Page 108 of Chasing Blue

Because of the abruption Scarlett experienced before, she’s been closely monitored and will be induced early. She’s hoping to deliver naturally, but if a C-section’s deemed the safer option, then that’s obviously what we’ll go with.

“Yeah, Finn said things have been a bit full-on, that’s why I’ve had a chat with Coop, Zac, and Dani.” I watch as he pauses and scratches at the stubble on his own jaw. “This isn’t us offering charity. This isn’t us taking the piss because we know you’re desperate. This is an opportunity to help us all out. Like you, we’ve been struggling with the workload. There are four of us, and wedon’thave the added stress of a bar and restaurant to run and twins on the way, so full props to you, mate. I don’t know how you’re doing it, but yeah,” he trails off, then makes me jump with a loud hand clap. “So, our proposition . . . Basically, would you be interested in turning Wild Construction and Development, into Wild, Cole, Construction and Development?”

“A partnership?” I question. This absolutelynotbeing what I was expecting him to propose when he messaged me yesterday asking for a chat.

“Yeah. I mean, we’re all equal partners and would make you the same. It’s not a buyout, more of a merger, and if Scarlett wants to come on board down the track, that’s something we’d also consider. Ren still takes on a few design jobs we put her way, but there’s plenty out there if Scarlett’s team were interested.”

I blow out another breath that rattles my lips together.

“And Finn, Nate, all the rest of my blokes, they’d all be guaranteed jobs?” I ask.

“Absolutely. Finn’s pretty much my son-in-law, so that’s a no-brainer, and we’ve worked with you enough to know the quality of the work your boys produce, so we’d absolutely want to keep them.”

“I’m gonna have to speak to Scar about this, and obviously get my solicitor to look over the contracts . . .”

“Of course. Talk to Scarlett, your dad, Finn, whoever. Get your legal people to call our legal people, and get back to me next week.”

A million and one thoughts crash around inside my head as I nod slowly, already liking the idea of going into business with Gabe and his family.

As I start to stand, my phone vibrates in my hand. Blue shows on my screen, a picture of her bare pregnant belly and her beautiful smile shine up at me as I swipe to answer. I don’t get a chance to even say hey before she hisses, “Please tell me you’re nearby, my water just broke. Your dad’s calmly mopping the floor while Zoe tries not to faint, and Milly’s just vomited.”

I’m stunned into silence for a few seconds.

“But that’s like six weeks early,” I whisper. I don’t know why I’m whispering, shock maybe?

“I’m aware. I’ve called Stuart at the clinic. He’s said just get to the hospital.”

“Okay, okay,” I say as I start to pace. “Can Dad get you to the hospital, or just call an ambulance and I’ll meet you there? It’ll be quicker than me driving all the way home.”

“Yep, we can do that.”

That’s it, that’s all she says.

“Blue?”

“I’m so fucking scared, Jack. I’m so, so scared.”

“Baby, you’ve got this. You have so fucking got this. Get Dad to drive your car. Your bag’s all packed in the back, leave now, and I’ll see you there in about ten minutes. I love you.”

“I love you too,” she says quietly.

“You’ve got this, we’ve got this, right?”

“Right,” she replies, but I know that’s not what she’s thinking.

I end the call.

“Want me to drive?”

I look up to see Gabe moving around his desk, holding out his hand as he speaks. “Dude, let’s have your keys, you look like you’re about to pass out, shit yourself, or vomit.” My mouth has gone dry, so all I can do is nod.

“Is that a yes to driving?” he asks.

“That’s a yes to all of it. Vomit, shit my pants, pass out, drive.”

“Which hospital?” he asks with a chuckle. I hand him my keys.

“The Bays,” I tell him as he steers me out of his office.