Happy Ending (Fisher Brothers 4)

Frank shrugged. “Nothing more than we already know. It’s definitely possible, but it would have been done so long ago that the files were never converted electronically. He’s got a paralegal digging through boxes of old records in the county courthouse basement.”

“Just like in a movie,” Nick said.

“We’re running out of time,” I said, stating the obvious.

“Twenty-two and a half days,” Nick said under his breath, and we all fell silent.

We were all stressed and worried, each of us in our own way. None of us wanted to lose what we’d built. It didn’t seem fair.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see Sofia’s name on the screen.

“What’s up, baby mama,” I said with a grin, then my breath caught in my throat at her words. “I’ll be right there. Don’t move. I’m coming.”

My hand shook as I pressed End and looked at my brothers, whose faces were etched with concern and worry.

“Is everything okay? Is Sofia all right?” they asked.

“H-her water broke,” I stuttered, terrified.

Of course the baby leaving Sofia’s body was inevitable, but it was suddenly very real. Somewhere in my subconscious, I must have thought that she’d stay pregnant forever. Not only was the baby coming out, but it was coming out today.

“Get out of here. Go,” Frank yelled as he shoved me.

“We’ll call Mom and Dad. Anyone else?” Nick asked as I reached for my keys and headed toward the back door.

“Uh, Grant and Mariana, I guess?”

“Who’s watching Matson?” Frank asked.

“Sofia’s parents will as soon as they get to the hospital. You guys are coming, right?” Adrenaline rushed through my body with no signs of slowing down.

“We’ll be there as soon as we settle up here. Go,” Frank said.

At his assurances, I nodded. At least, I think I nodded. I couldn’t feel my face anymore.

I raced home on autopilot, my mind spinning, my heart galloping inside my chest. When I burst through the front door, I found Sofia sitting on a chair in the kitchen with Matson holding her hand.

“Her water spilled on the floor,” he said, his eyes as wide as saucers.

“It’s okay, buddy. We’ll clean it up later. Let’s get your mom to the hospital, okay?”

When I looked into Sofia’s eyes, she looked so damn calm, I was immediately centered. But I couldn’t help but wonder how she could be so together at a time like this.

“My bag’s by the door,” she said softly.

“Do you feel okay? Are you having contractions? How far apart are they?” I spat out rapid-fire questions as if I had any damn idea what her answers would even mean. Sofia knew it too, which was why she laughed at me.

“I’m fine. But we should go.” She moved as if to get up, and I wrapped my arm around her waist and helped her to her feet. “I’ve already texted my parents, so they should be there soon.”

I nodded, letting her know I heard her. “Matson, can you grab your mom’s bag for me?”

“Sure.” He ran toward the duffel Sofia had packed weeks ago, placed the strap on his shoulder, and hefted it up. “I got it.”

“You ready to be a big brother?”

Matson’s smile grew wide. “Yep. And I hope it’s a boy.”

I walked my family out the front door and locked it behind us. We hurried toward my car, and I gently settled Sofia inside.