of her first friends in the Shadowlands, Cullen was taking it especially hard.
Finally, Z emerged from the house, and his expression promised happy news. “The midwife won’t let me do a show-and-tell—she’s very strict.” His smile flashed. “We have a daughter, Aubrielle.”
A cheer ran around the group.
“Jessica wants me to thank you all for being here—and especially for the diversions over the course of the day.” He chuckled. “She would have told you herself, but she’s already asleep with a well-earned rest.”
Cullen’s big laugh boomed out. “You’re not in much better shape.” He poured Z a shot of Glenlivet and handed it over.
Ghost agreed with Cullen. Z looked as if he’d spent the day humping a heavy pack over rough terrain.
“I fully intend to join her shortly.” Z took a sip of the drink. “Honestly, it’s terrifying to see her in so much pain and not be able to help.”
Ben grunted. “I hear you.”
“It doesn’t get better with practice. Leah’s birth was actually more stressful.” Stretched out on a lounge chair, Dan patted the diapered butt of his second child—his six-month-old daughter—who’d fallen asleep on his chest.
“That’s not reassuring.”
Ghost considered Ben’s reaction and bent to whisper in Valerie’s ear, “Check Ben’s face. What do you want to bet Anne wants a second baby?”
Valerie’s muffled laugh sounded like a kitten’s sneeze, and Ghost grinned.
Z held up his glass. “Thank you again for the good wishes and support. Now, I want you slackers to get to work and provide playmates for our girls. Benjamin, you and Anne are not off the hook.”
Laughter broke out as people took the opportunity to slap Z on the back, shake his hand, or give him a hug.
Seated in a patio chair, Linda grinned at Valerie. “I’m so glad I’m past childbearing and rearing, aren’t you?”
“It’s such a relief to have them all grown up. And even better when they present you with a grandbaby.” Valerie pulled out her phone to show off her latest picture of Luca.
Ghost was anticipating meeting the fabled grandson—as well as Valerie’s son and daughter. It was time.
Hopefully, it would go well. Since Hailey and Dillon still had a father, they might well be displeased Ghost had replaced the bastard in Valerie’s life.
Anne clapped her hands together to get everyone’s attention. “Since we now have a date and sex for the betting pool, I’ll check the entries and pay out tomorrow.”
Ghost exchanged disgruntled looks with Sam. Neither of them had come close.
“You mean today, Anne. Would you believe it’s after midnight?” Cullen pulled Andrea to her feet. “Time to clear out so the Graysons can get some sleep.”
“I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m still revved up,” Saxon announced. “There’s a bar on the highway back if anyone wants to continue celebrating.”
From the hum of interest, Saxon wasn’t the only one still wide awake.
Ghost considered. Today and Friday were free of classes since exams would begin on Monday. He tugged on a lock of his woman’s gorgeous hair. “Since we can sleep in tomorrow, want to go?”
“You’re as wide awake as Saxon, aren’t you?” Valerie grinned. “Sure, let’s go.”
Yeah, he really did love her.
“It wasn’t fun.” The small neighborhood bar was almost empty. The sounds of men playing pool in the adjoining room wasn’t enough to drown out Josie’s husky voice. The others around the table were quiet. “I was all alone, in labor, no one to hold my hand. And so scared.”
Valerie’s eyes prickled with tears.
Josie had only been a teen when her son was born—and she had been kicked out of her home. That must have been simply horrible.
Valerie shook her head. Maybe Barry had turned out to be a jerk, but he’d held her hand for both their children’s births. “You ended up with a wonderful child, though.”
Josie’s smile was tender. Proud. “Carson is amazing, yes. It was worth every bit of misery to end up with such a great kid.”
Valerie knew how she felt. Hailey and Dillon were amazing too. And no matter how much time passed, she’d never forget the joyful moment of holding Dillon for the first time. Of hearing Hailey’s tiny cry and the wonder of touching those tiny fingers and toes. Or the unsettling, unexpected grief that she and the baby were no longer sharing a body.
And how love had shaken her like a leaf.
Oh dear, now she was missing her children so badly. She turned. “Ghost, we need to go visit—”