Chapter 18 #2
“I'm shocked Owen isn’t here yet,” I murmur as I open the takeout containers to see which is which.
Cici snags a chimichanga with a big smile on her face. Cord takes the chicken fajita and Macy insists she’ll eat whatever’s left over and I should pick my food first. I happily take the beef fajitas and settle back in a chair to eat.
The door bursts open a few minutes later and Owen’s standing in the doorway.
“Where’s my little grandson?” He heads straight over to Macy and tries to take Emmett out of her hands. She holds him out of reach and scowls up at Owen.
“Excuse me! This is my baby and you didn’t even ask if you could hold him.”
“Macy, could I please hold Emmett?”
“No.” She keeps her chin held high and pinches her lips together to keep from laughing as Owen’s face morphs into utter confusion.
“What do you mean, no?”
“You didn’t even ask me how I was. That’s not very kind to ignore the woman who just pushed a baby out of her.”
Owen blows out a long breath and stares up at the ceiling like he’s praying for patience. Before he can say anything, Carrie slips between him and Macy.
“Hey, sweetie. How are you feeling?”
“I'm doing great, Mom. This kid basically fell out as soon as we got here.” She smiles up at Carrie, making Owen even more annoyed. “Would you like to hold him?”
“I’d love to.” Carrie smirks as she takes Emmett and cradles him in her arms.
She moves away from Owen, chuckling at how annoyed he is that she got to hold their grandson first.
“You’re a brat, you know that?” He settles on the edge of Macy’s bed and wraps an arm around her shoulders.
“Yup! And you’re a bosshole who forgets I'm not your employee right now. Speaking of which… I think my maternity leave needs to start tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I could’ve assumed that.” He chuckles and kisses her cheek. “You did good, mama. He’s adorable.”
“Of course he is. He’s half me.” She rolls her eyes, but she can’t hide the proud smile pulling up her lips.
“Congratulations, son.” Owen stands and wraps Cord in a hug.
“Thanks, Dad.”
I tune them all out as I turn my attention to Cici. She’s watching her family with so much happiness. I can tell she really wants this one day. A family of her own to love and care for. I wonder how that will fit into her running Scott, Powell, and Coleman.
“How are you doing, sweetheart?” I watch her carefully. There are bags under her eyes and she looks like she’s barely keeping her eyes open, but she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.
“I'm exhausted,” she admits. “I'm thankful Emmett decided to make a quick entrance; I don’t think I would’ve been able to stay awake through the night.”
“When you’re finished eating, I’ll take you home.” I squeeze her knee.
“Ok. I want to snuggle the baby more though.” She smiles as Owen steals Emmett from Carrie and starts cooing at him.
“It’s so weird seeing him as a grandpa,” I whisper. “I know him as this tough, but fair boss. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an amazing boss and I wouldn’t want to work for anyone else, but I just can’t imagine him like this.” I motion to Owen.
“He’s always been like that with us.” She smiles softly. “He’s the world’s best dad and I have no doubt he’ll be the world’s best grandpa.”
“Of course I’ll be the best grandpa,” Owen coos to Emmett. “I’ll make sure you always want to hang out with me.”
“Macy, when is your dad coming to visit?” Carrie asks in her motherly tone. I have no doubt she was an amazing mom too. Cord and Cici hit the jackpot when it comes to parents.
“Oh, he’s actually visiting my brother and his family.
He said he would leave right away, but I told him to stay and enjoy his time with them.
He was planning on coming home tomorrow anyway.
He lives a lot closer to us so he gets to see us so much more.
I’m sure Liam and Miranda will be visiting soon though. ”
“Aunt Logan, Uncle Parker, Aunt Avery, and Uncle Luke all said to let them know when you want visitors. They want to give you some time to relax, but they’re also excited to storm the maternity floor.” Cici chuckles when she reads the text message.
She yawns for the third time in the last five minutes and I know it’s time to go. I don’t think she’ll pull herself away from her family though.
“C’mon, Aunt Cici. I think it’s time to get you home and to bed.” I stand and hold out my hand to her.
Owen watches us carefully, but he doesn’t say a word. I'm not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. I have a feeling he’ll be keeping an eye on me though.
Cici takes my hand and after we say goodbye to everyone, I lead her out of the hospital and through the parking garage. By the time she climbs into the passenger’s seat, her eyes are heavy.
“Close your eyes while I drive us home.” I steal a quick kiss before I shut her door and rush around to my side of the car.
I don’t bother trying to talk to her on the short drive home. She’s exhausted and doesn’t need mindless chatter. I'm ok with the silence. I just like being with her.
When I pull into the garage, I glance over at Cici and find her sound asleep. Instead of waking her up, I unlock the door to the house, then carefully unbuckle her seatbelt and lift her into my arms.
“Covey?” She whispers as her eyes flutter, but still don’t open.
“I’ve got you, sweetheart.”
She rests her head against my chest and doesn’t even try to fight me. I make my way through the house and carefully place her in the center of the bed. After tugging her shoes off, I press one more kiss to her forehead. I'm about to walk out of her room when she stirs slightly.
“Thank you, Covey,” she whispers sleepily.
“You’re welcome. Get some sleep and I’ll see you in the morning.”