Page 152 of The Surrender

“Evelyn,” I whisper.

Jude swallows, his eyes darting to mine. They’re full of tears. “Really?”

“What else would it be?”

He coughs a little over a light sob, reaching for her cheek and stroking softly. “I didn’t think love at first sight was a thing. And now it’s happened to me twice,” he says quietly. “Shit, she’s just so fucking beautiful.”

“She is.” Like the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. And neither of us can stop staring at her. This little girl who’s changed everything. Jude works his big finger into her hand, and watching her wrap her little fingers around it hits me hard in my heart. I look at Jude as he stares down at Evelyn. Wonder. That’s beautiful on him too.

“Oh, we have a baby!” Glenda bursts in, killing the moment.

“A girl,” I say calmly.

“Oh, how wonderful. Well done, Mum and Dad.”

Mum?Weird.Dad?I look at Jude and grin.

“So fucking weird,” he admits, shaking his head.

“Do you want to cut the cord, Dad?” Glenda asks, snipping the scissors.

Jude moves in, and I smile when I see him wince as he chops down. “Send the placenta to the kitchen.”

“What?” I blurt.

Chuckling, he comes back to us and dots kisses between our heads. “I better go let everyone know.” He rises, leaving us with Glenda as he dries off and secures a towel around his waist.

She wraps our girl up and helps me out of the pool, handing her back to me when I’m in a robe and comfortable on the couch.

Then everyone piles in. Literally, everyone. There are swoons coming at me from all directions. Abbie’s awkward as hell, as is Casey, both of them at opposite ends of the room to each other. When Abbie catches my eye, she shakes her head in despair, while Hightower throws her constant questioning looks. Jesus, what a shock.

“I want another,” Charley declares.

Lloyd snorts, gathering up Elijah and Ena. “Two works for me.”

“Oh my, look at her.” Mum swoops in, hearts in her eyes. “Oh, Dennis, look, just look at her.”

I smile up at my dad. I’ve never seen him look so smitten. “Perfect.” He goes to Jude and shakes his hand. “Congratulations. You’ve made me a very happy man.”

“A happy granddad,” Jude says.

“My God, I’m a granddad.”

Jude comes to us, dipping. “Let me.” He takes Evelyn from my arms. “I’ll get her dressed. She’s getting all embarrassed being naked in front of everyone.”

I smile as I watch him wander off to the bedroom, our tiny girl held to his big naked chest. A natural.

“How was it?” Rach lowers down next to me, her own belly causing her mobility issues.

“Like hell and heaven wrapped up in one confusing mix of fucking agony and complete bliss.”

“Cup of tea?” Grandma asks.

“I’d kill for one.” I exhale, resting back. “Sorry for ruining the family dinner.” I spot Abbie heading for the kitchen after Grandma.

“She’s gone for wine,” Charley says. We both watch as Casey follows her, both of us throwing curious looks at each other. I find Hightower. He’s talking to Rhys. Being distracted?

“Go listen,” I order on a whisper hiss, nudging Charley. “I want to know what’s said.”