Page 294 of Wild Card

“Rowan and Ford, or the whole ‘hood?”

“Maybe us women planned a potluck. Ford lifted the ban on visitors. We’re finally allowed to see Xander.”

I cock an eyebrow. “As compared to the hours you spend on Facetime every day with Rowan?”

“It’s not the same.”

“I think Ford was on to something. He should have held out longer.”

After the drama of Jewls, Harley, and Willow’s deliveries, Ford took matters into his own hands. He spoke to Rowan’s doctor and convinced her to induce. Since the date was set, everyone in their lives descended to Nashville for the birth. The Whitman family stayed at their house, but Hotch and Cassie stayed with Ford and Rowan.

All the women were in heaven with the arrival of Xander.

Ford was in hell with everyone in his space full-time.

When Hotch and Cassie left, after two weeks of non-stop company, Ford had enough. He banned visitors. Addie and Carson tried to fight him, but he didn’t budge.

He took the week off and stuck to his rule.

Beckett squirms and a wispy sigh floats across the room. I glance to find Willow leaning on the doorframe, her eyes full of happiness as she stares.

This happens often.

“He knows who you are.”

“He’s starting to.” I breezed through a few of her baby books and know he likely recognizes our voices and scents.

“No, I mean he knows you’re a protector. In your arms, he is safe.”

Damn if her words don’t score deep.

“You gonna get me a bottle before he gets pissed?”

“In a minute. I’m enjoying the view.”

I give her the minute, knowing exactly where she’s coming from. I didn’t think it was possible, but my obsession with Willow has intensified over the last seven weeks. The moment the nurse put Beckett in her arms, something inside shifted.

And every day it grows.

He’s clearly done waiting, letting out a shrill cry.

“Okay, buddy, I’m on it.” She pushes off the doorframe, and I follow her to the kitchen.

She brings me a bottle, then curls next to us on the couch. “Mom went shopping again.”

“Saw the bags.”

“Only one bag was baby stuff. The rest is for the house. She went overboard. Every time I mention something,poof, it’s here the next day.”

“The woman likes to shop.”

“I think it’s guilt gifts.”

“Maybe, or maybe it’s her way of helping. She knows you didn’t get much done before Beckett was born.”

“I’m grateful we were in the house before he came.”

“Told you we would be.”

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