“How you holding up?” Jasmine asked her friend.
Alicia looked at Jasmine, concern filled her brown eyes. “I’m trying to be positive. It’s hard. Being here reminds me of another time long ago.”
Jasmine was confused until she remembered Drake had told her about Alana being stabbed during a robbery.
Drake sat on the other side of Alicia and held on to her hand. “This time it’s a happy occasion, kiddo. Your sister is strong and the doctors will take good care of her. I have faith.”
Alicia nodded and looked to where her parents sat. “I know. You’re right. I am going to be an aunt. I have to concentrate on that. Things will be good. I know it. I can’t wait to spoil a new baby. Right, Papa?”
Carlos Garcia smiled. He was holding his wife’s hand. “Yes. I have faith too. Soon we will be fighting over who gets to hold the baby.”
Ray sat with his parents silently. He didn’t add much to the conversation, obviously worried about his sister. Adam and Liam took turns pacing back and forth as the clock on the wall ticked. Faith rocked Hope to sleep. Liam and Holly were off talking to people to find out what was going on. Jasmine felt like she was part of a family even if they weren’t hers. She cared about these people. Drake held her hand as they sat in silence. For the first time in a long time she couldn’t feel that empty hole that was a part of her. It had been filled with love and hope.
Jasmine and Faith walked to the coffee machine a few times. It seemed like forever but it was less than two hours when Noah came out of the delivery room. He looked happy and everyone smiled, the tension leaving the room in an instant.
“It’s a boy,” he announced with a huge grin. Everyone clapped.
“He’s a little small. Five and a half pounds but the doctor says his lungs are good and he will be fine. Alana is tired but relieved.”
The hugging and tears of relief started. The family was lining up to see Alana and the new addition.
Drake hugged Noah. “We’ll come back tomorrow and see your son, Noah. Alana is probably exhausted.”
“Thanks for everything, both of you,” Noah told them sincerely. He rushed back into Alana’s room.
Drake and Jasmine walked out to the parking lot hand in hand, a feeling of contentment between them. The night air was finally getting cooler.
“What a way to end the day. A new Red Hook resident,” Drake commented with joy.
“Lots of excitement, that’s for sure. I am so relieved.” Jasmine yawned.
Drake stopped by his truck and held her close. She closed her eyes feeling so sleepy. It had been a good holiday. Alana would never forget this one, she thought with amusement. Neither would she.
“Will you spend the night with me?” His words made her stomach do a little dance.
Jasmine looked at him. She decided to tease him a little. “Gasp. What will the gossipers say? Deputy Don Juan asking a woman to spend the night at his place. Isn’t that against the rules?”
Drake laughed. He tugged on her hair playfully. “Who cares what they say? I want my girlfriend with me and rules were meant to be broken.”
“Now who is the rebel?” She giggled, feeling happy and excited.
They had never spent the night with each other. It was a big step, but one she was ready to take.
“Okay. I’ll call Kate from your place. I bet she is at Louise’s house anyway.” She let out her breath slowly and got in the truck.
“Can I have one kiss to tide me over?” She pouted.
He barely grazed her lips and started the truck. She could see his eyes sparkling with laughter. “Now put your seatbelt on like a good girl.”
“What if I don’t want to be a good girl?” she asked, loving the idea that she could play around with Drake. Grant had always been so serious and would chide her for being immature if she tried teasing him.
He leaned over and sank his tongue deep while grabbing her head with his hand. It was such a dominant move and it turned her on. When he let her go he gave her a wicked smile. “Behave or we won’t make it to my place.”
She nodded and looked out the window at the town she was growing to love. Two months ago she had hoped to live in Red Hook and make a success of the store. She never even thought of finding love. Jasmine felt her body hum with anticipation. She walked up the porch stairs and followed him inside the house. He didn’t have anything to say either but his eyes were bright and heated with lust.
He grabbed her and started kissing her as if he hadn’t seen her in ages. Their clothes disappeared one item at a time by the time they reached his bedroom. They fell on the bed together, hands everywhere, exploring every inch of their bare skin.
“I love you,” they both said at the same time. They stopped and stared at each other in surprise.