I snort.
Chrissy scoffs. “Do you want my son to get the shit beat out of him on the playground?”
“Oh, whatever,” Shelby mutters. “You better pray it’s a girl, then.”
Chrissy rolls her eyes again and turns her head toward the door. “You can come in now, boys!”
My tears drip faster as Chase steps inside, his eyes locking on mine immediately, followed by Mark — who’s got a tiny, pink bundle cradled in his arms.
“Babe,” he says, his eyes finding mine. “Glad you’re not dead.”
“Mark!” Chrissy huffs. “That isnotwhat you say to a girl after she’s nearly drowned as the target of a sociopathic billionaire intent on revenge.” Her eyes slide to Chase. “No offense.”
“None taken,” he says, grinning.
Mark sighs. “Sorry, Gem. How are you feeling?”
“I’ll be better when I’m holding that baby.” I pull my hands from Shelby and Chrissy’s grasps and reach for her. “Gimme.”
Mark laughs as he passes her into my arms. I hold her delicately, like one wrong move might break her, staring down at her tiny pink-bowed mouth and fluttering, whisper-thin eyelashes in awe.
“She’s amazing,” I breathe, fighting tears again. I look up at my friends, my eyes moving from Shelby to Chrissy to Mark. They’re all practically glowing with happiness – love shining from their eyes as they smile at me – and I can’t fathom how I got so lucky. These three people are more than just friends – they’refamily.
My heart is so full at this moment, I think it might burst. I look automatically for Chase, wanting to share this with him… and realize he’s still standing by the door. He’s set himself apart, leaving me to this moment of bliss with my friends.
My gaze searches for his and, when I find it, I see his eyes are edged with a sadness that makes my breath catch. Belatedly, I realize my beautiful, heartbreaking man has never had this – the kind of friendship that can withstand anything. (Even car chases and near death experiences.) He’s never been part of a family like this – never been a part ofanyfamily, really. He’s never felt the kind of unconditional love that I share with these crazy people I call best friends.
My brows lift as our gazes hold. I hope he can read the message in my eyes.
Come join us, Chase.
He shakes his head and I know it’s because he doesn’t want to interfere.
You’re part of this, now,I tell him, our stares still locked intensely.Part of my life, part of my friends, part of my family. Come on. Join us, love.
His eyes flash dark with emotion and I know if we were alone, he’d be kissing the breath out of me, right now. In steady strides, he crosses the room to my side, laying his hand on my shoulder and squeezing gently. I know it’s his way of saying thank you.
It’s a good way.
Shelby, Chrissy, and Mark all smile warmly at him as he takes his place in our small circle.
In our family.
I’m so overwrought, all I can do is look down at the baby in my arms, barely able to make out her features through the tears swimming in my eyes.
“She’s beautiful,” I choke out. “So beautiful.”
“Just like her godmother,” Chase says quietly, his voice warm. I tilt my head to look up at him, grinning through my tears.
He gazes at me with the baby in my arms and something a lot like longing flashes in the depths of his eyes. Before I can freak out too much, he leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead.
“Mark! Why don’t you ever say romantic things like that to me anymore, huh?” Chrissy is teasing — I can hear the laughter in her voice.
“Because we’re married,” Mark says, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. His eyes are twinkling as he stares at his wife. “Isn’t that the whole point of getting married? So you never have to compliment anyone ever again? If not, I’m going to have to reconsider some things…”
“You’re going to get it, mister!” Chrissy yells, wheeling toward him with a murderous look on her face. “Come back here!”
Mark laughs as he backs out of the room and down the hall, away from his wheelchair-bound wife, who seems intent on revenge. Their laughter carries back to us long after they’ve faded out of sight.