Second Dive (Kings of the Water #3) - Jasmin Miller Page 0,73

they both chuckle.

Zane says something under his breath that sounds a lot like pussy-whipped.

“Watch it, dude.” Noah smacks him over the back of the head. “You’re just jealous.”

Zane snorts. “Yeah, sure.”

I pinch my lips together to keep from laughing. We all know that Harper is closer to Zane’s age than Ryan’s—and beautiful and funny—so I wouldn’t be surprised if Zane had a crush on her at some point.

“Speaking of the devil.” Noah tilts his chin toward the blonde that’s walking toward us, with a wobbling baby on the ground in front of her.

With a death grip on both of her mom’s hands, the sweet girl walks toward us on unsteady feet in an adorable “one” shirt—with the o in the shape of a donut, of course—and a pink tutu. Her eyes are set on Noah, who’s crouched down, his smile mirroring the adorable girl’s toothy one.

“Look at you, Izzy.” He holds his arms open and she happily walks into his embrace after letting go of her mom’s hands. He stands up with her on his hip and tickles her stomach. “Such a good birthday girl. You’ll be running around in no time.”

Harper laughs. “I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet.”

Noah raises his eyebrows at her. “Well, it looks like you were ready to throw a party at least.”

She flinches. “A bit too much, huh? Ryan wanted to rein me in but look at all of this stuff. It’s just too cute.”

Her husband walks up beside her—the two of them eloped on their babymoon, much to everyone’s dismay—and pulls her to his side. “There wasn’t a chance in the world to stop you from this craziness.”

He winks at her before turning toward me. “Hey, Chloe. We haven’t officially met. I’m Ryan, and this is Harper and Izzy.”

“It’s so nice to meet you guys.” We all shake hands, and somehow I end up with my finger clutched in Izzy’s hands, who’s still happily chilling in Noah’s arms.

The girl squeals and babbles, drool running down her chin. I smile at her, copying her noises, because how could I not? She’s absolutely adorable.

The euphoric butterflies in my stomach turn into knots, a ball of sadness and devastation twisting my insides like a fist is trying to bury itself deep within my rib cage.

Her big beautiful eyes, her long lashes, her cute button nose, her perfect doll lips and plump cheeks, her easy smile, the soft tendrils around her face.

I’ll never have that.

Until now, I was able to bear it. I had accepted it.

That I’d never have this. That I’d never have a sweet angel like Izzy stare up into my eyes and call me mama.

But seeing her in Noah’s arms like he was meant for this role as a dad, while still holding on to my hand . . . it’s too much.

My heart can’t handle this picture.

I can’t handle it.

Pressure blooms behind my rib cage from forgetting to breathe, while my skin is starting to feel clammy, buzzing from top to bottom like it’s losing circulation. Which it is.

Do not faint, Chloe. Especially not in front of all these people.

“I . . . I, I’m sorry. I need to sit down for a moment.” I pull my fingers out of Izzy’s grip and step away from the group, unable to look at any of them but sure all of their gazes are on me.

Way to ruin a baby’s birthday party by being dramatic.

I thought I could get through this, but I guess I’m not as strong as I thought.

After half-stumbling back inside, I plop onto the couch and put my head between my knees. Not two seconds later, rushed footsteps come closer, and a big hand lands gently on my back. Rubbing soft circles.

“You okay? What happened?” Noah’s voice is calm except for the small crack at the end of the sentence.

“I’m okay. Maybe it’s just the heat and the nerves.” It is exceptionally hot today, so it’s sound reasoning.

“Can I get you anything?”

“Maybe some water?”

“You got it. I’ll be right back.”

There’s a light pressure on the back of my head. Did Noah just kiss that spot?

And then his footsteps echo through the house, more noise coming from farther away, before he’s back. The couch dips next to me, and he holds something cold against the outside of my knee. Goodness, it feels good.

I turn my head slowly and peek at the full cup in his hand. “Thank you.”

My throat feels as dry as it sounds, and I take as many small