Harlequin Love Inspired March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 Patrice Lewis (i read book txt) 📖

that every bout of morning sickness, every craving, every kick makes me ecstatic for her. But at the same time, it hurts my soul.” Guilt tinged her tone.

“You shouldn’t beat yourself up for how you feel.” He reached over, found her hand on the console, and squeezed it. “And you shouldn’t suffer alone.”

She stiffened, then relaxed for a few seconds before pulling her hand away.

Back to silence.

“You really should talk to someone.”

“So now you think I need a shrink?”

“That’s not what I meant.” He gripped the steering wheel tight. Why did she take everything he said the wrong way? “Family, a friend, or your preacher. Anyone, just so it doesn’t eat at you.”

“I’m done talking about this with you.”

“I only want to help you.”

The silence turned deafening. The only interruption for the remainder of the drive was the monotone voice on her GPS giving directions.

By the time they pulled into the hospital lot, he was eager for escape. “I’ll drop you at the door and find a parking spot.”

“You can go on home. Lexie will probably be here. I can catch a ride with her or somebody else later.”

“I’m not leaving until I know you have a ride.”

“Fine.”

As soon as he stopped the truck, she bailed out. Without so much as a thank-you. He was tempted to leave her to it. But as he watched her disappear through the door, with a pile of hurt and a heap of responsibility on her slight shoulders, he couldn’t do it.

Instead, he pulled into the parking garage and drove the aisles until he found an open spot. He drew in a steadying breath and got out of the truck. Ready to be there if she needed a ride home.

Why did he care if she held everything inside until she blew or fell apart? The only things he knew for certain—she didn’t trust him and he couldn’t afford to care about her.

* * *

Stacia stepped in the waiting room to find Lexie in a chair with Jayda in her lap looking at something on her phone. Lexie’s fiancé, Clint, sat beside her along with Lexie’s parents, Stella and Denny. Her vision blurred and she blinked several times to keep the moisture at bay.

After Larae’s mom died and then Stacia’s, Stella had become like a second mom to both of them. The need to share her burden balled up in her chest.

“Any news?”

All eyes met hers.

“Everything’s progressing just fine.” Stella patted the empty seat beside her. “Did you drive here alone? We should have swung by to get you.”

“I had to get the twins settled and Daddy thought I was too nervous to drive, so Ross brought me.”

Lexie’s eyebrows went up. “Where is he?”

“Parking the car. Can I catch a ride home with someone, so he can leave? He really needs to be manning the workshop, so Daddy can focus on the twins.”

“Sure.” Lexie squelched a yawn. “Clint and I will have to go home at a decent hour since I have to work tomorrow.”

“But I don’t want to leave.” Jayda groaned. “Daddy said I could stay until my baby brother is born.”

“Then you certainly will.” Stella clapped her hands. “Denny and I are here for the long run.”

“That is if you think your folks will let us shirk our ranch duties tomorrow.” Denny winked at the little girl.

“He’s here.” Rance stepped into the doorway, grinning from ear to ear.

“Already?” Lexie jumped up as Jayda scampered off her lap and ran to her father.

Rance knelt to scoop her up. “Raymond Laurance Shepherd made his appearance at 5:15. Mommy and baby are both fine. He’s twenty-two inches long and eight pounds, fourteen ounces. We’re gonna call him Rand.”

“Is Mommy okay?”

“Maybe a little tired, but other than that, she’s just fine as fine can be. Wanna see your baby brother and then Mommy?”

Jayda clung to him. “Can we?”

“This way, everybody.”

“We can all go?” Denny picked his cowboy hat up from the end table.

“For a few minutes.”

“That was so fast.” Lexie checked her watch. “I figured it would be hours.”

“Second babies often come in a hurry.” Stella stood. “Let’s go see the little darlin’.”

Stacia hung back, not trusting her emotions.

But Stella waved her on. The small crowd followed Rance with Stacia making up the tail.

A very tired Larae sat propped up in the bed holding a newborn. A thatch of dark hair, a tiny red face, screaming his lungs out.

“Why’s he crying, Daddy? Is he okay?” Jayda asked.

“He’s just mad cause Mommy’s tummy was warm and dark and cozy and he’s not sure he’s ready to be out here in the big, bright world.” Rance scooped the baby up as Larae motioned their daughter over. Jayda carefully snuggled into the bed with her mom.

A hand landed on Stacia’s shoulder. “You okay?” Stella’s kind chocolate eyes inspected her.

Only then did she realize she was crying. She swiped at her cheeks. “Just happy for them.”

“Me too.” Stella hugged her.

“He’s beautiful.” Stacia kissed her friend’s cheek, then stepped back so others could give their congrats. With no one paying attention, she eased out of the room. Needing air and time to compose herself, she made her way back to the waiting room.

Ross was there, flipping through a glossy magazine.

“You’re still here.”

He set the periodical aside. “I told you I wouldn’t leave until I knew you had a ride. Everybody okay?”

“They’re great. She had a boy, Raymond Laurance Shepherd. Rand for short, after Larae’s dad, and Rance. And Laurance after Larae’s mom, Laura, and Rance since his name is really Terrance.” She was rambling. “Can we get out of here?”

“Sure.”

He stood, followed her to the elevator. Three hospital staff members got on with them. As the doors slid closed, she texted Lexie that she’d forgotten to tell Ross he could go, so he was taking her home.

Once on the main floor, they made their way outside. “You could wait here while I get the truck.”

“I’m fine.”

“We’re in the parking garage over there.” He pointed and they headed in that direction.

She should thank