Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 69096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 345(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 345(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
“No cursing,” my mom warns with a wag of her index finger in my direction. “You’ll be a fine father, Decky. Just like your brother will be.”
I glance past her to see Sean on the approach. The smile on his face says it all. Hailey Wells has arrived.
“She’s here!” he yells as soon as he’s within earshot. “My daughter is here, and holy shit, she’s a beauty.”
“Language, “ my mom says with a rush of tears running down her cheeks. “Watch your language, son.”
“Sorry, Ma.” He scoops her into his arms for a hug. “I want you all to meet her, but Decky and Naomi are first.”
No one argues that point as I approach my brother to hug him too. “I can’t wait to see her, Sean.”
“She’s the most beautiful girl in the world,” he whispers, holding tightly to me. “I’m damn lucky I’m her dad.”
“How’s Callie?” Ava asks. “Is she okay?”
“Calliope is fucking amazing.” Sean glances at my mom. “Sorry again, Ma, but damn, she’s incredible. I feel another level of love for her. I can’t explain it.”
“You don’t have to.” Our dad approaches Sean to pat him on the shoulder. “We all understand. Now, get moving. I want to see my granddaughter, so I’m up next after Decky and Naomi get their first glance.”
Naomi wraps her hand around my dad’s elbow. “We’ll make it quick, Phil. I promise you won’t have to wait long to hold that little angel in your arms.”
I catch Sean’s eye for a split second and grin at him. “Let’s go, Saint. It’s time for me to meet my goddaughter and niece.”
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Declan
I punch out a message on my phone because, holy hell, this has been one of the best days of my life.
Declan: Hailey Wells is here! It’s time to celebrate! Meet me for a drink tonight?
I press send without giving it a second thought.
As I wait for Abby to reply, I take in the sights around me. I’ve walked a few blocks in the early evening sun, oblivious to everyone and everything around me. Holding little Hailey in my arms was a monumental moment in my life. She’s much too young to know that I already love her and would move mountains to put a smile on her sweet face.
I gaze at the phone in my hand as soon as it buzzes.
Abby: That’s great news for your family. I’m buried in work, so it’s a pass on the drink.
“Thanks a hell of a lot, Rook,” I mumble.
Abby is the only person I want to celebrate with, but I can’t blame her for not skipping out on work to meet up with me. Her career tops her priority list, and I know from my limited experience interning alongside Rook years ago that he expects everyone around him to put in the same effort he does.
I reply, making sure that she knows the invitation stands.
Declan: If you change your mind, I’ll be at Tin Anchor after 8.
Her response is instant and to the point.
Abby: I’ll see what I can do, but no promises. Congratulations again!
I read the message twice before I slide my phone into my pocket and set off across the street. The bar can wait. I have a stop to make before I head there.
“I admit I’m glad you dragged me out of the office,” Holden confesses as he holds a shot glass in the air as if he’s going to toast again. “What better reason to celebrate than a brand new baby?”
I clink my glass to his and down my shot before the rim of his glass hits his lips. “I won.”
We’re on our sixth or maybe tenth round of shots. So far, Holden has been the one in charge of ordering. I have no fucking idea what is in most of these shots, but I’m not complaining. I’m in celebration mode and since Rook told Holden and me he was too busy to join us for dinner, we decided to skip the steak and garlic mashed potatoes part of this party and instead headed straight to Tin Anchor.
That was my idea since I’m still hoping Abigail will show up at some point.
Holden holds a palm to his forehead. “I think I’m reaching my limit, Wells. I haven’t eaten anything since we met up for breakfast this morning. We should have gone to Nova. You know Tyler makes the best steak in town.”
“We’ll do it tomorrow night,” I promise, knowing full well that I’ll break that promise if Abby is free.
“You’ll ditch me for your girlfriend.” Holden tries to frown, but a grin seeps through. “Future wife, I mean.”
I tilt my head. “What can I say, Holden? I do prefer her company over yours.”
His right hand darts to the middle of his chest. “Ouch, man. That’s brutal.”
I laugh that off and tap the top of the bar to get the attention of the guy behind it. Callie used to work here, and one of her brothers still does, but he’s not on duty tonight. He’s likely still at the hospital, fawning over our new niece.