him with Rebecca.

“That’s good. I bet you’re ready to go home.”

“Yep,” she replied. “I hate this bed.”

He smiled. “I’m happy you’re okay. You gave us all quite a scare.” He patted her foot. “I gotta go, let me know if you need anything.”

She nodded. “Thanks.”

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