Page 98 of Lead Me Knot


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“Thanks. Your sister did amazing.” Turning to my dad, he says, “Pris and the baby are doing great. Healthy and happy.”

My dad stands to shake his hand. Lauralee takes Daisy to sit with her so she can keep sleeping. Embracing his son-in-law, my dad gives Tagger the old back pat like I did, and says, “Congrats. I can’t wait to meet my new granddaughter. Do you have a name?”

“Yeah. It’s perfect for her, but I’ll let your daughter share that news. I know she’ll want to be a part of it.”

Since we’re sticking around to meet the new baby, Dad and Beckett get snacks and drinks for everyone from the vending machines. It’s needed since I know Lauralee and I missed dinner.

But Tagger came and collected the kids as soon as they got back. My dad went in shortly after, and when he left, redder in the face than when he entered—his emotions getting the best of him, Tagger’s parents were taken in.

The kids and my dad go home since it’s the middle of the night. The hospital is quieter, and I’m not upset about spending time alone with my wife. I just wish it were at the apartment so I could appreciate her properly, and all over, inch by beautiful inch.

Lauralee finishes the last Funyon from the small bag, then shoots me a hard glare.

Cocking a brow since I have no idea how I screwed up this time, I ask, “What?”

“Why’d you let me eat that? Now I feel guilty.”

“Why wouldn’t I let you eat that?” I lean and lower my voice. “Also, wasn’t it you who told me I don’t have a say in what you do and don’t do?”

With an irritation wrapped in her eye roll, she replies, “That was when it pertained to you. This is about me devouring a bag of chips like I’ve not eaten in?—”

“In ten hours? You probably haven’t.” I gently nudge her elbow resting on the arm of the chair. “I know you don’t take enough time to eat like you should when working. We missed dinner, so you don’t need to feel guilty.”

She sits back and sighs before sipping on a bottle of water. “My stomach has been upset.”

“That’s not good. Can I get you something to help it feel better?”

Reaching over, she strokes the back of my head and trails her nails down my neck. “No. It’s fine. It’ll pass.” She pulls her hand back to her lap, then looks down the hall and back at me. “I have a feeling you’ll get to meet the baby soon anyway.”

“You will, too. You were family to her even before we got married.”

“You don’t think she’ll be upset?”

“Christine will be upset that it was kept from her. I don’t think we can blame her for that, but otherwise, I know she’ll be thrilled that you’re officially a Greene.” It’s tempting to kiss her. Ihate that I can’t.

Tagger appears in the hall and nods us over. “Ready?” he asks, the smile permanently plastered on his face.

Lauralee is giddy. “So ready.”

I say, “You keep grinning like that, and it’s going to stick.”

He chuckles. “I’m okay with that.” Leading us down the corridor, he stops outside the door and holds it open. “Go on in.”

Christine looks over from where her eyes had been on the baby in the hospital bassinet and smiles when she sees us. Her lids hang lower, and her hair is pulled back in a knot on her head.

Lauralee rushes to her, and they embrace with gentleness. “I’m already crying,” Lauralee says, and briefly peeks over at the baby. “How are you feeling? Can I get you anything to make you more comfortable?”

“I’m good.”

I come around, brushing against Lauralee’s side, and poke my sister’s leg. “You doing alright, sis?”

She laughs. “Yes, big brother.” She looks at the baby, and says, “Go meet your new niece.”

I walk around, already smiling. The proud dad moves to the other side of the baby and rubs his wife’s shoulder. Pink and tiny and so perfect, she’s bundled tight in a blanket. I ask, “What’s her name?” and then bend to read the card attached to the front of the clear bed. It hits quick . . . Leaning down, I drop my head and rub my eyes since something’s gotten in them.

“Are you crying, Baylor?” My sister’s voice is barely above a whisper as she rubs my shoulder.

I clear my throat and then stand back up. “No, just got a frog in my throat,” I lie through my teeth, but no one falls for it. They’re kind enough not to mention it either.