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“Is she in labor?”

Riley nodded. “But, Fallon, there are complications. She’s headed into surgery now.”

“Complications?”

“I don’t know all the details,” Riley said. “Dale called Pete. Beth is bringing the kids here so she can go with Pete to the hospital.”

Fallon’s stomach lurched violently. “Riley, if anything goes wrong…”

“I know. All we can do right now is pray for the best and be there for them all. I’m going to call Andi.”

Fallon nodded.Please let everything turn out okay.

Chapter Three

Riley steppedout of the bedroom just as Fallon opened the door for Beth. Beth offered Fallon a tense smile. Evan walked in next, with Owen following closely behind him. Pete entered afterward, carrying Hope. Riley observed how Pete held Hope tightly, as if he were afraid she might slip away from him.

“Sorry about this,” Beth apologized.

“Don’t be silly,” Riley said.

Evan looked at Fallon. “Is it okay if I watch a movie with Owen in the other room?”

Owen grinned. “Shrek?” he asked Evan.

“If it’s okay with your moms,” Evan said.

Fallon noted that Evan wouldn’t look at any of the adults.

“Sure,” Fallon said.

“Shrek!” Owen exclaimed, grabbing Evan’s hand and pulling him away.

Fallon looked at Beth.

“He’s upset with me,” Beth explained. “He wants to go with us to the hospital. I tried to explain that it could be a long night. He wants to stay with Pete.”

“Any word?” Riley asked gently.

Pete shook his head. “No. But you know Dale, he’s a man of few words,” he said, reluctantly handing Fallon the baby.

“Marge will be okay,” Fallon offered. “So will the baby.”

Pete’s attempt to smile died on his lips.

“We should go,” Beth said.

“Thanks, Fallon,” Pete said. “I know you guys had plans.”

“You don’t need to thank us,” Fallon said. “Take care of Marge and Dale. Call us if you need anything.”

Pete nodded and started toward the door.

“I’ll call you when we know something,” Beth promised. She gently rubbed Pete’s back as they left.

Fallon closed the door and turned to Riley. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like that,” Fallon said.

“I think you should talk to Evan,” Riley suggested.