***
When everyone comes out of the other room, Val comes to the couch across from where I’m sitting and grabs her bag, looping it over her shoulder, eyes on me.
“We’ll bring her home tomorrow. Taylor, Cat, and Amie will give me some training and then we’ll make up a little schedule for her care. It’d be best she continues to sleep until the baby is born and then Riley’s mate will see about helping her with the bond.”
I say, “Well, if you need any help at all, say the word.”
“You’re very sweet, Bailey,” she says and rushes over and gives me a hug. “Just come over. Whenever. Company will be good.”
“Okay,” I manage.
Jase hugs his mother and Taylor before he does the same to Cat, thanking her for her help. He shakes Dr. Blakely’s hand and then waves to the rest of the room before grabbing my hand.
I say, “Bye everyone.”
Jase’s dad comes over and gives me a hug, so Jase lets go of my hand.
“Thanks for bein’ here, Bailey.”
“I’ll be sending positive healing vibes Sherry’s way,” I say.
Amie follows us out so she can head home after hugging me and giving me a look loaded with meaning.
Jase notices, but he doesn’t say anything.
“You two want a ride?” Amie asks, pulling out her car keys.
“I’m okay. I’d like to walk,” I say. “Thanks, Amie.”
She waves.
“Thanks, Amelia,” Jase says and turns to me. “You need to go to the library?”
“No. Misty is looking after it.”
“Misty?” he asks. “She’s from Brody’s pack?”
“Uh huh. I sent her a text message this morning. She’s loving it. Wants to open a library for their pack when they move.”
“Ah,” he says.
“They’re moving soon, I hear,” I continue.
“Yeah,” he replies.
“Um, yeah,” I go on kind of nervously. “So, I took a day off so she can run the show for the day. Um… Brody claimed his mate last night,” I add, “So they’ll be starting their life together, I guess.”
He taps his nose to signal he can smell that fact and we keep walking.
I don’t know what to do with my hands. It’s an odd sensation, but I’m wishing he would’ve grabbed my hand again after his dad let me go.
If I could muster up some nerve, I’d grab his hand.
“I guess the moon helped Adelaide decide she was finally ready,” I say pointedly.
Jase doesn’t answer, seems like his mind is elsewhere, so I drop it, feeling dejected as we walk the rest of the way in silence.
Once we get to his front door, he sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose, saying, “With all that today, I didn’t get a chance to work out my plan for our date tonight. Mind if we have that tomorrow?”