Page 98 of A Rancher's Vow
“Señor, as in español,” Tamara assured him. “Which reminds me. I need to schedule you a hearing test.”
Walker and Dustin snickered so hard the entire family got triggered to join in, including Caleb.
Charity was still smiling as she got ready for bed. Hands moving smoothly as she put up her hair, wrapping silky fabric around her curls. “Your family is wonderful. Thanks for the lovely evening.”
“You made it special, too,” he told her.
He wanted to say more. Point out how she’d fit in, but instead he curled himself around her and bided his time. This thing between them needed to be talked about, but right now wasn’t the moment.
It wasleadingto the moment, he was sure of that, but now was special all on its own.
They’d been in bed for a couple hours when Dustin’s phone buzzed. Since it was on Do Not Disturb, had to be Tucker or Caleb.
He slipped it off the side table and took a peek.
Tucker:Ginny’s in labour. Headed to the hospital.
Tucker:Can’t reach Luke. Let the family know?
Dustin:Of course. You guys got this. We’ll all be there as soon as we can.
Tucker:Hey brat, this is Ginny. Tucker’s driving. I’m being squeezed through the portals of hell, but hey, having a baby is great! Fucking Christ on a cracker.
Dustin:Your kid is going to be the most awesome swearer in the family. You okay if we invade the hospital while you’re cursing out Tucker for getting you into this predicament?
Tucker:Still Ginny. Yeah, I don’t know how long this is going to take—sweet mercy I hope it’s over in like five minutes because FUCK. But hey, yeah. Gather the troops. Dare is with us already. See you soon. Well, I won’t see you because I’ll be busy, FUCK this SUCKS, but hey, you know what I mean.
Dustin:Love you, big sis. You can do this, you stubborn, rock-solid Stone.
Tucker:Love you too. FUCK.
Maybe it wasn’t in the plan, but dammit, he wanted to be there. This was part of why they’d done what they had to do to deal with the media BS. To make it so that they could roll with life and do what was important.
Excitement spiraling through him, he lifted up on an elbow and kissed Charity’s cheek. “Tee. Wake up.”
She rolled slightly, eyes blinking gently. “What’s up? You okay?”
“Fine. Ginny’s in labour, though, so we’re going to the hospital. Come on. Get dressed while I call the rest of the family.”
Which is why only hours after they’d been together, they gathered again.
The sterile setting of the hospital waiting room was a night and day contrast with the warmth of the home Ginny and Tucker shared. Instead of warm candlelight and creamy yellow walls, generic grey paint surrounded them and nondescript beige flooring was scuffed underfoot. No comfy overstuffed chairs, just sturdy individual seats lined up in rows along the walls.
Didn’t matter. The heart of the room was the people, and his family were all there. Everyone except Ivy and Emma, who’d stayed home to watch the children.
They’d arrived just before three a.m. For a couple of hours they talked quietly, switching chairs to visit with someone new every now and then. Sasha and Charity went and grabbed coffee for everyone. Dare came out with updates when she could.
Closing in on five a.m., Dare rushed into the hallway. “Close now. Ginny is no longer offering us threats and has moved onto the bartering stage, which means the baby is nearly here.”
Dustin was sitting beside Charity at this point, his fingers linked with hers. She quivered on the spot, and he leaned his cheek against hers. “She’ll be okay. They both will.”
“I want it so much for them, and for Tucker.” She buried her face in his neck and breathed deep. “I can’t believe I’m here, getting to share this precious moment.”
He squeezed her fingers, tongue tangling around the words to say that wouldn’t freak her out too much. “You need to be here. It’s…right.”
She pulled back slightly, eyes shining. “Thanks.”
The next time Dare stepped into the atrium, her cheeks were flushed but she wore an enormous grin. “Ginny and Tucker are delighted to let you know, and I quote, ‘their daughter is ready to receive her due homage from her adoring family.’”
