Page 13 of Brokered Betrayals

“Yes, we are,” Sawyer said as he tugged on his shirt.

“Today.”

“Probably, though these things can take a while,” Sawyer said. “Are you going to get dressed and go with me to meet our daughter, or are you going to stay here and wait for updates?”

Royce threw back the covers and bolted from the bed so fast that he stumbled and nearly fell. “Are we ready for this?”

It took everything Sawyer had not to laugh. “It’s a little late to question it now.”

Royce shook his head. “Not that. Do we have everything we need?”

“And then some,” Sawyer said as he handed Royce his jeans. “And if we’ve overlooked something, we’ll buy it.”

“You’re so calm right now.” It almost sounded like an accusation.

“I know, right? I think it’s a good look for me.” Sawyer framed his face with his hands.

“And I’m freaking out,” Royce said. “Why am I the one freaking out? It’s like a weird role reversal. I don’t think I like it.”

“I’m kind of digging it,” Sawyer said. “Do you need my help to get dressed?”

“What? No.” Royce shook his head and seemed to snap out of it long enough to put on his clothes. But then he went to the closet and came back carrying a pair of flip-flops. “I’m ready.”

Sawyer took the sandals from his hand and gave him a pair of socks. “Your shoes are by the garage door with all the baby stuff.”

Royce sat down on the bed and pulled on a sock. “I don’t think we packed enough stuff.”

“We’re taking enough for three babies.”

“We’re having three babies?” Royce asked. His pupils had dilated until only a tiny rim of his gray irises showed. Had he hit his head when he got out of bed?

“No, just one perfect baby girl.”

“Are you sure?”

Sawyer bent down and put the second sock on Royce’s foot before tugging him to an upright position. “We’ve had multiple ultrasounds, and I am confident we’re only having one baby.”

“Okay,” Royce said.

The urge to run right out to the garage and fire up the car was strong, but Sawyer didn’t want the hospital staff to think Royce was high. He sat his husband on an island stool while he filled a travel mug with strong coffee. “Drink your bean juice while I load the car.”

“Okay.”

But the travel mug sat in the same spot Sawyer had left it. “Ready?”

Royce bolted up from the stool. “Let’s go.” He dashed around the island and down the hall, stopping by the garage door to grab his keys off the hook.

Sawyer snatched them from his hands. “I don’t think so.”

“I’m fine to drive.”

“You haven’t blinked in ten minutes,” Sawyer countered. “I’ll drive.” He tugged Royce close and kissed him hard. His husband blinked once, closed his eyelids, and returned the kiss. Sawyer pulled back after a few moments and stared into his husband’s alert eyes. “There you are.”

Royce blinked a couple of times, and a blush crept up his cheeks. “Where’d I go?”

“I don’t know, and it doesn’t matter. You’re here now. Are you ready to meet our daughter?”

Laughter bubbled out of Royce. “God yes.”