Reaching for a glass, I pour myself some water and down it in one go.
“You okay?” Ryker asks as he crouches next to my chair.
My lips curve up, and leaning over, I press a kiss to his mouth. “Yeah. Just tired. As soon as they’re done… with the speeches, I’ll come to sit by you.”
“Okay.” He reaches up and tucks some of my hair behind my ear.
Mom and Dad head our way, and Dad stops to talk to Ryker while Mom plops down next to me. “So, you and Ryker?”
My eyes lock on Mom’s, and smiling, I say, “Yeah, he’s… the one.”
Mom tilts her head. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
No, Momma. Far from.
I nod. “Just tired.”
She places her hand on mine and gives it a squeeze. “At least we can sit for a while now.”
With Mom holding my hand, my eyes go back to Ryker.
I have to tell him tonight.
I hear Ryker say, “Yes, Uncle Carter. Of course.”
“Stop grilling him,” I chuckle.
Dad shoots me a playful glare. “Just because he’s my best friend’s son doesn’t mean I’m going to take it easy on him.”
I begin to laugh, and then Christopher and Dash come into the hall. Everyone begins to cheer, and for the next hour, I get to relax as we listen to one speech after the other.
After Christopher and Dash open the dance floor, I watch as they walk to the stage. He taps on the microphone then says, “We have one last announcement to make, and then you can all enjoy the night.” Christopher waits until he has everyone’s attention, then he looks at Dash. “Ready?”
She nods, and then they both say, “We’re having a baby!”
My lips instantly curve into a happy smile, and I clap my hands along with everyone else.
Then reality hits.
Getting up, I quickly walk to where the restrooms are, and once I’m in a stall, my breaths begin to rush over my lips.
God, what if I don’t make it? What if I’m gone by the time their baby is born?
The thought sends a devastating ache through me, and I gasp as I fight to keep the tears back.
Calm down, Danny. You’re going to fight. You’ll still be here when their baby is born.
“Shh…” I grind my teeth as I fight for control over my rampant emotions. “Shh…”
It takes a couple of minutes for me to calm down, and then I suck in a deep breath, lifting my chin.
You’re going to congratulate them. You’re going to smile.
You can do this.
RYKER
My eyes are glued to Danny, where she laughs at something Dash just said.
Mom pats my leg, then says, “Go ask her to dance.”
I turn my head to Mom. “I’ll ask her in a minute. First, I want to dance with you.”
A smile spreads over Mom’s face as she gets up from the chair.
“Where are you going?” Dad asks her.
“To dance with our son, seeing as your butt is glued to the chair,” Mom sasses Dad.
Dad gets up and grabs hold of Mom’s hand. I let out a burst of laughter as he drags her to the dance floor. Turning my gaze back to Danny, I watch as Uncle Rhett pulls her close for a dance.
There’s a happy smile on Danny’s face, and I know it’s because of her godfather. He spins her suddenly, and she lets out a burst of laughter. “Uncle Ledge!”
A smile curves my lips. She’s always called him that, and I still don’t know why.
Uncle Rhett steers her in my direction, and I get up when they reach the table. Then his eyes lock with mine, and I know I’m in for another grilling session.
“So… Carter tells me you’re dating my princess?” he asks as he sits down. I wait for Danny to take a seat before I lower myself back to my chair.
Before I can answer, Danny says, “Don’t you start as well, Uncle Ledge.”
“Start what?” he asks her, a way too innocent expression on his face.
His eyes lock on me again, and it has me saying, “Yes, we’re dating. I’m serious about Danny. I love her. I’ll take good care of her,” I get through everything in one go.
Uncle Rhett begins to laugh. “I actually wanted to say congrats, but okay.”
I let out a burst of laughter. “Sure.”
Mom comes back to the table and sits down next to her brother. “Are you giving my son a hard time?”
“I wouldn’t dare,” Uncle Rhett grumbles.
Mom leans forward, looking at Danny. “You look beautiful, Danny.”
“Thanks, Aunt Mia.”
Danny looks a little nervous, and it has me reaching for her hand. I link my fingers with hers, and it earns me a smile.
Mom’s eyes narrow on Danny, and her smile begins to fade. It kicks my heartbeat up, but then Mom asks, “Is everything okay, Danny?”
My gaze instantly snaps to Danny’s face.
She just laughs the concern away. “Still recovering from the flu.”