by Cate Beauman
“Come on. Come on.” Kylee all but vibrated with excitement.
They walked around the corner, stepping into the dining room.
“Surprise!”
Gasping, Hailey stumbled back.
Hunter stood behind Morgan, clasping his hands around her waist, both of them grinning. Ethan smiled, holding Sarah’s hand as she sat in a chair, also beaming. Kylee jumped up and down, still gripping her fingers.
“Are you very excited?” Kylee shouted.
“Yes, I am.” Hailey glanced around the room, shocked. Colorful balloons in all shapes and sizes were tied to each chair. A large ‘Happy Birthday’ banner hung from the door leading to the kitchen. The fun, funky cake on the buffet was perfect. They had done this for her. She didn’t think anyone would remember her birthday. She barely had herself.
Tears threatened to spill as she pressed a hand to her heart. “You guys…” She sniffled, grinning. “Thank you.”
“Happy birthday.” Sarah got to her feet and wrapped Hailey in a hug. “You didn’t think we were going to let your twenty-fifth birthday pass without a party, did you?”
“I—I never thought anything. Thank you,” she repeated in a whisper.
After a round of hugs for everyone, Morgan disappeared into the kitchen with Hunter at her heels. Moments later, Hunter carried out a huge dish of Morgan’s famous lasagna. Morgan trailed behind with a large salad bowl and basket of steaming garlic bread—Hailey’s favorite meal.
“Take your seat, birthday girl,” Hunter said, as he plunked the bubbling cookware inches from her plate.
“Absolutely.” Hailey smiled and sat down. As everyone took their seats, she noticed two empty settings. “Who else is coming?”
“Mommy called your brother, but he didn’t come,” Kylee supplied.
“Kylee, have some bread.” Ethan plunked a thick, buttery piece on her plate.
The room fell silent. Hailey stared at the empty spots, trying to ignore the stabbing disappointment.
This would’ve been the first birthday she and Jeremy celebrated together since her fourteenth. Their lives had turned upside down the week before she turned fifteen. The foster family she lived with after her parents’ deaths didn’t think it necessary to recognize the day of her birth—a day that had been no more than an acknowledgement of sin, according to Mother Frazier. After all, Hailey had been born to a crack whore, and out of wedlock at that. The Frazier family reminded her of that often, but especially on her ‘special day’.
“He must be busy.” Hailey shrugged, picking at the piece of bread Sarah served her.
“I’m sure that’s it.” Sarah gripped Hailey’s arm, holding on.
“Sorry I’m late.”
Hailey’s gaze snapped up. Austin stood in the room, big, gorgeous, and casual in his blue jeans and Adidas sweatshirt, gripping a wrapped box in his hand.
“The traffic was awful.”
Hailey stared, fighting tears again as her heart thundered. She hadn’t expected this, especially after she hadn’t heard from him since Sunday. She’d assumed he’d forgotten about his offer to help with her lessons, or just hadn’t been interested after the way they left things.
But he was here, now. Austin had rushed to be on time for her party.
“Happy birthday,” he smiled, his gaze never leaving hers as he made his way to her chair.
“Thank you.” She pushed back from the table, standing, and he pulled her into a hug. Her pulse kicked into a frenzy as Austin held her just as he had Sunday evening. Hailey closed her eyes, breathing in his soap, feeling his body pressed firmly to hers.
He eased away, meeting her gaze, staring, sending her pulse scrambling again.
Hailey cleared her throat as she realized everyone was looking at them. She gave Austin a smile, struggling not to feel awkward as she remembered him catching her with tears on her cheeks. “I’m glad you could come.” She took her seat as Austin went to his, smiling again as his gaze flicked to hers. “Let’s eat.”
Hailey picked up her water, sipped, quenching her suddenly dry throat. As Hailey set down her glass, Sarah caught her attention with a look. Morgan did the same across the table. Hailey stared down at her plate, plucked up a forkful of leafy greens, and took a bite, knowing she, Sarah, and Morgan would talk later.
An hour later, the crew sat around the cozy living room. They chatted and laughed while waiting for Sarah’s return from the bathroom.
“Sorry I held things up,” Sarah said as she waddled in, stopping halfway to the couch, holding her stomach and wincing.
Ethan rushed to his feet. “Are you okay?”
She nodded, still pressing her hands against her large belly. “Yeah, just a couple of contractions—a little stronger than the past few days, but nothing to worry about yet. I don’t think.”
Ethan led her to the sofa. “Sit down. Relax.”
“I’d rather stand.”
“Okay.” He kissed Sarah’s forehead, turning her until her back rested against his chest. Ethan rubbed his hands over Sarah’s belly. Hailey’s heart melted from his tender gesture. Ethan was so handsome, so strong, and he adored his wife and children. Hailey wanted that more than anything—exactly what Ethan and Sarah had, what Morgan and Hunter had.
She snuck a peak at Austin as he held Kylee on his lap, bumping his leg up and down, zig-zagging, making Kylee laugh as she was zoomed left and right wildly.
Hailey looked at Sarah as Sarah pressed her lips firm, frowning. “Sarah, are you having another one?”
Austin stopped bouncing Kylee and her laughter ceased as Ethan turned his wrist, glancing at his watch. “I think we should time these.”
After several breaths, Sarah relaxed her head against Ethan’s shoulder. He murmured something close to her ear and she nodded. “I’m all right. Hailey, go ahead and open your gifts.”
Hailey looked at the small stack of boxes and bags on the coffee table. “My presents can wait. Maybe we should call your dad.”
“I have plenty of time.” Sarah gave her an encouraging smile.
Kylee scrambled from Austin’s lap, handing Hailey a bold floral gift bag. “Open this one. It’s from me and mommy and daddy.”
“Okay. Do you want to help?”
Kylee’s eyes widened with glee. “Yes.”
“Sit next to me.” Hailey patted the spot on the cushion next to her. Hunter scooted over, moving closer to Morgan.
Hailey placed the bag between herself and Kylee. Eager to assist, Kylee yanked the bright blue paper from the top. Peeking in, Hailey smiled and pulled out a wide-brimmed sun hat. “Looks like I’ll be set for my trip.”
Kylee reached in, taking out a bottle of sun block.
“Yup, definitely ready for my trip.” Aloe Vera came next, along with hand sanitizer, a calling card, hair ties, barrettes, chewing gum, and various other knick-knacks she’d need for her three months away. When the bag was empty, she hugged Kylee tight. “Thank you for my wonderful gifts. Now, I have everything I’ll need for Mexico.”
“You’re weltom.” Kylee patted Hailey’s back.
Hailey smiled at Sarah and Ethan. “Thanks, guys.”
“You’re welcome, but I think you missed something,” Ethan said.
Hailey peeked in the bag, frowning. There was nothing but blue and purple paper. “Um, no, that’s everything.”
“Try moving the tissue,” Sarah suggested.
Hailey tugged at the colorful paper, her frown deepening as she pulled out a brochure for Grand Cozumel Luxury Resort and Spa. “What is this?” She opened the pamphlet, catching a plane ticket before it fell. Her name was printed across the top. She scanned her welcome letter, focusing in on her cabana number for her weeklong stay. Her heart pounded as her eyes welled and a tear spilled over. “I—I don
’t know what to say. This is too much. I can’t… I can’t—“
“Yes you can because you deserve it.” Sarah walked to her.
Hailey stood, gripping her tight in a hug. She never in her life had been given such a gift. “How can I possibly thank you?”
Sarah kissed her cheek. “Have fun.”
“Who needs a tissue?” Morgan snagged one, wiping at her own eyes as she passed the box to Hailey.
Hailey took one, as did Sarah before setting down the box.
“I need one too,” Kylee insisted, plucking one free. She blew her dry nose enthusiastically before she dashed for the next gift. “Here. Open this. It’s from Auntie Morgan and Unke Huntee. She shook her head, looking at Hunter. “Uncle Hunter.”
“That’s a girl.” Hunter tweaked her nose, earning a grin.
“I’m not sure I can take any more surprises.” Sitting down, Hailey took the prettily wrapped box from Kylee. “Go ahead, present helper. Give the paper a rip.”
Kylee tore at the giftwrap with relish, then helped pull the lid from the box. Hailey stared at a beautiful camisole and matching robe. The stunning blue reminded her of a tropical paradise. She fingered the soft silk. “This is amazing. Thank you.”
“I thought it would be the perfect indulgence for six nights of luxury.”
“I agree.” She could hardly wait to wear her new nighty. She was about to replace the lid but stopped, spotting the two envelopes peaking from the robe. Hailey pulled them free, opened the first—a gift certificate entitling her to an afternoon of horseback riding along Cozumel’s beaches. “This is awesome.” She’d never ridden a horse, but she was darn well going to on her dream vacation. She peeled open the next envelope and gaped—a full day at the spa offering her ‘the works’. Another new adventure. “I can’t believe this. I really can’t.” She rushed up, giddy with disbelief as she hugged Morgan, then Hunter. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome,” they answered in unison, smiled at each other.
“One more.” Kylee handed her the gift box Austin had been holding when he walked in. She couldn’t wait to see what Austin had been thoughtful enough to pick up for her.
“Go ahead.” She gestured toward the present, giving Kylee the green light.
Kylee gave the paper a rip, pulled the top off the box and Hailey grinned. A weight belt and top-notch mask she’d tried on but hadn’t been able to afford. “Hey, thanks. How did you know which one to get me?”
Austin smiled. “I have my sources.”
“Oh?”
He shrugged. “I called Miranda, asked her to keep an eye out for you.”
Hailey struggled with her smile. Miranda the friendly shop owner—the redhead with her amazing body and stunning complexion had been off-the-charts beautiful. Miranda had hinted, very subtly, that she and Austin knew each other well. “Thank you, Austin. This is great.”
“There’s one more thing—two actually—but you won’t find them in the box. I’m taking you jet skiing, and we’ll definitely have to spend some time skin diving.”
“Sounds fun.” Both opportunities sounded amazing, but she wasn’t going to hold her breath. It wouldn’t be easy for either of them to get a day off once Project Mexico began. “We’ll have a busy semester with Project Mexico, but I’m sure we’ll find at least one afternoon to get to an adventure.”
“Actually, I have a little vacation time scheduled before Project Mexico. I’m taking the week at the resort as well.”
Staring, Hailey concentrated on keeping her jaw from dropping. Keep it casual, Hailey. “Cool,” was all she could manage. They probably wouldn’t bump into each other much anyway.
Sarah sucked in a sharp breath and squeezed her eyes shut as she clutched Ethan’s forearms. “Oh, God, this one hurts.”
“Deep breaths in and out, Sarah,” Ethan whispered calmly next to her ear, as he rubbed his hands over her belly.
Hunter glanced at his watch, holding up six fingers to Ethan. Sarah’s contractions were getting closer.
Morgan stood. “I’m calling your dad, Sarah. Tonight’s probably the night.”
“I’ll get her bag.” Hailey got to her feet.
Kylee’s lip wobbled. “Mommy.”
Austin scooped her up. “It’s okay, sugar plum. Emma’s ready to come meet you.”
“My baby?”
“Yup.” Grinning, he walked to the dining room. “Let’s go check out Hailey’s birthday cake. You can show me what piece you want.”
“Okay.”
Hailey dashed upstairs, heading to the nursery. Flipping on the light, she grabbed the diaper bag Sarah filled yesterday. She glanced around the beautiful room with its pink, yellow, and pale green touches, excited that by tomorrow or the next day, the newest member of the Cooke family would be sleeping there. She couldn’t wait to meet baby Emma.
Flicking off the light, she went to Ethan and Sarah’s room for the suitcase just inside the door. She hurried back downstairs, entering the living room to a quiet argument.
“We’re not leaving yet.”
“Sarah, your contractions are six minutes apart. It’s Friday night. The traffic’s going to be a nightmare.”
“I’m not leaving until Hailey has her cake. Oh, another one already.” She pressed her forehead to Ethan’s shoulder, groaning. “Oh, Ethan, it hurts.”
He rocked her gently. “I know, baby. Just breathe.”
As the contraction ended, Hailey stepped further into the room. “Bags are here. Time to go. Call us when we have a baby.”
“Hailey, it’s your birthday. You haven’t had cake yet.”
“We’ll save it—eat it later. Maybe we’ll add Emma’s name, too.”
“But this is your moment…for now.” Sarah smiled. “Let’s sing. You can make a wish, blow out the candles, then I’ll go.”
Ethan’s eyes pleaded his urgency.
“Um, okay. Let’s do this. Everyone, come on,” Hailey hollered, wanting to get this over with quickly. “Dining room, stat,” Hailey demanded as she gave Austin, who was holding Kylee, a gentle shove.
Morgan set the two-layer cake, decorated with funky purple daisies, bold blue zig-zags, and swirls, on the table. Morgan brought the lighter to the candle as Sarah gasped. “My water just broke and here comes another contraction.”
The cake was quickly forgotten as Ethan coached Sarah through her pain and everyone scrambled into action. Morgan hurried for the phone and dialed. Austin left the room with a crying Kylee. Hunter hollered something about getting the Rover ready as he dashed down the hall.
Hailey stared at the small puddle on the hardwood floor, just inches from where Sarah had been standing before Ethan pulled her against him. Poor Sarah’s maternity jeans were soaked between and down the legs. Hailey hurried upstairs, grabbed panties from the drawer and a loose, flowing skirt from her closet. Sarah would be more comfortable without the restriction.
She ran down the stairs to Sarah. “Here, Sarah, something to change into.”
“Thanks.”
Ethan helped her into the bathroom. Minutes later, Ethan walked with Sarah to the entryway, but she soon stopped for another contraction. She moaned as Ethan encouraged her to breathe. “We have to go, Hailey. Hunter and Morgan are going to drive us. You’ll stay with Kylee, right?”
“Of course.”
Sarah stopped with her hand on the doorknob. “I need to say goodbye to Kylee.”
“Austin,” Ethan hollered, “can you bring the big sister out here?”
Austin stepped into the hallway. “The big sister fell asleep while we were reading ‘I’m Going To Be A Big Sister.’”
“Poor thing wore herself out waiting for Hailey’s party. It’s probably for the best.” Sarah gripped Ethan’s hand. “Okay, I�
�m ready to have this baby.”
Hailey gave Sarah a quick hug. “Everything’s under control here. Call us when she comes. Good luck.”
Chapter 8
HAILEY PULLED KYLEE’S LIMP ARM through her yellow pajama top and covered her with the pretty pink quilt. “Night, night,” she whispered, kissing Kylee’s forehead. Hailey switched on the nightlight and the state of the art monitor that would allow her to hear Kylee no matter where she was in the house.
Wandering to the room she slept in more often than not, Hailey pulled a pair of jeans and long-sleeved, black v-neck from the drawer. She’d been in office attire for too long. Hailey slid into her relaxing outfit and went downstairs. She had quite a mess to clean up, but it didn’t matter. This was the best birthday she’d ever had.
A week at a resort and spa with all the extras. Hailey smiled. How could she ever thank her friends for giving her such an amazing gift? She would definitely be sending something special back for everyone—except Austin, because he was going too.
Hailey tried to ignore the twinge of excitement. Just because he was going didn’t mean they would spend time together. The resort was probably huge, and things between them were still a little…weird. Twice now, she’d sworn she saw desire in his eyes; twice she’d been wrong. Austin wasn’t interested. It was time to face facts, time to stop hoping for something that wasn’t going to happen.
She rolled her eyes, frustrated. How many times had she declared that before?
As Hailey passed Kylee’s playroom, she sighed. Project Mexico was such an exciting opportunity, but she was going to miss everyone so much. An entire semester away from Kylee. And Emma would grow so much over the next three months.
Hailey stepped into the dimly lit kitchen and stopped. Her stomach fluttered as she watched Austin wash the dishes. He looked yummy with his sleeves pushed up over his muscular forearms, his jeans snug over his amazing… She closed her eyes, shook her head. This wasn’t exactly a great start at overcoming her unrelenting attraction.
