Can't Help Falling in Love - Samantha Chase Page 0,50
fun with Kira and Rose,” Dominic replied. “So? Is there a baby?”
“Wait. Why are you still over at Katie’s?”
“Well, I got here, and the kids were playing so nicely, and Rose asked me if I wanted a cup of coffee, and I said yes. Then we got to talking and decided to order a pizza. We’re having a wonderful time. Can you believe we just met earlier today for the first time? Such a small world, right?” He laughed softly. “She’s so excited about the baby and was hoping to hear something soon. So? Are you calling with news?”
“News?” His head was spinning a bit. It seemed a little surreal that his father was willingly hanging out with someone he barely knew–and a woman no less!–and he was being downright chatty!
“About the baby?” Dominic prompted. “I thought that’s why you were calling.”
“Dad, I was calling you to make sure you and Eli were okay. I had no idea you would still be at Katie’s.”
“Okay, but now that you know it’s where I am, are you going to answer the question?” He paused. “Oh, wait…Rose’s phone is ringing. Maybe it’s Katie calling to give her an update.”
“Um…maybe…”
“It probably would be better to hear the news from Katie instead of you–not that it wouldn’t be appreciated–but it probably isn’t your place to be calling like this.”
“Dad!” he cried out with exasperation. “I just said…”
“It’s a boy!” he heard Rose cry out. “A beautiful baby boy!”
“Well alright,” Dominic said happily. “Did you hear that, Hunt? It’s a boy!”
“Dad, I’m here! I was in the room when he was born!”
“Then why didn’t you say that when I asked you?”
Hunter pinched the bridge of his nose and prayed for patience because this conversation was making him crazy. “Dad,” he began calmly, “Katie had a baby boy. It’s late–it’s past Eli’s bedtime–are you taking him home with you or to my place?”
“I’ll probably take him home with me. It’s been a long day and I’m pretty beat too and would like to sleep in my own bed. Are you gonna be okay?”
“Me? Yeah, I’m fine. Why?”
“Well, you worked all day and have been at the hospital for hours so…”
Now that he had a minute to relax, he realized he was kind of tired. “I’m a little tired myself, but I’m going to be here for a little while longer since I rode here with Violet, and then I’m going to grab something to eat since I missed dinner.”
“I’m sure Violet did too. Maybe the two of you should stop for something to eat on the way home.”
“Yeah, maybe…”
“Dean’s opening the shop tomorrow so I’ve got the morning off,” his father went on. “I know Katie had the baby sooner than everyone expected so I’m sure you have to work out options for Eli.”
“Oh, crap. I didn’t even think of that…”
His father chuckled again. “Now I know you’re tired. If you don’t have a plan of action ready, then I know something’s up.”
“Dad…”
“You go and do what you need to do and I’ve got Eli tomorrow–all day if you need me to–so don’t worry. Now go and let Katie get some rest and you and Violet grab some dinner.”
“Yes, sir.”
“We’ll talk in the morning.”
“Thanks, Dad. Kiss Eli for me.”
“I will. Goodnight.”
Hanging up, he slid the phone back in his pocket before he went back into Katie’s room. She was sitting up in the bed and looked a little better than she had a short while ago. When she spotted him, she smiled. “I was wondering if you were coming back or if I had scared you off.”
“I’m pretty tough,” he said, walking closer to the bed. “And I don’t scare easily.”
“Thank God.” She sighed happily. “They’re getting ready to move me to a real room in a few minutes, and I just got off the phone with Rose, so I know Kira’s good. The only thing left to do is try to get a message to Brian. I did what I could, but…”
A small cry came from the corner of the room and Hunter turned to see Violet sitting in a chair cradling Benjamin in her arms–and the sight hit him like a sucker punch to the gut.
She was gazing down at the baby and talking softly to him, and she looked more at peace than he’d ever seen her. When she looked up at him, she smiled, and he knew at that moment he was in deep trouble.