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“Hey, baby. I’m almost home. I’m just leaving the airport. Should be at the truck in ten minutes tops.”

“I don’t think…” I hear her sharp intake of breath and then there are voices in the background. I don’t hear Dylan’s voice for another forty seconds. “I don’t think you’re going to make it.” The last of her words are said on a sob and I want nothing more than to be right where she is, holding her tight through the contractions that are obviously stealing her fight.

“Listen, Dylan,” I say, moving as quickly as I can, “don’t push yourself, baby. If you’ve gotta push, you push. Do what’s best for you and that boy. I’ll be home soon.”

“But I want you—”

“I know, baby. I want to be there too.” Fuck, my eyes are starting to burn. “God, I want to be there. But don’t do anything dumb. If Crystal tells you to push, you push. You got that?”

“Yeah.” I can tell she’s crying now and my heart is shattering.

“I’m almost there. I’ll be home soon. You’ve got this.” Then, because I think she needs the push, I utter three words for the very first time. “I love you.”

***

I don’t even bother with the garage when I get to the complex. I park right out front of the lobby. The staff knows my truck now—I even have my own parking space in the garage now—and while I know it’s a thirty-minute spot, I trust they won’t have me towed.

I race into the lobby, where Denise, one of the leasing agents, smiles and waves. “Welcome back, Cade. How’s Dylan?”

I keep walking, but still respond to her. “She’s having him, Denise. I’ve gotta run.”

Lucky bastard that I sometimes am, the elevator doors slide open just as I push the button.

“Congratulations, daddy!” Denise calls after me as I step inside.

Once the doors shut, her words sink in.

And I smile.

Because while I may not be the baby’s sperm donor, and even though the time isn’t right at this moment, I will do everything in my power to be this little boy’s father.

To call his mother my wife.

Someday.

Someday soon.

The elevator takes for-fucking-ever to reach my floor, but as soon as it does, I’m racing down the hall to the third of four apartments on this floor. I burst into the space, but they’re nowhere to be found.

Then Charleigh is peeking around the corner.

“You didn’t make it.” Her face is deadpanned, and I feel my heart fall. I knew it wasn’t likely, but fuck, I wanted to be here.

Then my friend smiles. “God, you’re so fucking easy today, Cade. Hurry up. You’re just in time.”