“Viv’s water just broke.”
It hadn’t surprised Taylor that Mario and Viv hit it off during the reception the day before at Caleb’s parents’ house. They had the same dry, irreverent sense of humor and instantly bonded over their shared love of the “ultimate Zaddy,” Pedro Pascal. They spent at least seventy percent of the night, and that was no exaggeration, showing each other clips of either movies he’d been in or montages fans had made; they’d even discussed starting a podcast together.
His entire demeanor changed in one second from Party Mario to Nurse Mario. “Where is she?”
Taylor motioned behind her to the restrooms. “Women’s bathroom. I’m going to get her sisters and Glenn.”
He nodded and handed his drink to Roman, then headed the way she’d just come from. She quickly scanned the sea of faces and was able to locate Gabe, who was Owen’s friend’s dad and Glenn’s brother. She beelined it to him. “Hey, do you know where your brother is?”
“No.” He shook his head. “Why?”
"Viv’s water just broke; she’s in the bathroom.”
“I’ll find him.”
“I’m going to find her sisters,” she relayed as she continued toward the biggest crowd, which was gathered around the dance floor. She was halfway there when she was intercepted. Arms wrapped around her from behind, and her body instantly relaxed.
“Where have you been hiding?” Caleb whispered against her ear as his arms enveloped her waist.
She melted against him, and as much as she’d love to allow herself to get sidetracked, this mission was too important. “I was in the bathroom, and Viv came in; her water broke.”
“Oh.” He instantly released his hold but kept one hand on her lower back. “What can I do?”
She looked up at him. “Mario is with Viv. Gabe’s finding Glenn. I’m going to tell Audrey so she can get her sisters.”
“Okay, you’ve got this handled.” He looked impressed, and Taylor felt a completely unearned sense of pride.
He walked with her, his hand still pressed against her lower back. When Audrey noticed her approaching, she began to smile, but then it dropped. “What’s wrong?”
Taylor realized she must have appeared stressed, which was not on purpose. “Nothing, I mean, nothing bad. Viv’s water broke. Mario is with her in the bathroom. Gabe is getting Glenn.”
“Do Grace and Ava know?” Audrey immediately shot back.
“I haven’t told them.” Taylor shook her head. “I don’t know if anyone else has.”
Audrey glanced up at Josh, who gave her a quick chin nod and then walked toward the downtown area. Taylor watched as Audrey rushed back the way she’d just been toward the restrooms. As she stood there, Caleb beside her, she felt like there was more she should have done, or still be doing, but she wasn’t sure what that looked like.
“Have you ever thought about having more kids?” Caleb’s palm was pressed firmly to her lower back as his thumb made lazy circles on her bare skin.
Taylor realized then that she had never discussed this topic with him before. The question caught her off guard, momentarily distracting her from the commotion around them. She’d just been thinking about the Wells sisters having each other and how she always wanted a sibling. Caleb said he’d always wanted a sibling. Her mind wandered, imagining the possibility of expanding their family. She turned to Caleb, meeting his eyes with a mix of surprise and curiosity. The chaos of the moment seemed to fade into the background as their conversation took on a more intimate tone.
Taking a deep breath, she considered Caleb's question carefully. She could sense a shift in the air, a moment pregnant, pun intended, with unspoken hopes and dreams. As she opened her mouth to respond, a sudden shout from across the way burst the bubble they’d been floating in, reminding her of the urgency of their current situation.
“Caleb!” his mom shouted. Clearly, she’d been alerted that Viv was in labor.
With a lingering glance, Caleb bent down and pressed a kiss to her forehead, silently acknowledging the question that hung between them. There would be time to explore that possibility later, she decided. For now, they both had a job to do, probably. She wasn’t actually sure.
Turning back to the unfolding scene before them, Taylor and Caleb moved forward, united in purpose and resolve. As they walked toward his mom, who was standing with his dad and the chief of police, Eric Maguire, she felt a sense of peace settle over her. Each step they took together up the small incline of the riverbank, she knew, was symbolic, and whatever the futureheld, whatever challenges or uphill battles life threw at them, they would face it together. Hand in hand and heart in heart.
30
Caleb never gotsick of the views in his hometown, but he had to admit, seeing them with the person he loved did make them even more breathtaking. Moonlight illuminated the lake, its reflection a glimmering river of diamonds on the water's surface. The sky above was clear, a canopy of deep, rich black, dotted with a thousand twinkling stars that seemed to dance in celebration. The moon itself was a glowing orb, casting a silvery sheen over the entire scene, adding to the magical feel of the night.
A quick glance to his right revealed the lane was clear, so Caleb turned into Mountain Ridge Outdoor Adventures. He followed the arrows that read Honeymoon Suite. Taylor had been quiet since they’d left the house after packing an overnight bag. He’d asked her if she was okay twice, and she said she was. He’d changed tactics and asked what was wrong twice, but she said nothing. He asked if something was wrong, and she just didn’t want to talk to him about it; she said no. He wasn’t sure where to go from there, so he was just giving her space.
She’d had a long day. Church in the morning, and then the reception. Plus, there was the excitement during the reception.Viv went into labor. And Nikki and Amy Maguire’s dogs, Scooby and Scrappy, who were a Great Dane and a Chihuahua, crashed the reception. They escaped a lot and went downtown for ice cream treats at Two Scoops, but the party was the first time they’d done it to join a social event.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Taylor fidgeted in the seat beside Caleb.
