Page 21 of The Way We Collide

“Hang on. Just slow down a minute.” I’m still groggy from the jet lag, but I’m doing my best to strategize. “So you got pregnant after Dylan’s wedding…”

Brown eyes meet mine followed by bright blue ones framed in thick dark lashes. “Yes.”

Baby Haddy is curious, sucking her fingers and watching me like she’s wondering what I’ll do next. I have no freaking idea.

“And Haddy is…” The words get stuck, so I clear my throat. “My daughter?”

“Haddy isourdaughter.”

Our daughter.

Adults.

We’re adults, but what the ever-loving fuck?

This wasnotsupposed to happen.

6

Raven

“Haddy is our daughter.” Hendrix repeats my words, crossing his strong arms and putting one hand over his mouth like he’s trying to pull himself back together.

Haddy is hugged against my chest, and she watches him curiously. She’s never been a fussy baby, but she’s attuned to my moods. I can tell by the way she’s clutching me and sucking her fingers, she’s picking up on my nerves, so I try to stay calm.

“I had a ten-year no-vomit streak until this little lady showed up.” I laugh, doing my best to ease the tension.

I’ve outgrown Tasha in the last fifteen months. Now I’m simply Mama Bear, and I hope, if my instincts are correct, I can count on Hendrix Bradford to help me with my problem, even if he’s looking at me right now like I just nuked him.

“She’s… cute.”

“She looks a lot like her daddy.”

She really does. Haddy has my dark hair, but the rest of her is all Hendrix, from the bright blue eyes to the full lips tothe stubborn streak, although I guess that could come from both of us.

“Do you think she’d let me hold her?” The touch of vulnerability in his tone melts my heart.

“Of course.” I step closer, hesitating as I give her a little bounce. “It’s okay, Haddy. He’s really, secretly sweet.”

Her blue eyes are fixed on him, but she lets me pass her over. Only he puts his arm across her stomach, holding her against his ribs like some kind of…football?

“Oh, no…” I take a stuttering step, reaching out to lift her. “That’s… that’s not right…”

I don’t want to make him self-conscious on his first attempt, but she’s practically upside down.

Dylan’s head pops through the door at that moment, and her bright smile turns to a grimace. “Good grief, Hen! You’re holding her like a football!”

“So?” He’s defensive as she rushes to him, lifting her niece to more of a sitting position on his arm, which actually seems less stable. “I’ve never dropped a football in my life!”

“Give her to me.” Dylan scoops Haddy onto her shoulder. “Hey, pumpkin. Don’t worry about your silly daddy. He’ll learn.”

“I was getting her situated,” he protests, and I put my hand over my mouth to hide a smile.

It really was awful—and a bit terrifying.

“Let me have her. You need to talk to her mama.” Dylan skips to the door. “Y’all take your time. We’ll be right out here.”

My eyes are wide when he turns to face me again. It’s the first time the D-word has been used on him, and he stands for a moment, seeming winded.

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