Reckless Love (Cowboys & Angels 7)

“I am! But I really wish y’all would just find out what you’re having. It’s killing me not to know!”

With a roll of my eyes, I glanced down to the beautiful woman next to me. Her brown hair was pulled up into a ponytail. Her cheeks were a beautiful pink, but not from make-up, it was just her natural glow. She’d always had it, but ever since she’d gotten pregnant, it seemed brighter. I couldn’t resist the urge to kiss her, so I did. I placed a soft kiss on her forehead and looked back at Amelia.

“She won’t budge. Says she wants to be surprised.”

Amelia let out a huff. “Just like Harley.”

Mom stood and stretched. “Leave the poor girl alone. If she wants to be surprised, let her be.”

Turning her attention to Amelia and Wade, my mother tilted her head and asked, “Have y’all picked out a name?”

I watched as Amelia turned to Wade. The way he smiled at my sister warmed my heart. You could see the love between them as clear as day.

Not taking her eyes off Wade, Amelia replied, “We thought John Michael. John for daddy, and Michael for Wade’s daddy.”

An ache filled my chest as I watched my best friend fight to hold back his emotions. I hated that his entire family was gone. Taken in a car accident because some asshole kid was texting and driving. I knew his two little sisters, Grace and Anna, would have loved Amelia. And his parents would have fallen in love with her the moment they met her.

My mother covered her mouth to hold back her own emotions as my father walked toward Amelia and Wade. They both stood, and my father pulled Amelia into his arms, then Wade.

“I’d be honored to share your daddy’s name.”

I looked away, the raw emotion causing an ache in the back of my throat as I fought to keep it together. Scarlett sat up, yawned, and saw the display in front of her.

“What’s going on?”

Attempting to speak, my voice cracked. Clearing it, I answered her. “Amelia just told my folks they’re naming the baby after dad and Wade’s dad. John Michael.”

Scarlett pulled in a soft breath. She turned to me. “How sweet is that! Oh my, that makes me want to cry.”

I nodded.

We watched the scene play out as everyone settled back in their seats. When I looked at Scarlett, she was chewing on her lip, lost in thought.

“What are you thinking about, baby?”

Her eyes were focused on Amelia and Corina. They were both talking about some knitting class that Corina wanted all the girls to take.

“Our baby. I think we should find out the sex.”

I nearly jumped out of my seat I was so happy. “Yes! I have been waiting for you to say that!”

“Did I hear you want to find out the sex of the baby?” my mother asked, a hopeful look in her eyes.

Scarlett nodded. “I think so!”

“Finally!” Amelia exclaimed, rushing over. She pulled Scarlett out of the chair and dragged her over to where she and Corina had been talking. I glanced over to Wade and we both smiled.

A weird feeling came over me. Happiness was spilling from everywhere. Now I knew how Scarlett had felt when she said she was waiting for the floor to drop out from underneath her.

I closed my eyes and said a quick prayer that everything was okay with Harley and the twins.

A voice cleared, drawing all of our attention to Dr. Buten and Tripp. They both wore wide smiles, which instantly put my fears at bay.

Dr. Buten spoke first. Gus and Maddie, Harley’s parents, and Mom and Dad, all stood the moment they saw Tripp. The four of them looked nervous as they waited to hear how Harley and the babies were.

“Harley and both babies are doing amazing. Harley did a great job delivering them both naturally. Dr. Buten had to help turn one of them around, but it all worked out amazing! They were about three minutes apart.”

Turning to Tripp, Dr. Buten motioned for him speak. I watched as tears rolled down my older brother’s face and I couldn’t help but feel a frog in my throat as I tried to keep my own emotions back. Everyone stood. Scarlett was back at my side, her hand curled in mine as we waited.

“I’m happy to say that Rose Adelita Parker was born at 7:01 and Maximiliano Tripp Parker was born at 7:04. A girl and boy. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

The entire waiting room erupted in cheers. Scarlett looked up at me and I raised a brow. “I told you. Girl first. It’s that Parker sperm.”

She laughed and reached up on her toes to give me a kiss before making her way to Tripp.

I hadn’t noticed the rest of the gang come back with the kids, but Chloe was letting Tripp know that Rose could have all of her clothes after Liberty and Merit wore them.