Daddy in Disguise (Crescent Cove 7)

He rubbed her back lightly. “She’s going to be just fine.”

“Is the baby coming?”

“Possibly in my café.”

“Cool!”

I glanced up at her with her arm wrapped around her dad’s neck. He didn’t cringe away from the paint she was wearing.

“Are you done working now, Dad?”

My neck felt really hot. I was pretty sure the whole room was looking at us. I glanced down at my shirt to make sure it wasn’t on backwards.

“Yeah, kiddo. We’re good to go home as soon as we make sure Ivy’s okay. Is that all right?”

“Can we go to the hospital with her?”

“You’re all going to the hospital with me if Rory isn’t here.” Ivy slapped the back of the couch and arched up off the cushions like a demon. Dear God.

Gideon caught my gaze, his eyes wide with actual fear.

“Weren’t in the birthing room, Dad?”

He swallowed. “Jessica actually went into labor on location.” Gideon tipped his head against his daughter’s. “I didn’t get there in time.”

I found myself rubbing his arm in sympathy before I dropped my hand back to my side. What the hell was wrong with me?

A knock on the door had me whirling around. I patted my pockets then ran back to the counter for my keys.

Chaos reigned after that. Rylee, Gideon, and I moved tables to get the stretcher into the dining room.

Kinleigh came back over to Ivy with the phone and held it out in front of her. “He’s trying to get on the next plane, but I got him on video.”

“I don’t want video, I want him here.”

“Ivy, love.” Rory’s voice came through the speaker loud and clear. “I swear I’ll be there as soon as humanly possible. I never should have left you.” His voice was out of breath.

Ivy snatched the phone from Kinleigh. “I cannot do this without you.”

“You are strong and perfect and I know you’ll make sure that little girl comes into the world safe and sound.”

Ivy instantly burst into tears. “You know?”

“Of course I know. I’ve been trying not to say it every bloody day.”

“Okay, miss. Let’s get you on the—”

Ivy let out a scream that made the whole damn room go silent. She sat up. “I’m going nowhere.”

“You are not having this baby in my damn café.”

The paramedic pushed the stretcher out of the way to get to Ivy. “Okay, let’s just calm down a little. Is this your first birth?”

“Yes.” Ivy wiggled on the couch to get into a better position.

“Ivy,” came Rory’s tinny voice.

“Yes.” She held the phone up in front of her face. “Yes, I’m here.”