Page 86 of One Unexpected Gift

“My brother’s a mathematician dork.” Nick nudged her shoulder with his.

The conversation and meal were going well until Travis pushed his plate away and sat Gabby on the table. “It’s a shame you’re wasting so much of your time chasing after your adrenaline rush and risking not being there for your baby girl.”

Nick slowly set his fork down and lowered his hands to his lap. Sky reached over and laid her hand on his thigh.

“Travis,” Isabelle scolded. “Now isn’t the time.”

“I just thought settling down with a wonderful woman and his child would curb his need for adventure. As soon as we found out you were pregnant, you and Nicolas became my whole world.”

There was a moment of awkward silence before Nick let out a deep sigh and spoke. “I’m not doing any of that anymore, Dad.”

“No?” His blue eyes blinked in surprise and darted from Nick to Sky, then to Gabby before a giant grin took over his face. “Well, then I have you to thank for that, Skylar.”

“It’s not because of...” he stopped himself, and she squeezed his thigh before threading her fingers with his. “I was in the hospital almost two years ago, right after Christmas.”

“Nicolas Santiago.” Isabella dropped her fork on her plate. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“I didn’t want you to worry.”

“I don’t remember hearing about a skiing injury,” Holden said from across the table.

“It wasn’t skiing or any other adventure.” Nick went on to tell them about the spontaneous carotid artery dissection. He told them about the second one as well, and how Sky had been there for him.

“That’s why you fell for a nurse, huh? Makes sense.” Holden’s feeble attempt at a joke brought a small smile to Nick’s mouth but no one laughed.

“This is not the time for jokes,” Isabella scolded. “Nicolas, honey. I’m upset you didn’t tell us sooner, but I’m thankful you’re taking your doctor’s orders seriously. I’m doubly thankful for you, Skylar, for taking care of my son.”

“I can’t believe you’re not going to be on the slopes this winter and the motocross circuit next summer. There are a lot of hot guys that hang around there.” Camilla frowned and sipped her Mimosa.

“I’m sorry my dissections have interfered with your love life.”

“They seem to be helping yours.” Logan chuckled. “But seriously, is there anything that can be done?”

“Finally, a sibling who actually cares.”

“I’m just curious if it’s hereditary and if I need to be on the lookout.” Logan rubbed his temples while Holden snorted next to him.

“The love I feel around this table gets me right here.” Nick slapped his chest.

“We’re all worried about you, Nicolas.”

“I know, Mom. There really isn’t anything I can do to prevent another one other than not do anything that could lead to a blow to the head. And even then...” He lifted his shoulders and stabbed a piece of French Toast with his fork.

“I won’t lie and say I’m not disappointed you’re no longer doing your daredevil stunts, but I know how hard it must have been for you to get the news. How are you coping living life as a... normal person?” Travis ended his question with a wink and kissed Gabriella’s chubby cheek.

“Last year was rough. I wasn’t myself. But then I met Skylar.” He released her hand and put his arm around her shoulder, drawing him into his side.

“I can’t believe you’ve been seeing her for a year and waited this long to introduce her to us.” Isabella picked up her fork and continued to eat her breakfast.

Sky felt her cheeks warm. At some point, Nick would need to come clean about them. It wasn’t fair for his family to think they were an item, to have their hopes up–if they were–that Nick was settling down.

“Unfortunately, I don’t get to see Skylar as often as I’d like.” He rubbed her shoulder before dropping his arm and returning to his breakfast. “She lives in Virginia.”

“Virginia?” The entire family echoed simultaneously.

“I live on the base. Camp Elmore. I’m in the Army.”

“The Army?” Camilla nearly choked while Logan let out a low whistle.

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