Unexpected Odds (Unexpected Arrivals 5)

“Good. Now kiss our daughter goodnight for me, and get some rest.”

“Goodnight, Kent.”

Turning off the lights, and making sure the door is locked, I head to my room. Stripping down, I slide under the covers and let my mind wander to what it would be like if she were here in my arms. Kendrix sleeping just down the hall. Hell, she could be in this bed with us for that matter. I know they say not to let kids do that because they get used to it, but that’s babies, right? I just want them both close to me all the time. Eventually, exhaustion takes over as I drift off to sleep, dreaming of my angels.Chapter 13DelaneyIt’s Saturday early afternoon, and I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since Kent called me this morning. Even after the shitshow of a day yesterday, I can’t keep the smile off my face.

My mother was here when the tech came for the test, and she threw a fit. Stomping around saying I was ridiculous to trust a stranger. Kendrix had a meltdown, because Gram was upset and didn’t want her to take the test. I was on the verge of a breakdown when Mara showed up. Apparently, she was delivering a tool the guys left at the shop, but as soon as I saw her, she could tell something was up. Call it women’s intuition or hell, call it pure luck, but she rushed to me, wrapped her arms around my shoulders, and told me it was all going to be okay.

A stranger, a woman I’ve met once, could see what the day was doing to me and offered me words of encouragement and comfort. I gave her a quick rundown of the morning and apologized for her seeing me distraught, and she laughed, telling me that was life, and I had nothing to be sorry for. The next thing I know, she’s got my mother in the kitchen, yammering on about her dress, and California. I went off to look for Kendrix and found her just where she needed to be.

With her daddy.

Kent was sitting on the bed with her in his arms, explaining that sometimes adults say things they don’t mean, and that Grammy loved her and was having a bad day. The man is a damn saint.

Anyway, the tech did the test on Kent first as Kendrix watched. He made a big deal out of it, saying it tickled, making her laugh. Like the superstar she is, our little girl opened wide and let the tech swab her cheek and just like that, the crisis was averted.

Mother was pissed. I’m not even sure that’s an accurate description, but the outcome was one we all needed. She flew home yesterday afternoon with the promise that as soon as I came to my senses, she would be back.

Yesterday was crazy and stressful, but then this morning, Kent called first thing asking if he could invite the other kids over for the playdate. Of course I said yes, and that leads us to now. My house is filled with Kent’s inner circle and their children. The wives brought in Crock-Pots of soup, and meatballs, and I’m not sure what else is in the kitchen. I made brownies and was just going to order pizza. This is so much better than that. I need to get this kitchen stocked if we’re going to be doing more of this.

I hope we do more of this.

“You okay?” Kent asks, stepping up beside me. His hand settles on the small of my back, his body angled toward me. My entire being tingles with his touch as the warmth of his skin heats my back.

“Yes.” I smile at him. “I’m more than okay. This is…. I love it for her. We don’t have this back home in California.” I turn my attention to the room filled with people who are here getting to know one of their own’s daughter. When Kent called me this morning and asked if everyone could come, he followed it up with “I want my people to meet my daughter and the incredible woman who brought her to me.” How was I supposed to say no to that?

“She’s having a good time. They all are. Thank you for letting us invade your house.”

“We have the space, and how could I deny you this?”

“You having fun?”

“Yes. Your friends are great.”

“They’re my family, Laney. I know you don’t remember, but I never introduced you to them. That first night at the bar, you met them, but after that, I kept you locked up. Just for me. I don’t know why I did it, but I did. I can’t tell you how sorry I am for that.”

I shrug. “I don’t remember it. Any of it. You could lie and tell me we were all the best of friends.”