The Only Things You Can Take (Wildflower Romance #2)

by Stacy Claflin

  Four more months until the anniversary of the accident. Kade’s death. I can’t believe he’s been gone so long. In a way, it’s gone by so fast. In other ways, it couldn’t have gone by slower. It’s been so long since I’ve talked to my best friend. Heard his voice. Gotten his opinion about anything. So long since we’d been able to tease each other and joke about something.

  I can imagine what he’d say, but that’s as far as it goes.

  “Hey, Jones!”

  I bring my attention back to the present. To work. I’m about to leave for the day, but Mason is waving me down. “Yeah?”

  “You down for a party tonight?”

  I stifle a yawn and shake my head. “Not really, but thanks.”

  Mason frowns. “You never want to do anything fun. I hear there’s going to be lots of hot chicks.”

  I hold back an eye roll. There’s only one woman I’m interested in, and she could need a ride to the hospital any day now. She says now that she’s within two weeks of the due date, anything is possible.

  “You’re a cool guy who likes to have fun,” Mason continues, despite the fact that I didn’t respond. “Why don’t you want to hang out with anyone after work?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “A chick, right? They always complicate things.”

  “Yeah. I gotta go. I’ll hang out someday, but this just isn’t a good time. Have a good one, okay?”

  “Sure, but you’re the one missing out.”

  I wave and head to my car. I really need to talk to Dad about promoting me. It feels like I’ve been at the bottom forever. He wants me to understand all the facets of the business, and now I fully get what it’s like for the construction workers. I’ve literally done every job imaginable at this point—and it’s exhausting.

  Maybe that’s his point. Does he want me so busy that I don’t have time to think about Kade? Or is it punishment for not going ahead with my plans at Harvard? Possibly a push toward going this fall instead?

  We really need to talk. What he doesn’t get is that my entire life has changed. Nothing that mattered before matters now. He can play his games, but that won’t fix anything.

  My mind races as I drive home. If Sutton was heading to Harvard, I’d go in a heartbeat, but I can’t see that happening. She’s having a baby, and not only that, but she’s set on raising her—and that’s despite everything her dad has thrown her way. But that hasn’t been her only stress. About a month ago, she had to testify about the accident. I was worried it would be too much stress, but she stayed strong. And I couldn’t have been prouder of her for it.

  When I walk in the front door, the smell of chocolate greets me.

  “What are you making, Mom?” I hang up my coat on the rack and head for the kitchen.

  “Chocolate hearts. Want to try one?” She gestures toward a plate on the table.

  “Can’t turn that down.”

  “You’ve never been one to turn away chocolate.” She winks. “How was your day?”

  I pick up a warm heart and yawn. “Tiring. Dad still has me out there doing the hard work.”

  “You don’t think anyone else advances this quickly, do you?”

  “I’m not just anyone, Mom. I’m his son. A fact I wonder if he’s forgotten.” I pop the sweet into my mouth and it melts right away. “This is delicious, by the way.”

  She beams. “Oh, good. Want to help me? I need twelve dozen for a charity drive.”

  “Twelve dozen?” I glance at the plate that has about ten pieces.

  “I have a few days, but yeah. That’s what I agreed to.”

  “Let me just shower off first. I’m caked in dirt.”

  Mom waves me off as she stirs something in a pot. Probably liquid chocolate. My mouth waters at the thought.

  I set the water as hot as I can stand it and let the stream massage my aching muscles. It isn’t as bad as when I first started, but it seems like every day, I work a set of muscles I never knew I had.

  When I get to my room, I dig through my closet for something comfortable to wear when I notice a message on my phone. I have some missed calls from Sutton. The message is from her, and she sounds frantic.

  “Call me as soon as you get this. I think it’s time, and my mom is stuck in traffic, two hours away.”

  It’s time? I don’t give myself the luxury of processing the news. I just return the call.

  “Anchor! Are you home?”

  “Yes. Are you okay?”

  She takes a couple rapid breaths. “I’m pretty sure this is it. My—oh!”

  “Hold on! I’ll be right there!” I end the call and throw on the nearest clothes in my closet. It hits me that I should’ve kept her on the line, but there isn’t time to call her back.

  I have to get over there. To drive her to the hospital. I don’t even take the time to brush my hair.

  “Where’s the fire?” Mom calls from the kitchen as I race past.

  “Sutton’s in labor!”

  “Already?”

  I grab my leather jacket and slide it on. “Yeah, and I need to get her to the hospital. Her mom’s stuck in traffic.”

  Mom glances over at the stove then back to me. “Maybe I should take you two.”

  “No, it’s fine. Take care of your chocolate.”

  “I should be there, at least until Rori gets there. I just have to get the hearts out of the oven.”

  “There isn’t time! Stop by if you want, but I’m leaving now.” I race out before she can keep me any longer. She means well, but Sutton needs to get to the hospital now, not later.

  My tires squeal as I peel out of the driveway and head for Sutton’s house. I don’t bother turning off the car or even closing my door. I just race for the front door and ring the doorbell like a little kid eager for trick-or-treating.

  Sutton answers the door, her hands on her back. She’s breathing hard. “Thanks… for… coming.”

  “Are you ready? Do we need to call the hospital? Did you pack?” I race to think of anything else, but I don’t know what I’m doing. Luckily, all I need to do is drive. I can do that.

  Her eyes widen, then her face reddens.

  “What’s going on?” I exclaim.

  She glances down. “Either my water just broke, or my bladder did.”

  I stare at the puddle around her feet and her soaked pants.

  “This is so embarrassing!”

  “Go change your clothes. I’ll have my mom clean this up. We need to get you to the hospital!”

  She turns around and struggles up the stairs. I race over and help her, worried she’ll fall. While she dresses in her room, I call my mom.

  “Are you on your way, honey?” Mom answers.

  “No!” I pace the hallway, my mind spinning out of control. “Her water broke at the front door. Can you come and clean it up? I would, but she needs to get to the hospital!”

  “Anything you need. I’ll be right over.”

  “I owe you.” I end the call and take a deep breath.

  Sutton cries out from her bedroom.

  I don’t give it a second thought. I throw open the door. She’s half-dressed, so I cover my eyes and look down. “Sorry. Are you okay?”

  “Contractions!” She cries out again.

  “Can I do anything?”

  “Let me finish getting dressed.”

  “Right.” I back away and close the door.

  Something sounds downstairs. It better be my mom, because if it’s an intruder, he won’t live to regret his mistake. I race down the stairs and see Mom with a mop and bucket.

  She glances over at me. “Is Sutton okay?”

  I pull on my hair. “She’s having contractions. Is she going to make it to the hospital? Should I boil water for a home birth? What’s the boiling water for, anyway? Not the baby, I hope!”

  Mom rises and rests a hand on my shoulder. “Honey, it’s her first baby. She probably has hours before there’s any real action. You have plenty of time to get her down there. Rori w
ill be there long before the baby makes her arrival. It’ll be okay. I promise.”

  “How can you promise?”

  She squeezes my shoulder. “Because I’ve been through this twice myself, and I’ve helped several friends through it, also. She’s going to be fine. The best thing you can do for her is to calm down. Okay?”

  I take another deep breath. “Okay.”

  Mom hugs me. “You can do this. I know you want to be there for her and for Kade. It’s all going to work out.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “I am. Now get back upstairs and check on her.”

  It takes a moment to register what she said, but once it does, I hurry up the stairs.

  Sutton steps out of the bathroom, now wearing a different outfit.

  “Sorry for bursting into your room. When you screamed like that, I was worried something was wrong.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” She picks up a large pink tote. “We should get going. Hopefully, I can get there before another round of contractions hit.”

  I take the bag from her. “Let’s do this.”

  It feels like it takes an eternity to get down the stairs, but we finally make it.

  Mom’s wiping the floor with a dry towel. She glances up at Sutton. “Everything is cleaned for you.”

  “I’m so sorry you had to do that. My mom’s in traffic and Miss Alice is out of town for a family emergency.”

  “Think nothing of it.” Mom gives her a hug. “If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “Thanks. I—” Sutton’s eyes widen and she grasps her stomach.

  My chest tightens. Not more contractions.

  Sutton breathes short, rapid breaths.

  I turn to my mom for help. She just nods toward my car and takes the mop down the hall. I put my arm around Sutton. “Come on. Let’s get you to my car.”

  She nods, continuing her breathing.

  By the time we get to the hospital, I’m a wreck. I try to hide it from her, but it kills me to see her in so much agony. There isn’t a thing I can do about any of it.

  Once in the birthing room, she turns to me. “You’ll stay, won’t you?”

  My knees nearly give out, but I nod. “Whatever you need me to do.”

  “You went to those classes with me.”

  “Some of them.”

  The nurse holds up a gown. “You’ll need to change into this.”

  “I’m going to grab a coffee,” I say quickly. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  When I return to the room, I’m empty-handed. I found the coffee machine but realized I didn’t want any. The last thing I need is to be jacked up on caffeine when I’m already on edge.

  Sutton’s lying on the bed with an IV in her arm. She isn’t breathing heavily.

  She turns to me. “The doctor said I’m progressing quickly. Oh, and my mom is still stuck in traffic.”

  I have no idea if I can do this, but I force a smile and take her hand. “I’m here for you. If you want me to leave, I’ll do that too.”

  She squeezes my hand. “Stay. I need you.”

  Sutton

  Anchor wipes sweat from my forehead. “Did you hear that? The doctor said the next push should be it.”

  I close my eyes. I’m not sure I can do this, but I have to. It feels like I’ve been at this forever. But Anchor has been with me the entire time, encouraging me. Telling me I’m a superhero. He’s stayed at my side more than anyone else has.

  Mom got here not long ago, but she’s been bouncing back and forth between me and the doctors, waiting to see the baby arrive.

  The pain squeezes me, seeming to cover my entire body. I curse myself for insisting on a natural birth. I keep my eyes closed and push. Not that my body leaves me any other option. I push and I push for what feels like a week.

  Then I hear it. Crying. The little sobs of my child.

  I have a baby. I’m a mom.

  The whole thing is surreal.

  “She’s perfect!” My mom’s words bring relief.

  I open my eyes, eager to see my daughter. Does she look like Kade? Or like me? Maybe some combination of the two of us.

  My heart hurts knowing he can’t be here. That he’ll never get to see her. Just waiting for these few moments feels like too long for me.

  Anchor squeezes my hand. I turn and admire him. “I’m glad you’re here for this.”

  He smiles, though tears shine in his eyes. “Me too.”

  “Can you see her?”

  Anchor nods, but before he can respond, my mom brings over the baby and places her on my chest.

  I stare at her amazing little face, my heart filling with an intense love.

  “She looks just like Kade,” Anchor whispers. “Just like him.”

  And she does. As much as a newborn baby girl can look like an eighteen-year-old man. Kade’s mom showed off his baby pictures at my shower, and the two could be twins if not separated by almost two decades.

  The next few hours go by in a blur. Anchor congratulates me, giving me a kiss on the cheek, then the baby a kiss. Beaming, he leaves to give me privacy as I figure out breastfeeding.

  Eventually, everything quiets and my mom falls asleep on a cot someone brought in. The nurses all leave to help another new mom. My daughter sleeps on my stomach. My daughter.

  Surreal.

  I should probably sleep, but I can’t stop looking at her.

  Knock, knock.

  “Is it safe to come in?” Anchor asks.

  I kiss her forehead. “Yes.”

  He tiptoes in. “How are you feeling?”

  “On top of the world.”

  A smile spreads across his face and he pulls a chair up to the side of the bed. “Really?”

  “Yeah. Look at her.”

  “A miracle.” He studies her for a moment before looking at me. “Did you pick out a name?”

  I nod, nervous to speak it out loud. “I haven’t told anyone yet.”

  He leans closer. “What is it?”

  I hesitate. “I’m afraid people will think it’s stupid.”

  “Who cares what people think? What did you pick?”

  Taking a deep breath, I stare at the miniature version of Kade. “Her name is Kady.”

  Anchor tilts his head. “It’s perfect.”

  I breathe a sigh of relief. “You really think so?”

  He nods. “Especially since she looks just like him.”

  “Now I just need a middle name.”

  “How about Sutton? Kady Sutton has a nice ring to it.”

  “I don’t know…”

  “Why not?”

  I shrug. “I guess it seems kind of… I don’t know, self-important to name her after myself. I was thinking of something original for a middle name so she could go by that if she wanted to be known as something of her own when she gets older. You know what I mean?”

  He nods. “Well, it’s up to you. It was just an idea. I’m kind of partial to the name Sutton.”

  My heart skips a beat. Luckily, the monitor doesn’t go haywire. “You are?”

  Anchor holds my gaze and nods. “It happens to be my favorite name in the world.”

  I can’t even find words. Where is he going with this?

  He traces my cheek with the back of his fingers. “You’re the strongest, most beautiful person I know.”

  My cheeks warm, and I’m suddenly aware of the scars on my face. The ones not covered by makeup at the moment. “I’m not beautiful. I have scars.”

  “We all have scars, Sutton. Most are hidden, but these ones tell a story—of your resilience, your fortitude, and your deep love. You shouldn’t worry about covering them up. They’re part of you, part of your history. They don’t take away from your allure.” He traces one of the lines with his thumb.

  My mouth gapes. My voice won’t cooperate.

  “You don’t have to say anything. Just know that I’m here for both you and Kady. And not just because of Kade. Because of you, Sutton.
Because of you.”

  Everything that’s been building and intensifying between us since the day he almost kissed me explodes within me. I lean over and press my lips on his. He pulls closer to me and puts his arm around me and Kady. His kiss is gentle but passionate, sweet but consuming.

  I pull away, staring into his dazed eyes. “You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for that.”

  “I’ve been waiting longer, I guarantee you.” He closes his eyes and kisses me again.

  Sutton

  Three Years Later

  “Swing! Swing!”

  Everyone cheers for Kady to hit the piñata with the purple plastic bat. The first attempt is a miss, by a mile. She nearly takes out another kid in the process.

  Anchor steps in and moves Kady closer to the colorful donkey before she injures anyone. “Try now, sweetheart. Right in front of you.”

  She wrinkles up her face in stark determination—something Kade used to do. Everything that little girl does reminds us of him. To say that she’s a miniature version of him would be a grand understatement.

  Everyone cheers for the birthday girl. Kady gives it one powerful swing, and several pieces of candy fly from the donkey’s stomach. Young guests scramble for the loot.

  Kady whacks the piñata again, sending more sweets through the air. I step in and pull her back. “Let’s give your friends a chance.”

  She pulls off the pink and purple blindfold, and her dark wavy hair falls into her face, covering her big gray eyes. “That was fun! Can I do it again?”

  I laugh. “If there’s anything left of it after everyone else is through with it.”

  “Yay!” She hands the blindfold and bat to her best friend Olivia.

  By the time the kids have all had their turn at the papier-mâché animal, it isn’t recognizable as anything beyond shreds. But none of the kids seem to care as they gather up the candy into little heart-shaped baggies.

  Anchor smiles at me from across the room and winks.

  My knees go weak. We’ve been a couple for three years now. Kady’s birthday is also the anniversary of us becoming a couple. It’s a truly magical day.