Always With You (The Connor Family 6)

“I’m not following.”

“That’s because it’s none of your business,” I said, very sweetly.

Will winced. “Jace, she’s using her PR tone. I’d lay off it if I were you.”

“Hailey, why don’t you go in to see Val, and I’ll talk to these two?” Reid said.

I grinned. “I like you more b

y the minute.”

Once inside, I took a look around the room. Brooke and Paige were fussing around Val and the baby. Lori was whispering with Carter in a corner.

“Hi, everyone,” I said loudly.

“You’re here,” Lori exclaimed.

“Where is everyone else?” I asked her.

“My dear husband took all the kids to get something to eat, along with Landon and Maddie. It was getting a bit crowded in here.”

I caught Val’s eye in that exact moment. Oooh, I knew what that glance meant. My PR skills were needed.

“Why don’t you all go eat something? I’ll keep Val company.”

“Good idea,” Lori said. “Carter, come on. You need some caffeine. And food.”

There was a general rumble of agreement, and everyone left. When Lori passed me, I whispered to her, “Save Reid.”

It was a testament to the power of our sisterly communication that Lori didn’t even bat an eye or ask for further clarification. Then again, I suspected that Lori had been on a saving mission all day; to be precise, she’d been saving Carter from himself.

I’d been here when Willow and then Evelyn were born. Landon and Graham, Lori’s husband had both been out of control, asking questions, making lists, hovering; you name it. What was it about becoming fathers that turned grown men into terrifying yet somehow adorable creatures?

“Oh, thanks for getting everyone out,” Val said. “They were sweet, but a little overwhelming.”

Val was lying on the hospital bed with little Carla on her chest, who appeared to be sleeping. Carla was adorable, but I couldn’t take my eyes off my sister. In the blue hospital gown, she looked tougher somehow. A thin sheen of sweat dotted her face and neck, and she had dark circles under her eyes. And yet, I’d never seen Val so happy.

“How are you feeling?” I asked.

“I am not sure how to describe it.”

“Carla looks even tinier in person. How is that possible?”

“I don’t know,” Val whispered. I’d never wanted to hug my sister more.

“You think Carla’s too small for a Connor sandwich hug?” I was dying to touch the little nugget.

“I think that she is, yes. We might squash her.” Val laughed but saw right through me. “Want to hold her?”

“Yes, yes, yes.” I rubbed my hands in excitement, then held out my arms. “But wait... won’t she wake up?”

“She’ll just fall back asleep, don’t worry. Here—take care with her head.”

“Oh, I know. I’ve been an aunt for ten years, remember?”

Oh my God. She was the cutest thing. She instantly snuggled up to me, seeking skin contact, so I shifted her until her head was right under my collarbone. Val was right. She barely woke up, then fell back asleep.

Val looked at me with warm eyes, then fiddled with the bedcover, looking at the door.