By the time East and James park we’re in her private room waiting for the doctor. The baby is a few weeks early, but I’m not worried. Her contractions are growing closer together. She’s trying to put on a brave face, but I can see the pain etched in her smile.
“I hear we’re ready to have a baby.” The doctor grins and goes for a pair of gloves. “If you guys will give us a minute, I’ll see how far Mrs. Reed is dilated.”
“Come on, let’s go grab a coffee. East, you want anything?”
“I’m good but thanks.” His attention never leaves Wylla Mae and my heart swells a little bit more for that man. The unconditional love he has for my daughter...I know I never need to worry whether or not he’ll treat her right.
James and I go down the corridor to the waiting area. I fix us both a cup of crappy, complimentary coffee. I hand off his and take up the seat next to him.
He takes a sip then stares intently at me.
“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Figured out why you were all in a snit back there.”
“I’ve not been in a snit.”
“You saw me talking to Holy’s sister. You were jealous and partly worried I’d want someone else. Since I first saw you in that damn red bikini, I’ve not wanted another woman. Have I fucked anyone else? I’m no damn saint and you’ve not been an angel. I know what you deserve, Lex. Baby, I’m gonna be the man who gives it to you. You can tell me all the reasons we’ll never work, but I’m asking you to think about all the reasons we will.”
“James...”
“No. Don’t start that. Don’t tell me it’s too soon or too fast or whatever other damn excuse you’re conjuring in that pretty head of yours. Waited my whole damn life for a woman like you. We met too damn soon, but I don’t regret one moment I’ve spent with you. One minute of loving you or wanting you unable to have you. It’s our time now. Ain’t no one or nothing gonna change that or come between us unless you let it. Marry me, Lex.”
“What?”
“You heard me, woman. I said marry me.”
I stare at him a beat. My heart is in my throat. Words I thought I’d never hear leave his mouth. My pulse races. I think I might faint. I place my coffee cup on the nearby table to stop from spilling it. “I think you’ve lost your ever-loving mind.”
“We both know I’m a crazy bastard. But I’m crazy about you. We can do it the easy way or the hard way. Either way this ends with you as my wife. If I gotta tie you up to make it happen I will.”
“Stop talking.”
“Lex...”
“I said stop talking, James.” I gaze into his eyes looking for a shred of doubt. I find none. He loves me. He always has. Deep in my heart of hearts I know it. My soul knows it. “I love you.”
“About fuckin’ time,” he mutters.
“I’m not finished.” I take his free hand in mine. “You had your say now it’s my turn. I’ve loved you as long as I can remember. You’re the only man I’ve ever loved. I resigned myself to the fact that we were never going to happen, and now here you are doing and saying all the right things. It scares the shit out of me. I’m not used to good, James. Bad is all I know. I want this, but I’m scared the moment I say yes to you that something bad will come to remind me of my place in your life and this world. I don’t get the happily ever after.”
Chapter Thirty-two
“Isn’t she beautiful,” Alexa coos over our granddaughter. She’s got a headful of dark hair. Pure perfection.
“Sure is. Gets it from her momma and her granny.”
Her eyes narrow into tiny slits. “I’m no granny.”
“Sexiest granny I’ve ever seen.” I kiss her forehead.
“Shut up. You’re lucky I’m holding her or I’d...”
“You’d what freeze me to death with that glacial stare.”
“What do you want the baby to call you,” Wylla Mae interrupts. “Nana, Grammy, Meemaw.”
Alexa scrunches her nose in disgust. “Those make me sound ancient.”
“What about Glammy?” East puts in.
“Not helping,” Alexa mumbles.
“Neenie. G-ma. Ya Ya.”
Alexa sighs. “None of them know what they are talking about. Do they?” She strokes the baby’s head.
“You two gonna name this kid?”
“I actually wanted to talk to you about that. Well East and I both were wondering how you’d feel if we named her Mila Rochelle, for my sister?”
Fuck. Fuck me. Her words cut straight through my heart. Tears spring to my eyes, and I close them, battling the wetness back.
“Here take her,” I hear Alexa pass the baby off. “Honey.” Her hand moves along my jaw. “Look at me.”
I jerk my head back and let out a breath that rattles through my chest. Turning my gaze on my daughter, I tell her, “I think it’s perfect.”
Relief visibly washes over her features and East gives me a chin lift.
“Why don’t we give these two some privacy, and I’ll take you to dinner. You gotta be hungry.”
“I could eat. You guys need anything?”
East stares at his family. “Got everything I need right here.”
“All right, brother. You change your mind give me a ring. Same goes for you, little momma.” I kiss the top of both her and the baby’s heads. “See you soon.”
“Bye, Daddy.” I freeze hearing her call me dad. It’s the first time I’ve heard the word leave her lips. Been a long time since I’ve heard the word in reference to myself. Not since Rochelle.
“I’ll be back in the morning,” Alexa tells her.
“Love you, Mom.”
I pull Alexa into me and we leave the hospital. When she wraps those arms around me from the back of my bike, I know this is how it’s supposed to be.
