Page 93 of What We May Be

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Trevor was half dozing on one of the waiting room sofas near Charlie’s recovery room, Sean passed out against his side, when a gentle shake of his shoulder roused him back toward awake.

“Charlie’s coming to,” Annie said quietly. “She’s asking for you two.”

Trevor wiped a hand over his face and rubbed his eyes as Sean continued to snore. “What time is it?”

“About eight.”

“It’s only been a couple hours. That was quick.”

“In the morning.” Trevor’s surprised jolt drew a grumble from the man tucked under his arm. “You two were so cute I didn’t have the heart to wake you. And I knew if I did, you wouldn’t leave anyway.”

She laid a hand on her belly, and the concern that shot through Trevor woke him all the way up. “Were you here all night? With the baby, you need—”

“I was in the maternity ward. They wanted to keep me for observation.” Annie ruffled her hair, flashing the bandage at her temple. “All good.”

“That’s good, A,” Sean said from Trevor’s other side, a little groggy but on his way to awareness. “Charlie awake?”

“Yeah, baby,” Trevor dropped a kiss on his temple. “Let’s go see our girl.”

Hand in hand, they followed Annie into Charlie’s room, and Trevor couldn’t help but laugh at the pouty, “Everything hurts,” she leveled at Jaylen.

“They had to reset your arm,” Sean said, and her gaze darted to them.

Trevor tapped his nose as they moved to one side of the bed. “Now you’ve got breaks like the rest of us.”

On the other side of the bed, Annie drummed her fingers on her collarbone. “No more perfect record.”

Charlie, though, only had eyes for Annie’s belly. She lifted her good hand, laying it there. “Did I imagine this part?”

“Nope.” Annie covered Charlie’s hand with both of hers as Jaylen threw an arm over her shoulders. “That’s Charlie 2.0 in there.”

“Everything’s okay?”

“All good. If it stays that way, you’ll be an aunt in seven months.” Annie glanced up, smiling at them across the bed. “And you two fools will be uncles. I’ll be sure to tell Charlie 2.0 all about how you thought I tried to kill their namesake.”

“Annie,” Sean started, but she waved him off.

“We went through this last night. You’re forgiven, but I’m still gonna make you feel guilty about it from time to time.”

Trevor was working up another apology to pick up where Sean’s was cut off, but Charlie beat him to it. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Mom. I’d just gotten you back. I didn’t want to lose you again.”

“Same reason I didn’t tell you when I found those files in the attic.”

“I’m still sorry,” Charlie said. “And for not getting out of your way sooner. You’re amazing, sis.”

“You’re forgiven too.” Annie beamed and gazed up at Jaylen. “You put him in my path.”

He tightened his arm around Annie. “You need to get home and rest. Properly.” Jaylen looked at Annie with such affection, such admiration, that Trevor had no doubt he’d give Annie anything she wanted. He’d do anything for her and their children. It settled any lingering concern he had about leaving Hanover. Annie would be just fine. Better than.

Annie knew the same; they were all just slow to catch up. She leaned over Charlie and kissed her forehead. “I meant what I said on the bridge yesterday. You go to DC. You worked hard, and you deserve this opportunity.” She straightened and glanced again at Trevor. “Same goes for you. Show HU what a mistake they made letting that windbag Marshall hold up your tenure. And you”—she swung her gaze to Sean—“just make them happy this time. For good.”

Sean blushed handsomely, his chin dipped in deference. “With your blessing.”

She reached across the bed, covering one of each of their hands on the rail with hers. “You have it.”

Charlie caught her hand as it trailed back, squeezing it. “Love you, sis.”

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