Page 76 of Rhett

“Six points Josie. One point Nova.”

After the fourth throw, Josie was winning with twenty points. I had nineteen.

Josie grinned at me. “Last throw, hybrid.”

There was no way I was going down without a fight. Then I remembered what Mack had said about the eight-ball. The target had a small circle with an eight in each corner. If I hit one of them, I’d score eight points. If I hit anywhere else, it was worth zero. It was a gamble, but I had to take it.

“I call the eight-ball,” I said.

The audience clapped and cheered.

We both threw our axes.

It seemed like time stopped while watching my axe sail through the air until it hit the target.

“Six for Josie. Eight for Nova!” Mack yelled. “Total points—twenty-six for Josie. Twenty-seven for Nova. Declaring Nova the winner!”

The gathering roared with delight.

I fist-pumped the air. “Yes.”

“That’s my mate.” Rhett lifted me up, giving me a loud, smacking kiss.

“Whatever,” Josie snapped before stomping off like I had stolen her bike.

“Bye, loser!” I yelled after her.

CHAPTER18

NOVA

“Who knew you were a gambler,” Rhett said, ushering me through the gathering. “Calling the eight-ball was risky.” He winked at me. “I love your sassiness, darling.”

“That’s me. Midwife sassy-pants.”

“So how shall we celebrate your victory?” he asked.

I pointed to the ice cream booth. “Yummy sweet goodness.”

We arrived at the station. I ordered a cup of cookies and cream. Rhett picked chocolate. We strolled around the festival while gobbling the lush cold creaminess.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked, dumping our now-empty cups into a receptacle.

“Yes, Sheriff, I am.” I stopped, smiling up at him. “And you?”

“Yes, Nova. You bring me joy.” Wicked intent shone in his eyes. He settled his warm hands on my shoulders.

Pleasure raced through me.Jesus, he’s potent.

His gaze raked over me, heating every inch of my skin.

“Oh my goodness!” someone screamed. “Heidi’s water broke, and she’s having her baby right in the middle of the festival.”

My eyes panned around to find the source of the commotion. Across the grass by a large tent markedHospitalityI saw a crowd gathering. I ran in that direction with Rhett right behind me.

Heidi was on the ground, panting, with a man by her side.

“Clear the space,” I ordered. “Back up.”