g great, Lauren. How are you?”
Lauren’s smile faltered a bit. “Doing good.”
Colt began texting someone as Grace and Alex talked about the darling outfit they found at the mall for the baby to wear home.
Libby looked around at everyone. “Are y’all sure you are okay with Luke and I staying here after the baby is born? Things are going to be different.”
Grace’s mouth dropped open. “I’m not going to be able to see my niece as it is, the longer y’all stay here the better.”
Alex chuckled. “I don’t think Colt is too worried about moving in right away, I heard you had a pretty fun date the other night.”
Colt’s head snapped up, and so did Lauren’s. By the look on Lauren’s face, she didn’t get the memo that Colt was moving in after Libby and I went back to Mason.
Speaking at the same time, Colt and Lauren said, “What?” Colt’s phone buzzed and he looked down at it before looking back to Alex and asking, “What fun date?”
“What do you mean Colt is moving in here?” Lauren asked as everyone looked at her. The smile that spread across Colt’s face for a brief second was caught only by me. He looked back down and sent someone a text.
Alex looked at Lauren and then Colt. “Marie James told me you took her out and y’all had a great time. She seemed to be taken with you.”
“Huh, interesting,” Colt said as Lauren looked at him.
“Wait, you’re moving in here?”
Nodding his head, Colt answered Lauren without looking at her. “Yeah, Lauren I am.”
He stood and pushed the stool back. Taking in a deep breath he blew it out. “Speaking of Marie, I’ve got plans with her so I guess I’ll see y’all around.”
Colt started to head to the door when Lauren got up and turned toward him. She began to follow Colt and it appeared she wanted to say something. Finally she was going to talk to him. Lauren was about to say something when she stopped walking. Looking away from Colt, she turned and sat back down.
Stupid. So fucking stupid.
WILL AND I were standing in the backyard grilling steaks when Libby walked outside. Her face looked flush as she had her hand on her stomach. Tomorrow was her due date and I knew she was miserable. She was now sitting up in bed at night so she could sleep. Most of the time she went to Grace’s room and slept in the other bed.
“Hey, beautiful,” Smiling I looked into her eyes. Something was off. “Lib? What’s wrong?” I asked setting down my drink and making my way to her. Will was right behind me.
I took Libby in. Her face was pale, the normal beautiful flush missing from her cheeks. “Libby, you don’t look so good.”
Libby frowned and shot Will a dirty look. “Thanks a lot, Will.”
Shaking his head he, mumbled, “That’s not what I meant.”
Libby’s hand came up to her mouth and she began to nibble on her nail. “Um, well I wanted to let you know that, um, well—”
I widened my eyes and moved my head as if I was trying to will her to spit it out.
She rolled her eyes. “I’m having contractions.”
Dropping my mouth open, I said, “Come again?”
She smiled and nodded her head. “Contractions, I think baby Johnson is ready to make her appearance.”
Will jumped and let out a yell as he pumped his fist! “My baby nephew is coming!” Running around Libby, Will ran into the house calling out for Alex. “Alex! Alex!”
I walked to Libby and placed my hands on her arms. “Don’t be scared, Lib.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “I’m trying not to be scared, but I am scared.”
I pulled her into my arms and held her. “I just have to ask you one question.”