“Yeah, you did. Both of you were always happy to see us. I just wanted to tell you how much I’ve appreciated that over the years. My parents love us, but they don’t enjoy us. Not the way you and Mr. Alexander enjoy being with your kids. I’m honored to be a part of your family.”
Julia’s eyes glittered and she sniffled. “See, now you’ve gone and made me cry.” She reached out and he fell into the hug she offered, soaking up all the love.
“Now, go on and dance with your lady. It makes me smile to see all you young people out there dancing. Even if I can’t understand anything these songs are about.”
Matt walked toward Penny, leaving the Alexanders arguing about the merits of modern music versus “real” music. He still had a smile on his face when he reached Penny’s side.
“Hello, Sergeant.”
He grinned the way he always did when she called him that.
“Hello, my love.” He pulled her against him. They moved to their own beat, dancing much slower than everyone else around them. Matt held her against his heart, secure in their love, secure in the knowledge that they were meant to be together.
The diamond ring he’d bought last week felt like a stone in his shorts pocket. Not yet. He wanted to wait for the perfect moment. Penny deserved a perfect proposal. They were going to live happily ever after. He glanced back at Mark and Julia, who were watching them from the shade.
Thanks to them, he knew exactly what happily ever after should look like.
* * * * *
PENNY SWAYED IN Matt’s arms, watching everyone dance around them. It didn’t matter that they were slow dancing to a pop song or that it was so hot it felt like a layer of the Underworld. All that mattered was that she was in Matt’s arms. It was like floating in a dream.
Not that the past month had been all smooth sailing. Charles had called several times with pleas for her to come back. Penny had been touched until Georgia told her several of the athletes had threatened to go elsewhere if she wasn’t treating them. Charles had freaked out at the potential loss of some of their most lucrative clients.
It made her feel good to know her work had enough of an impact to cause people to threaten to leave the center. But after a lot of discussion with Matt, she’d decided not to go back. She’d spent the last few years of her life working herself into the ground. If the events of the past month had taught her anything, it was not to take her life for granted. She only had one chance to do this right.
Matt looked down into her eyes and her heart skipped a beat. She only had one chance to be with him, and she was not going to let anything interfere with that.
At Julia’s suggestion, she’d applied for jobs at several hospitals in surrounding cities as well as New Haven General. Penny knew her résumé was strong and she’d get an offer soon. Until then, she’d been enjoying the chance to get to know Matt’s family and friends.
Mara was a regular visitor to their house, and they’d become as close as sisters. Since Matt was guarding Kaylee, she’d also spent a lot of time with her. It was the first time since her teenage years that she’d allowed herself to open up completely and let people in. It was a novel experience.
She’d also been in close contact with Georgia, who was planning a summer trip with her family to New Haven’s beach so they could spend some time together. Her heart was a little rusty, but with regular use, she expected to be a great friend again.
“Oh my god.”
The shocked cry came from Raina. Penny lifted her head. Matt glanced at her and then they both trotted over to where Raina stood with Nick and Ridley. She was holding her arms out to the side and looking down at her feet in terror.
“What happened?” Penny asked breathlessly, but as soon as the words left her mouth she saw the answer. There was a large wet stain on Raina’s leggings running all the way down her leg.
Matt followed her gaze and his hand tightened around Penny’s waist. “Whoa.”
Nick looked down too. “Raina?”
“My water just broke,” Raina commented needlessly.
By this time, everyone was clustered around them, and Eli had cut the music.
“Okay, it’s all going to be okay. We’re having a baby. We’re ready for this.” Nick pulled out his car keys and started running across the lawn. Everyone watched him in confusion.
“Nick!” Matt shouted. His friend skidded to a halt and glanced back. “I think you forgot something.” He pointed at Raina.
Nick’s skin took on an ashen hue. “Aw, hell. Sorry, baby.” He doubled back and took Raina’s arm gently.
A tall, light-skinned man stepped out of the crowd. “Raina, take deep breaths. Are you having contractions?”
Raina shook her head. “Well, I’ve been having those weird things where my stomach gets all tight for the last hour. But those aren’t real contractions. They’re just the fake ones, right?”
“Braxton Hicks. Yes, those are very common leading up to the birth. But in some cases, what feels like Braxton Hicks can be real contractions. Which is definitely the case since your water broke. We need to get you to the hospital. Who’s your doctor?”
“Dr. Waters,” Nick answered.
“I’ll call her and let her know you’re on your way in.” He pulled out a cell phone and started dialing.
“Who is that?” Penny whispered to Matt.
“That’s one of their cousins. Grant, I think.”