Page 50 of Maybe, Probably (Love Me, Maybe #1)

Xavier

“ Ten…ni ne…eight…seven…”

“ Shit!” Our countdown is interrupted when I hear Josie groaning loudly to my left. Looking over, Monty has an arm wrapped around her, and Josie is keeled over with a tight grip on his other arm. It’s then that I notice the puddle that's surrounding her feet.

“Oh shit,” I mutter. My hands are already in my pocket, feeling around for my phone. Harper left my side as soon as she noticed the liquid on the floor. She’s only gone a minute before she reappears with towels.

“This is all I could find! What do you need?” Kneeling on the floor, she uses the towels to clean up the floor.

A snort comes from Josie. “Don’t worry about that mess, there’s going to be more.” Turning her head, she directs Monty. “Babe, call my parents and let them know what’s happening.”

Monty’s brows furrow, his skin paler than it normally is. “But, you need me.”

“I’ve got her!” Evie appears out of nowhere, offering her hand to Josie, who takes it with a painful smile.

“911. What’s your emergency?” The unfamiliar voice of the operator reminds me what I’m doing.

“Hi there. My best friend's water just broke, and we’re going to need an ambulance.”

I spend the next couple minutes telling the operator the address and all the information I can. When I get off the phone, Monty has returned with a bag .

“I called for an ambulance, and they'll be here shortly.” My friend looks over to me and a huge smile spreads across his face.

“We’re having another baby.”

I slap my hand on his back, my own smile matching his. “Fuck yeah you are!”

Evie and Monty help Josie walk to the front door with Harper following behind, holding their hospital bag.

They’ve been back there for too long. Every time I'm in this fucking hospital, something goes wrong. My best friends are behind those doors, and something doesn't feel right.

A soft hand catches my elbow, stopping me in my tracks. Turning around, I come face to face with Harper.

“They’ve been back there too long. Something's not right.” My pulse thundering in my veins, my dress shirt feeling too tight. My fingers hastily undo the buttons of my shirt, and suddenly, I can breathe a little better.

Harper's hands frame my face, the warmth a comfort that stills my racing thoughts. She holds a quiet command, while her thumbs trace my cheeks, grounding me to the present.

“It's going to be okay. Babies take time, and sometimes it takes a little longer than we expect.”

Her hands fall from my face, but she quickly grabs my hand to lead me to a seat. When I sit down, I expect her to sit down next to me.

She surprises me instead when she sits on my lap.

My arms wrap around her, pulling her in closer, tucking my face in her neck. Her fingers graze through my hair, scratching at my scalp. The movement has a calming effect on my soul. This feeling I have with Harper isn't like what I had with Shelby.

Yes, I loved Shelby. We were young and in love, and I saw a future with her. We never got to live that future though, so I didn't get to feel this contentment that I feel right now. This rightfulness. This feeling of home. Home.

“Move in with me.” The words leave my mouth like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Her fingers stall on my head, before she grips my hair, pulling my head back so we are face to face. Those deep green gems swirl with a mixture of emotions.

“What did you just say?” Her whisper is so soft, if I wasn't right in front of her, I don't think I would hear it.

“You heard me, babydoll.” My arms tighten around her. “Move in with me. I don't care if anyone thinks it's too soon. You belong there, in my home, in my bed. I won't take no for an answer.”

Her eyes begin to shine with unshed tears as she stares down at me. “I love you.” She breathes before pressing her lips onto mine. “Yes. I'll move in!” She begins peppering kisses along my face, causing a laugh to leave my chest.

“Okay, okay.” A smile spreads across her face, so carefree and natural, I find my own lips tipping up. “I love you too.”

The sound of doors opening breaks me from my concentration as I look over Harper's shoulder and see Monty walk toward us with a huge smile on his face.

“It’s a boy!”