I tug her to her feet, Maya and Cole scrambling too, their focus behind me. Pierce comes in looking fatigued. The last hour since the birthday celebration ended has not gone his way. “Darby’s decided she’s ready.”
“Darby decided? Is that how this works?”
“Apparently, with your sister it is. Don’t know how the hell she did it, but she stalled her progress by eighteen fucking hours.”
“Don’t think that’s medically possible,” I point out warily. “Maybe the baby wasn’t as ready as we thought.”
“I didn’t believe it either until she curled into me fifteen minutes ago and said she was ready. Swear to God, I helped her to the bathroom and ten seconds later her water broke. Somehow, she held off.”
It’s not smart to argue since there is absolutely no logic to this.
“Dad, can we see her?” Maya grabs the laptop. “Poppy organized an album from the birthday.”
“That was quick.”
“All the time hanging in Evin’s office has sharpened my skills,” Poppy brags.
“Darby will love it. Let’s go show her.”
“I’ll call Mom.”
“She and Edward are almost here with Stephanie and Todd. My family is on the way. The Rhodes are keeping Dev at Miller’s place.”
“We’ll be in there in a minute,” I say, giving him a slice of alone time with the kids and Darby.
“There’s no rush. This could go on a while.”
When he and the kids are out of range, Poppy leans into me. “Your sister has magic.”
“Don’t want to hear it.”
“There’s a power behind spiritual control. It sounds crazy to you alpha-male, obsessively-driven men, but she knew what she was doing.”
“Baby, I love your free-spirited way of life. The incense, the flowers, the beads, the oils, the meditation music while you stretch, all of it. But I’m a believer in modern science. The baby wasn’t ready.”
“Mmhmm, you rely on your science, I’ll keep believing in spiritual magic.”
“You’ve heard the stories, but I’m warning you now. It’s about to get chaotic. Last time, Mom jumped on the bed to restrain Darby when she kept refusing the epidural. We got kicked out of the room.”
She smiles, her eyes glittering. “Let’s get in there. I want to be in a prime spot if we have a repeat.”
I give her a quick kiss, take her hand, and go toward the room.
“It’s cool everyone will have all this experience. It’ll come in handy when it’s our turn.”
“We’re getting a private room with security. It’s you, the doctors, the nurses, and me. All these crazies can visit after the baby is born.”
She laughs, bumping my shoulder with her own. “Water birth at home is always an option.”
I pull her to me, stopping. “You want to try alternative methods, we’ll look into them. If that means putting a tub in the middle of a hospital room, I’ll agree as long as it includes modern medical science.” I grind out the last few words.
She’s straight-faced for less than a second before she burst into giggles. “You make it too easy.”
“You’re fucking with me?”
“Your mom had twins and your sister has a track record of such eager babies that she can’t make it to her due date. I fully intend to take advantage of medical professionals.”
“The best medical professionals.”
“With you, it’s nothing but the best.”
Chapter 36
Poppy
“Are you going to be broody the whole lunch?”
“When I mentioned he wanted to visit, I didn’t think you’d agree so soon.”
“Why wait?”
“To make him sweat. It’s been less than a week.”
“Maybe I was testing his sincerity.”
“He’s here.” Evin’s voice is terse, his hand tightening around mine.
Marco stands at our approach, watching me attentively. “Poppy, Evin.” He dips his chin in an uncomfortable greeting.
“Marco,” Evin rumbles gruffly.
“Stop,” I whisper and smile at Marco. “Hey, Marco.”
He winces slightly, covering it up with a small grin. “You are getting around well.”
“We tell you that every day,” Evin replies brusquely.
“It’s better seeing it for myself,” Marco counters.
Tension radiates off Evin, and I elbow him in the ribs. “We’re not doing this macho male thing. Especially not in the middle of a classy restaurant in the finest hotel in Charleston. I’m hungry.”
Marco’s lips twitch and he motions for me to sit first, Evin pulling out my chair. Once we’re all seated, the server takes our drink order and leaves.
“Poppy, I’m—”
“Don’t,” I interrupt, waving him off, “we’re not talking about anything other than pleasant topics. Evin told me everything, and at some point, I may have questions, but not today. I’m riding my Bella happy high.”
“Babies have a way of bringing out happiness.”
“She’s perfect,” I gush, getting my phone and finding this morning’s pictures. “Look.”
It’s easy to read his thoughts. “She’s beautiful.”
“Keep scrolling, there’s more.”
He does, his eyes darting over each shot. He stops scrolling, facing the screen back to me. It’s the day Darby and Pierce brought her home. I’m sitting on Evin’s lap, Devin is with us, and Annie had handed me Bella. It was a rare moment she was awake, her precious little face peaceful.
“This is a great shot.”
“Thanks.” I glance at Evin, crinkling my nose. “Told you.”
He huffs, but his eyes are anything but irritated.
“You’re a natural.”
“She is.” Evin agreeing with Marco is a shock. “She’s a pro with kids.”
“I’d love a copy,” Marco pushes.
I take the phone and forward it to him. Sending another from the hospital when she was born.
After the server drops our drinks and takes our order, Evin settles, watching me closely.
“How’s the hotel?” I ask Marco.
“The Brasher never disappoints.”
“What other Brasher Resorts have you visited?”
He stalls.
It’s apparent I have to move this reunion over the edge of awkwardness. “Why are you here?”
He seems surprised at my candor, looking between Evin and me before answering. “I wanted to see you, apologize and reacquaint with your life.”
“You’ve apologized a million times, Marco.”
“The rest of my life isn’t long enough to prove it to you.” He repeats the same sentiment from the hospital.
“When you said those words the first time, I wasn’t in the mental space to accept them. Now I am.”
“It can’t be that simple.”
“You’re used to dealing with Karen and Natasha who are complicated and make life miserable with added drama. That’s not my style. With me, it is simple.”