I headed out to the front porch and locked the house. I took in the view of our property. We’d be living on part of Mimi and Frank’s old cattle ranch. Liza’s lot and mine combined gave us 2500 acres. I knew I wanted to raise horses on our place. Part of our land butted up against Liza’s dad’s place. Layton and I had already talked about it, and he thought it was a great idea, since I had a keen eye for horses. I couldn’t see doing it right now, though. I loved being a part of what my father and Layton had built. Maybe I’d start slowly buying a few horses here and there. Our parents had given us so many opportunities to do great things, anything was possible.
My phone buzzed and I smiled when I saw a text from Liza.
Liza: Can you come to my office?
Liza had an office in the main barn, just down from her parents’ house. She still went into work twice a week, even though I’d begged her to stop working.
Me: Sure. I’ll be there in about ten minutes.
I walked to my truck, got in, and headed to Liza. As I drove, I thought back to our wedding. It had been just Liza and I along with Ava, Jase, and our parents.
LIZA HAD WANTED a small wedding and she’d wanted to have it on the fishing dock where we had so many wonderful memories. I stood next to my father as my heart beat at an uncontrolled rate. I held my breath when I saw Whitley walk up followed by my mother. They both were breathtaking in flowing emerald dresses. I chuckled when I saw that they both wore cowboy boots.
Ava followed my mother. She was dressed in a different style dress, but in the same emerald color. Liza was thrilled that Ava had designed all the dresses, including her wedding dress.
Then I saw her. Dressed in white with her long, golden-brown hair piled up on top of her head. Long curls blew in the wind as she walked toward me. She wore a simple white dress that dragged the ground as she walked. Her arm was hooked in Layton’s and she smiled when Layton whispered something into her ear. I could see her swollen belly peeking out as she moved closer.
Layton stopped just short of me and lifted Liza’s veil as he whispered something in her ear, causing her to let out a little sob. I smiled. Liza had not been able to keep her emotions in check during her pregnancy—she even cried while watching commercials. Layton kissed her cheek, then put her hand in mine.
“Take care of her, Walker. I’ve loved her since the day I found out she’d be mine. It’s hard for me to share her. Notice I said share?”
I nodded and tried not to smile. “Yes, sir. I noticed that.”
He winked. “Good, because she’ll always be my little girl. I’m trusting you to always make her smile and to show her every chance you get how much you love her.”
I wiped the tear from my eye and cursed myself for letting my emotions get to me. I nodded and took Liza’s hand and kissed it. I looked into her beautiful blue eyes. “I’ll love her with every ounce of my being sir. Forever.”
WALKING INTO THE barn, I heard a few people talking. I was pretty sure I heard Whitley and my father. Layton had gone into Austin today for some board meeting for a company he’d invested in. I laughed to myself, knowing how much he hated that kind of stuff. I rounded the corner and saw Whitley and my father standing over Liza, who was sitting in her chair. She was breathing funny. My heart stopped. Everyone looked at me. Whitley smiled sweetly, my father plastered on an “everything is okay” look, and Liza appeared to be doing breathing exercises. Oh shit. She’s in labor
I dragged in a deep breath. Stay calm Walker. You won’t be one of those guys who freaks out. You’re going to be strong for your wife.
“Hey there,” Whitley said, trying to sound calm.
I smiled. “Liza? What’s going on?”
Liza smiled that beautiful smile as she stood up. I looked down and her pants where wet. “Walker, we need to get to the hospital. My water broke.”
My mouth went dry. “Wh—what?” I said, trying to remind myself to be calm.
She came closer and bit her lip, smiling bigger. “Michael is on his way.”
Everything in the room spun. I felt my legs start to give out. I dragged in a deep breath. I had no idea how I was staying calm, but I was. I clapped my hands and said, “All right. Let’s get this party started. Liza, baby, I’ve got your bag already in your 4Runner, so let’s get you in there and get to the hospital, shall we?”
My father’s jaw dropped and Whitley smiled like I was the best thing since apple pie.
Liza’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you for being so calm. I’m so scared.”
I pulled her into my arms, holding her for a good minute before I picked her up and carried her to her car.
“I’m here, baby. I’m here and I promise not to leave your side,” I whispered.
She buried her face in my chest and let out a small sob. My heart slammed. I wanted nothing more than to freak the fuck out, but I knew I had to be strong for Liza.
MY FATHER LAUGHED as Liza squeezed the hell out of my hand, making me bend over in pain, squealing.
“Liza, honey could you let off a little?” I asked.
She snapped her head over and glared at me. Narrowing her eyes, Liza asked, “What? What did you ask?”
Swallowing hard I said, “Nothing. Baby, you squeeze as hard as you need. I’m here for you.”
She rolled her eyes and breathed rhythmically. I glanced up at my father. He drove while I sat in the back with Liza on the way to the hospital. Whitley was in the passenger seat and had texted everyone, letting them know Liza was in labor. Jase and Ava came home yesterday from college and were leaving in three days for Europe. I knew Liza was hoping to have the baby before they left.
“How…much…longer?” Liza panted. I pushed her hair back and kissed her.
I looked out the window as my father made a turn and. “We’re here, baby girl. We’re here,” he said, as he pulled up to the front entrance of the hospital. I jumped out and ran in, skidding to a stop when I came to the front desk.
There was an older lady sitting there. Her silver hear was pulled back tight. She smiled at me sweetly. “May I help you, sir?”
“My wife is in labor. She’s…” I turned and pointed. My dad and Whitley were helping Liza out of the 4Runner. “She’s getting out of the car now.”
Turning back to the older lady I saw that she was already walking past me with a wheelchair. “Well, let’s go get her.”
I followed her, trying to stay calm. “Her water broke,” I blurted.