distraction, but Violet was watching Katie like a hawk.
“Ooo…Violet, do you think we could double date? You know, you and Hunter and me and Dominic?”
Oh, good lord…
“Yeah, Vi,” Katie chimed in with a mischievous grin. “Do you think that could happen?”
Now wasn’t the time to argue, so she just went with it.
“Sure! I bet that would be a lot of fun,” she replied enthusiastically. “We could go to Michael’s or maybe one of the fancier places and do it up right!”
Rose was beaming, Katie was trying not to laugh, and Violet tried to push images of double dating with the older couple out of her mind.
“Or maybe I can make dinner at my place for the four of us!” Rose suggested. “My fried chicken recipe has won awards over the years. I’ll bet we could work together on a menu, Violet! I’ll make the main course, you can make the appetizers, and we’ll ask the boys to bring dessert! Won’t that be fun?”
How did we get from the two of them having coffee to me making appetizers for a dinner party?
“Uh…sure. But why don’t you see how coffee goes first?”
Nodding, Rose agreed. “You’re right. You’re right. For all we know, Dominic might be dating someone.” She sighed. “I hope he’s not dating anyone. I’d really like a chance to get to know him.”
“And you feel this way just because he talked motor oil to you?” Katie asked, her hand going to her belly again.
“Kate?”
“Um…maybe start timing these,” she said, and it was obvious she was tense.
For the next hour, the contractions were growing more intense and consistent, and Violet tried so hard to be calm and levelheaded, but she was starting to freak out. There was a knock at the door and she ran for it and practically sagged with relief when she saw it was Hunter. He took one look at her and knew something was wrong.
“Katie?” he asked quietly, and when she nodded, he kissed her quickly on the cheek and made his way over to where the action was at.
Violet watched in awe as he calmly talked to her friend and got all the information on what was going on. After a minute, he turned to Rose.
“Rose, would you be able to stay with Kira and Eli for a little while? I’ll call one of my brothers or my dad to come and pick him up, but I’m going to go with Katie and Violet to the hospital if that’s okay with you.”
“Of course! Of course! Oh, this is so exciting! I can’t believe the day is finally here, and I’m so glad I took a chance and moved close by so I can help with Kira!”
Okay, that was one hurdle crossed, she thought, before realizing it was only the beginning.
“Vi, can you get Katie’s bag while I make my calls?” Hunter asked, and she nodded even as she couldn’t understand how he could be so calm.
Ten minutes later, they were all in Violet’s car and on their way to the hospital. “Is there anyone you want me to call, Katie? I mean, I know Rose is making some but…anyone else I’m supposed to reach out to? A friend who did Lamaze with you or something?”
“No,” she panted. “Just wish Brian was here.”
So do I…
Maybe Hunter was a mind-reader or perhaps he was just normally helpful in every situation, but he took over talking to Katie for the rest of the drive. And when they got to the hospital, he walked her in while Violet parked the car. By the time she walked into the hospital, she figured she was off the hook and her job was done. But just as she was about to breathe a big sigh of relief, Hunter came jogging toward her.
“Oh, good. There you are. They’re taking Katie up to labor and delivery and you need to go with them, so…”
She froze.
Well, her head was wildly shaking back and forth, but no words were coming out of her mouth.
“Vi,” he began calmly. “Katie’s having her baby. This is what you’re here for and she’s counting on you!”
It suddenly felt way too hot. Her throat was dry, and she felt like everything was starting to spin.
Hunter’s arms immediately went around her, and he led her over to the nearest set of chairs and sat her down. Crouching in front of her, she could see the concern on his face. “Okay, deep breaths,” he said softly. “Just focus on breathing and I’ll go get