Rich sat on the other side of our mother. “Nothing is going to happen. Please stop getting worked up, she’s in good hands.”
My mother nodded and wiped a tear from her cheek. When she turned and looked at me, I found myself holding my breath.
“How are things with Kynslee? Are you getting to know each other again? I know she missed you something fierce. You two were always like peas and carrots.”
I smiled. “Things are going good, Momma. It’s been nice being back home and spending time with her.”
Something caught my mother’s eye, and she stood quickly. Rich and I followed her lead.
“How is she? Please tell me they’re both okay!” my mother said as she rushed over to who I was guessing was Lana’s doctor.
The elevator door dinged open, and I turned to see Kynslee walking out, carrying a tray of coffee and a bag of food. She slowed down, obviously not wanting to intrude, but I motioned for her to come over. I needed her by my side. When she stopped next to me, I wrapped my arm around her small waist. I felt the shiver of her body from my touch, and it sent a wave of hopefulness through me. The mix of emotions I was feeling nearly left me lightheaded.
“Both mom and baby girl are fine.”
My entire body relaxed with relief. My mother started to cry, and Kynslee was clearly holding back her own tears.
“The baby is in the NICU, and Lana is in recovery.”
My mother gasped. “The NICU! What is wrong with her?”
The doctor gave my mother a reassuring look while Kynslee put everything she had been carrying down on a table and took Mom’s hands.
“She had a bit of trouble breathing, which is to be expected with the stressful delivery and being a few weeks early. Other than that, she is doing beautifully. I don’t expect her to be in the NICU for very long.”
“Thank God,” we all said at the same time.
“Do we know when Bob will be here?” the doctor asked.
“He hasn’t texted yet that he landed, but he was able to get onto a flight quickly, so I’m guessing he should be landing in San Antonio soon,” Rich stated.
The doctor nodded. “Good. Once Lana is feeling like she can move, I’ll have her nurse bring her in to see the baby.”
My mother sank down into a chair and buried her face.
I sat down next to her and wrapped my arm around her.
“They’re both okay, Miles. They’re okay,” she cried as she rested her head on my shoulder.
“Shh, don’t cry, Momma. Please don’t cry.”
Lifting my head, my gaze caught Kynslee’s. She wiped a tear from her cheek, then turned and grabbed a coffee, handing it to Rich. She said something to him as she pointed to the bag. Then she smiled at me and lifted her hand to wave.
I went to stand, but she shook her head and mouthed goodbye. Before I could even attempt to move my mother, Kynslee was at the elevator, disappearing behind the doors as I tried to ignore the emptiness in my chest as she left.
Kynslee
A WEEK HAD passed since Lana delivered her baby girl, who they named Wanda, after Lana’s grandmother. The baby still wasn’t home, but she was growing stronger and had been taken off of oxygen two days ago. I hadn’t seen or heard from Miles since the hospital, besides a text or two to tell me about the baby or something going on at the farm. It was clear we were back to the best friend vibe. I tried not to let it bother me, but deep down it did. I had replayed our conversation from our last date over and over in my head, and I was positive Miles was avoiding me now. Or, I was being ridiculous and way overthinking everything? Either could be right.
But something was going on with him, and I was hell bent on finding out what it was.
The door to The Mercantile chimed, and I glanced up to see Miles walking in. My breath stalled, and my stomach dropped at the sight of him. How had I gone so long without seeing him? How did I survive twelve years without him in my life?
Miles smiled when our eyes met, and I was positive I felt my knees actually wobble.
Damn you, Miles, for making me feel this way with a simple smile.
“Hey, Kyns.”
His nonchalant attitude hit me the wrong way, which wasn’t anything abnormal these days. The man drove me crazy in all sorts of ways. Anger pulsed through my body, but I managed to push it down. I wasn’t even sure why in the hell I was mad. That’s how insane the man made me.
“Miles. What can I do for you?”
He leaned over the counter. The way his eyes roamed over my body made my insides clench. I tilted my head and pretended it had zero effect. Guess the best friend vibe had ratcheted up to the friends with benefits vibe.