Daddy in Disguise (Crescent Cove 7)

“Go for it. That’s going directly into the scrapyard after this little incident.”

August squatted down and his big hand slid down the side of the back of the couch. He pulled something off his belt and after a little work—far less than I thought should hold a damn couch together—the backing came loose. He jerked it up and threw it onto the floor so he could kneel on it “Better. Hey, sis.”

“Well, that’s one way to do it.” The paramedic shook her head then gripped Ivy’s knee gently. “We’re going to push again in a minute, okay?” When Ivy didn’t answer, she repeated herself.

“Yes.”

August slid his arm behind his sister to support her. Kinleigh did the same so they were practically hugging Ivy. Their other hands were clasping each of Ivy’s as she slowly tensed again.

“Here we go.”

August looked over his sister to Kinleigh and the air seemed to charge. Hmm. Well, that was interesting.

Then it was all about the baby. Gideon came to meet me and Dani, standing behind us. Rylee sidled up to the other side of me and grabbed my hand.

I didn’t even bother trying to step away from any of them. It was as if one unit was banding together in each camp. I wasn’t even sure how much time had passed. The paramedic’s soothing voice never changed. Even when I was pretty sure Ivy was going to tear her head off.

August and Kinleigh were a combined unit in this weird little bubble around her. I couldn’t take watching Ivy crying about how tired she was. I tried to break away, but instead of letting me walk off, Gideon turned me around and held on.

When the baby’s crying filled the room, I sagged against him.

Thank God.

“Big bad boss lady afraid of a little blood?” Rylee asked. “You were good when I was giving birth.”

“Yeah, well, there were doctors and I didn’t have to see…everything.” I waved my hand behind me.

Dani looked up at me. “Is the baby okay?”

“Hear all that crying going on? That’s a good sign.”

She glanced to her father. “That true?”

“The pros tell me so.” He smiled down at Dani, then hugged me closer, brushing his lips along my temple. “I think I better get her home.”

I nodded and stepped away from him. “It’s late.”

“I want to see the baby.” Dani folded her arms.

“Give Ivy a minute with her family over there and we’ll see what’s what.” His pocket started buzzing and he took out his phone. His face went stony and he shoved it back into his jeans.

“Everything okay?”

He glanced at Dani then back at me meaningfully. It took me a second, but I caught on quick. The ex. Nothing like the blond bombshell of his past to throw some cold water on everything.

Kinleigh had gone around what was left of my couch to hug August as Ivy took a minute to show Rory his new baby. From all the squeaking and crying both from baby and mom, I was pretty sure everything was good.

Ivy was wrapped up in blankets and the hot water came in handy to get the baby cleaned up enough to take a ride in the ambulance. She waved us over.

“Meet Rhiannon Grace Ferguson.” She cradled her close, but turned her out so everyone could see.

Dani stood on her tiptoes and leaned in to get closer to the baby.

“Dani…” Gideon started.

Ivy shook her head. “It’s okay. Isn’t she beautiful?”

“She’s all squishy,” Dani replied.