Page 28 of Pierre (Voodoo Guardians #40)

Everyone knew it was coming. Everyone knew it would happen. What they weren’t prepared for were the number of objects that Ambry threw at Pierre’s head when it was announced that she was pregnant with triplets.

“Babe, you said you were cool with this,” he pleaded.

“That boy never learns,” smirked Frank. “Just agree with her, hug her, and tell her you love her.”

“I’m not sure that will work,” said Ham. “He might need to promise to get a vasectomy.”

“Ambry. Ambry,” he called, walking slowly toward her, avoiding the fruit now being tossed his way. “Ambry!”

She stilled at the harsh tone of his voice, her chest heaving with anxiety and heavy breath.

“Ambry McDonald Robicheaux. I love you more than life itself. We both knew this was a likelihood, and although I know you’re scared, I know you’re scared,” he said, finally reaching her and pulling her close.

“Nothing will ever change the way I feel about you. I will be here. I will help with feedings and changings and temper tantrums and all of it. I’m not going anywhere. ”

She stared at him, tears coming to her eyes as their families watched.

“You promise?” she squeaked.

“My word of honor,” he smiled, kissing her sweetly. “Besides, you’ll have Marjorie here to help you deliver.”

“Marjorie!” cried Ambry, running toward her friend. “You’re here?”

“I’m here. We were both offered jobs with the company,” she said, turning and smiling at Butch.

“Butch, I’m so glad to see you,” she said, hugging the big man.

“Me too, honey. This is the start of a new life for all of us. We can’t wait to be a part of it.”

“Did you boys hear the good news?” said Frank. They both shook their heads, staring at him. “As of this morning, Henri Dufregne is the new President of Haiti. He’s already appointed a cabinet, sent troops in to clear the streets of the gangs, and promised to help rebuild Haiti.”

“I wish him a lot of luck,” said Pierre, “but I’m not sure anyone can do that.”

“I’m not sure either,” said Frank, “but I’m willing to bet on him.” Frank turned to see Bailey in her sister’s arms, at first thinking they were celebrating her news. Instead, she was sobbing hysterically.

“Bailey, honey, slow down. What’s wrong?” asked Ham.

“C-Cole. Something is wrong with Cole, Dad. I can feel it. My gut is churning, and my heart, it hurts.”

“Sweetie, that could just be the weather or something you ate,” smiled Ham.

“Dad! I know what I’m feeling. Something is wrong with Cole, and if you won’t find out what it is, I will!”

“Okay. Okay,” said Ham, hugging his daughter. “We’re going to have the boys check on him right now. They’ll be able to track him, tell me where he is, and we’ll settle this. I’m sure he’s with his team.”

When Ham entered the tech and comm space, AJ, Hiro, and Tanner all turned at the same time, staring at the faces of Ham, Frank, Christopher, and Patrick.

“What’s that look for? I haven’t even asked you for my favor,” said Ham.

“You don’t need to. Remember, we hear everything. His tracker isn’t working, Ham. His unit is in Yemen, but he’s not with them, or if he is, the tracker is disabled.”

“Why are they in Yemen?” asked Ham, swallowing as his brothers-in-law and Frank surrounded him. AJ looked at Hiro and Tanner, then back at the group of men.

“They’re trying to stop a nuclear war.”