“Shots and pelvic exams and IVs… Not what I expected today.”

Owen winced. “You got the full deal, huh?”

“They’re nothing if not thorough around here.”

“I’m glad you got checked out before we left and that you’re getting something for the nausea. I don’t know how much more of that I could’ve handled, so I can’t imagine how you must feel.”

“Life with me has been a real thrill ride, nothing but nonstop puking, breeding and breastfeeding.”

“That’s not what I meant,” he said with a chuckle as he kissed her. “I couldn’t bear to see you go through that, and PS, life with you is indeed a thrill ride. Every single day.”

“Sure it is.”

“Are you for real right now? Do you have any idea how thrilling it is for me to be able to look at that gorgeous face every day? To know this incredibly strong and resilient woman loves me enough to go through this to give me not just one baby but three? It’s a thrill ride, all right. The best ride I’ve ever been on in my life.”

Once again, she blinked furiously but couldn’t stop the tears.

He laughed as he brushed them away and then kissed her, consumed as always by the sweet taste of her lips. “Do you want me to call your dad and Shane?”

“No need for them to worry when you’re here with me.”

“I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere without you. Evan’s here, too, along with some extremely interesting family news that you’ll want to hear. Want me to get him?”

“Um, yeah. And hurry up about it.”

Cheered by her saucy reply, Owen left her to go get Evan. As long as she was okay, he was, too.

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

All day, as Janey took care of the baby and tended to a few chores around the house, she’d waited for him. During dinner with Joe, she’d expected to hear the doorbell followed by his booming voice calling her name. He would come. If she was certain of anything in her life, she knew he would come.

“You should call him,” Joe said quietly after they’d bathed P.J. and put him down for the night.

“I don’t have to.”

“You’re the one who left, Janey.”

“It doesn’t matter. He’ll come to me. I know he will.”

As she washed a few dishes, Joe put his arm around her. “I can do that. Why don’t you get off your feet?”

“I’m fine. It helps to keep busy.”

“You’re not fine. You don’t have to pretend with me.”

“What difference does it make if I admit I’m upset? Will that change anything? Will it make my dad less disappointed in me than he already is?”