Page 153 of Halo

“That doesn’t make her any less my favorite.”

Rachel smiles and reaches over to smooth a hand over the baby’s back. “What are you doing for the rest of the day?”

“I was planning to head back to the hospital.” I glance at my phone. “Nick hasn’t texted me back, though. I don’t want to just show up if he and Grady are sleeping or dealing with doctors or something.”

“Maybe you should give him some space.”

I narrow my eyes

“What? I’m just saying, yesterday was a lot. It sounds like Grady's mother is bonkers. Grady might need some alone time with just Nick. And vice versa..”

“Maybe.” I glance at my phone again. “But I left him a note saying I'd be back. Plus … it's not like him to not text me during the day.”

An abrupt pounding at the front door makes both of us jump and startles Chloe against my chest.

“Good grief.” I cradle the baby closer. “Who is trying to knock the door down?”

Rachel and I stare at each other as another round of knocking rattles the front door.

“Do you want me to get it?” I ask.

“No.” Rachel pushes herself off the couch, one hand braced against her stomach. “You stay with her. I’ve got it.”

She disappears into the entryway, and a moment later, the door opens. I can’t make out what’s being said, only the low murmur of Rachel’s voice.

I shift Chloe against my chest and step closer to the foyer, finally making out Rachel’s hushed voice.

“You need to go. This is between you and Matt, and you showing up here—”

“Where is?”

I freeze.

I know that voice—only … it's so pained and rough and … something else.

I open the door wider, and oh … My handsome man looks terrible. His eyes are red, his face blotchy and tear-stained. His hair is standing on end like he’s been dragging his hands through it for hours.

“Hey.” I quickly pass the baby to Rachel and reach for him. “What’s wrong? What happened—?”

Nick jerks away as if I might burn him.

“Did you know, too?”

My hand hangs between us as I frown. “Know what?”

His eyes search my face. “Were you in on this too, Leah?”

“In on what? Nick, I … don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He lets out a bitter laugh and turns away. He curses under his breath, shaking his head.

“Nick!”

I look back at Rachel, expecting her to be as confused as I am, but the tears gathering in her eyes stop me.

“What is he talking about?”

She presses her lips together.