Page 27 of Brokered Betrayals
Eddie grimaced in sympathy. “Will you give her a great big hug from me when you see her?”
“See who?” Kelsey asked from behind them.
Royce and Eddie turned around to greet Kelsey and Andrew. She’d changed into lilac pajamas with a matching fuzzy robe, slippers, and headband to keep her curls out of her face. If Royce hadn’t seen her give birth hours before, he wouldn’t have believed it. The presence of a wheelchair was the only hint that she’d been through something. He couldn’t say the same for Andrew, who, though still handsome, looked like he’d been dragged to hell and back. Royce figured his condition resembled Andrew’s current state than Kelsey’s.
“Sweetheart, how do you manage to look so beautiful just a few hours after giving birth?” Eddie asked her.
“Nice distraction ploy, Eddie. Are you stepping out on me?”
“Never, gorgeous,” Eddie replied. He leaned down and gently hugged her. “You’re one hell of a woman.”
Kelsey patted his back. “I know.”
Eddie shook Andrew’s hand and clasped him on the shoulder. “Good to see you again.”
“Likewise, sir,” Andrew said.
“Are you just now moving over here?” Royce asked.
Kelsey grinned sheepishly. “Baby doll, I ate that feast you bought for us, turned on my bedtime stories, and conked out for hours. The nurses must not have needed my room because they left me alone.” She released an enormous yawn and sighed. “I think I’m ready for another round.”
“Food or nap?” Royce asked.
Kelsey laughed but then winced and placed a hand on her stomach. “Both.”
“I’d imagine so,” Eddie said. “Can I get something for you?”
“My mom is bringing food soon,” Andrew said. “But thank you.”
“How’s Darla?” Kelsey asked.
“She’s getting her first lessons in world domination from Evangeline,” Royce replied. He briefly debated telling her about the situation with Ivy but decided against it. She deserved to rest peacefully. He’d tell her there was a problem if he identified one existed.
Kelsey narrowed her eyes and studied him closely. “Then why are the two of you out here?”
“I needed to stretch my legs, and I have a question for the nursing staff,” Royce replied.
She cocked her head to the side. “You would tell me if there was something wrong, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course.”
Kelsey shook her head and sighed. “I know there’s stuff you’re not telling me, but I’m honestly too tired to interrogate you further. You’re safe for now.” She looked over her shoulder at Andrew. “To our recovery suite, Big Sexy.”
Andrew saluted Eddie and Royce with two fingers before wheeling her past them.
“Love you, Kels,” Royce called out.
“Love you more,” she replied.
They stayed put until Andrew wheeled her out of sight, then Eddie leaned in and whispered, “She’s scarily perceptive.”
Royce nodded his agreement. “And I better have some solid answers the next time I see her.”
“Try the lawyer’s office again,” Eddie suggested.
Ivy’s cell phone and the office line went to voicemail. Royce texted her, even though he didn’t expect to have a different result from his previous attempts.
“Nothing?” Eddie asked.