Page 150 of Feels Like Home

I wince as a laugh bubbles up, trying to stay still so Hazel doesn’t lose her hold onme.

He kisses me on the lips then on the forehead. With Bri spending time with the boys, Hazel in my arms and Andy next to me, I finally feel likehome.

* * *

Andy

Ialready knewmy wife was strong. I already knew she was beautiful and incredible and amazing and determined and just… so much more than I ever could have hopedfor.

I finally admitted what I’ve been thinking ever since she went into labor, and what do I get in return? Christine’slaughter.

“Oh, my gosh. Only you,Andy.”

“What? I can’t help it! You should see you rightnow!”

“If watching another woman nurse her baby turns me on then I think we have aproblem.”

I give her a sly grin, knowing that she’ll get hers soon enough. “Oh, just wait, baby. Justwait.”

“Whatever. You think I don’t already know you’re gonna be the hottest Daddyever?”

I grin, not being able to helpit.

The fact that Christine still thinks I’mhot,in her words, makes me feel like I could conquer theworld.

She finishes nursing and presses the button to call the nurse, who comes in just a few momentslater.

“Everything go okay?” Lisa asks, smiling as she walks in, placing her hand under the hand sanitizer contraption by the door and rubbing her handstogether.

“It did. She drank herself tosleep.”

I snicker, the wordsLike mother like daughteron the tip of my tongue, remembering Margarita Madness, and she shoots daggers in mydirection.

Too bad a smirk followed so closely behind, along with an eyeroll.

“Seriously, guys. She’s one of the most beautiful babies I’ve ever seen. And I’m not just sayingthat.”

No way am I denying that. Hazel is gorgeous. And I’m afraid I’ll never have ownership of my balls for the rest of my life, knowing that she and her mom now securely hold them in the palm of theirhands.

“Are you ready? They’re getting incredibly restless out there.” She makes an eek expression with her mouth, and we both laughedlowly.

“Five more minutes,” I tell Lisa, and she nods her head before quietlyleaving.

“I love you.” I kiss Christine on the forehead then lean over to Hazel. “And I love you, baby girl.” I lift her from Christine’s arms and cuddle her tightly to mychest.

I walk to the window, giving Hazel her first view of theworld.

“My promise to you, Hazel. I’m going to do my best to slay your dragons, to watch you soar, and pick you up when you fall. I’ll be by your side helping you to achieve your dreams and will hold you when you need held. I’ll never leave you, sweetgirl.”

I breathe in her sweet scent and brace myself when I hear the door open, knowing our private moment is about to beshattered.

“About time that warden let us in. Holding me back from my niece,” James says. I turn to see him rubbing his hands together much the same way Lisa did when sheentered.

He holds his hands out to me, somehow stiff arming all three girls in the process, and lifts Hazel out of myarms.

His hand cradles the back of her head, and he brings his face down to hers. “Hi, Hazel. I’m your uncle James. The cool one. Don’t let any of these clowns tell youdifferent.”

“You’re so full of it,” Barrett mumbles, and Tessgiggles.

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