Page 97 of One Unexpected Gift

“We know, honey. We know.”

“How did you know?” she asked Brooke.

“You’ve never been like this over a guy before.”

“I’ve never had a baby with a guy before.”

“You’ve changed,” Gina said.

“Of course I have. I’m a mom now.”

“I don’t mean it that way. Usually you’re so headstrong with men. You’re the one who approaches them. You’re in the driver’s seat. This time, Nick is driving, and I’m pretty sure you like it that way. Like being taken care of.”

“What woman doesn’t?”

“You,” the three of them said in unison.

“It’s the hormones,” Sky said through another stream of tears. “I don’t know why I keep crying or why I can’t make decisions anymore.”

“Oh, honey.” They squeezed her with their love again until Gabby started squirming.

“I should get her home and bathed before I put her down for the night.”

“Home, huh?” Charlie grinned and kissed Gabby cheek.

Sky squatted and tucked Gabby into her car seat. “Home is Virginia. You know what I meant.”

“If that’s what you think.”

Sky craned her neck and pierced Brooke with her stare. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Brooke lifted a shoulder in nonchalance, but Sky could see the underlying smirk in her eyes. “Nothing.”

“Bullshit.” Sky got to her feet and rested her fists on her hips. “Spill it, Ross.”

Brooke chewed the inside of her cheek and looked from Gina to Charlie before settling on Sky. “Does Virginia feel like home? Does the Army still feel like home to you?”

“Why wouldn’t it?”

“We each enlisted for different reasons. Either running from something or trying to find ourselves.”

“You’re the only one who left voluntarily. Gina and Charlie would still be serving if they didn’t have injuries.” She studied their downcast eyes. “Right?”

“Maybe. I mean, that’s what my plan was. Who would’ve thunk that blowing out my knee on the dance floor would be a blessing in disguise?” Charlie sipped her beer.

“I’m not going to say I’m thankful for my burns and scars, but I can’t imagine my life without Bryce. To sound annoyingly cliche, when one door closes, another opens.”

“You don’t think I should stay in the Army?”

“We’re not saying that.” Gina gave her another hug. “Or that you don’t belong in Virginia or wherever your next assignment brings you. All we’re saying is follow your heart and don’t be afraid to change your course.”

“You think I should leave?”

“No. That’s not what I’m saying. There are thousands of career military moms who make it all work.”

“Yeah, well, they usually have a husband to go along with it.”

“You’ve never been the type who needed a man to complete her. If anyone can successfully raise a child on her own, it’s you, Skylar. Don’t force yourself into a relationship you don’t want to be in.” Brooke gave her a sad smile.

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