Page 77 of Forever in the Country

Maybe even read with Rhea.

I’d seen that the author had attended a bookstore signing not far from Clementine Creek while Tanner and I had been at the training.

I wasn’t sure if I would have gone—it felt kind of weird thinking about standing in line for someone to look at me and want to knowmystory, as they signed theirs. I know men read romance, but I’m also aware enough to know that if a guy like me is standing in a line of women, I’m going to draw some attention.

“You’reliterallykilling me,” Hayden whines and I open the front cover and turn the first page.

My name is scrawled there with a short message and the author’s signature. It’s simple, but I have to swallow down the lump of emotion that gets stuck in my throat. I don’t receive gifts well and I hardlyneedanything, but this—this is special.

“Thank you,” I say quietly as I meet Hayden’s gaze. He squeals and does a little dance in his seat before he throws his arms around me and hugs me.

“I knew you’d love it!” I pat him on the back and he releases me before looking at the other two. “A bestie always knows.”

Otto narrows his eyes. “I thought Everett was your best friend.”

“I can have more than one.” Hayden sniffs and I chuckle. All three sets of eyes turn toward me and I shrug.

“Itispretty awesome,” I admit.

“Thank God he was able to give it to you,” Everett says as he drops a kiss on Hayden’s cheek. “It’s all he’s talked about since we went.”

“He dragged you along for the ride?” Everett’s cheeks pinken and Hayden smirks, leaving absolutely no doubt what the reward was for that little outing.

“He had fun. Didn’t you, babe?” Hayden asks causing Everett to clear his throat. Otto snickers and Tanner looks away as he takes a sip of his drink.

“I’ll be”—he points vaguely in the direction of the food—“if you need me.”

Everett turns and leaves the group while Hayden watches him shamelessly. Rhea catches my eye and I wink at her. Her smile is immediate, and I feel the warmth spread through my chest.

“Um, Otto?” Fallon’s voice is shrill as his head whips toward her while he stands abruptly, knocking his chair over in the process.

“Is it go time?” he yells and I hear the panic in his voice. I stand and place what I hope is a steadying hand on his shoulder. Tanner does the same as we wait to confirm what everyone on the other side of the room already knows.

“My water broke,” she says, tears in her eyes.

“I’m going to be a dad.” His voice is shaky as he looks from me to Tanner.

“You’re already a dad,” Tanner says confidently. “You just get the really small version this time.”

“Holy shit! I’m a dad!” he yells and laughter erupts around the room as the girls help clean Fallon up and plans are made to see the baby when they’re all ready.

Otto wraps Tanner in a bear hug before turning to me. I nod and he hugs me too before striding over to his wife and placing a hard kiss on her lips. She winces when he pulls away, and I imagine she’ll be cursing him out before they even make it to the hospital.

Fallon gives us a wave, and we watch as Otto helps her to the car. My gaze tracks toward my sister and my gut clenches. She’s curled into Waylon’s side as he drops a kiss on the top of her head. I ache to comfort her—to ease her pain.

It’s not my job anymore.

Like she knows I’m struggling, Rhea’s hand slips into mine as she presses her lips to my bicep. It’s a sweet gesture, simple, but it calms my immediate need for action—to fix the problem and find a solution.

Blowing out a breath, I turn so I can wrap my arms around her and bury my face in her hair.

“No i’s or k’s,” I whisper and then kiss her breathless because I don’t need to hear it and this one is just for her.

33

RHEA

“When’s the last time you ate?” Sorren asks while nonchalantly pushing the sandwich across my desk.

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