Abby suspected Joe would’ve been happy to leave the shower to Janey and the women, but he knew better than to say so. As one of the hostesses, Abby helped Maddie and Laura with the food and drinks, and then sat next to Janey to record who each gift was from so Janey could write thank-you notes.

With the exception of Joe, who sat dutifully next to his wife as she opened their gifts, the guys retreated to the kitchen, where Mac had stashed a case of cold beer. They occasionally shouted ball-busting words of encouragement to Joe, who replied with a raised middle finger each time.

“Joseph,” his mother said sternly after the third such incident sent the guys into hysterics, “you need to set a better example for your child.”

The comment earned her a middle finger from her son, which made everyone laugh—no one more so than Carolina.

Abby’s laughter died on her lips when Adam strolled in through the sliding door from the deck, wearing a sharp navy pinstripe suit with a light blue dress shirt that was open at his throat.

His mother jumped up to greet him with a hug. “Adam! I thought you weren’t going to make it.”

He returned his mother’s hug, but over her shoulder, he sought out Abby. “I was able to get free sooner than expected. Slim flew me over.”

“We’re so happy you could make it,” Janey said, waddling over to hug her brother.

He kissed her cheek. “Wouldn’t have missed it, brat.”

Since it was a complete surprise to her that he was due home, Abby’s entire body felt like it was on fire as he trained his intense gaze on her. It was all she could do to keep track of the gifts as Janey opened them when she wanted to run to him and hug him and kiss him and tell him how much she’d missed him.

And she’d missed everything about him. The sound of his voice, the scent of his cologne, the brush of his whiskers against her cheek, the soft slide of his lips, the rippled muscles on his belly—

“Abby?” Maddie’s voice jolted her out of her thoughts about Adam. “Did you get that one? The tub and bath products from Francine and Ned?”

“Yes, right.” Her face flamed with embarrassment when she realized all eyes were on her, including Adam’s. His small smile told her he knew he’d rattled her by showing up unexpectedly.

“Need a break?” Laura asked.

“Of course not. I’ve got this.”

An hour had never passed more slowly. Janey oohed and aahed over every tiny article of clothing and each piece of equipment. How one baby could need so much stuff was beyond Abby. The whole time, she wanted to urge Janey to hurry up.