Page 122 of Love Puck

I laughed again and reached for his hand. “Deal.”

His normally warm hand felt a little clammy. And that made me smile even wider.

The three—well, technically four—of us talked like that for a long time afterward.

We rehashed the events leading up to Tucker’s arrival. And I thanked my husband for being so level-headed and not allowing me to steam clean the carpets before we left.

As he put it, “You might have cleaned them only to give birth on them an hour later.”

That made us all laugh. When we settled down, I said, “Yeah, next time we’ll leave right away. We’ll keep my bags in the truck at thirty-five weeks.” I thought that was a good idea. A full-term pregnancy lasted an average of forty weeks. But just in case I went early—I should be prepared.

I couldn’t really decipher the looks I received from Cash and Heather.

After a minute or so, Heather retreated back to the chair she’d been in. It didn’t take her long to fall back to sleep.

Five minutes later, Cash whispered, “Move over. I’ve fuckin’ wiped.” He looked at me with his gorgeous, kind eyes—exhaustion returning to his face.

I turned onto my side and placed Tucker in between us.

Cash tenderly touched his brand-new son’s head. “I can’t believe he’s finally here.”

I nodded slightly. “I know, me either.” My eyes found Cash’s. “Can you believe how perfect he is?”

He chuckled silently. “I was just thinking that same thing.”

We spoke quietly to each other for a little while longer, fawning over our baby.

Our baby.

“Have you posted yet?” My husband asked with a yawn. He stretched as much as he could within the confined space.

“No,” I told him, “Not yet.”

His eyebrows rose. “Why?”

I shrugged one shoulder and gave him a small smile. “I don’t know. I think I just want to keep him our little secret for a bit longer.” A huge yawn hit me out of nowhere.

Cash grinned at me. “I understand. I haven’t messaged anyone yet.” He sighed and leaned over to kiss my lips. “You were a fuckin’ dynamo last night. I’ve never admired anyone more in my life. The way you took over and—” he shook his head and laid back down. His hand laid on my hip. “You were amazing.”

Tears played in my eyes. “I felt like I could do anything.” I took a deep breath. “It was so empowering, honey.”

His eyes got all watery. “I’m in awe of you, sweetness. And I can’t quite believe you want to sign up for another round already.”

Tiredness seemed to seep in through his touch. I yawned again. “I think I need a nap first.”

He chuckled and agreed. “Great idea.” His body shook with the next yawn that exited his mouth. I watched him fall asleep, and it made my heart happy. So many of my dreams came true because of this man.

I couldn’t believe how lucky I was.

“You have such a good daddy,” I whispered to my son. My lips touched the top of his deliciously perfect baby head.

And then I fell into the world’s best sleep.

Serenaded by my mother-in-law’s soft snores.

Sometime in the late afternoon—after a few naps, and a few feeds—I grabbed my husband’s hand. I set my hand in his.

Then I laid Tucker’s hand in mine.