London Falling (Falling #2)(40)
Dean was laughing at something Hank said about the upcoming wedding, his blue aura consistently gleaming. Out of the entire group, Dean was the most centered and cool-headed. It was interesting to see him and Oliver react to one another because Ollie was so eccentric, boisterous and downright jolly. His aura shined silver like a fine metallic sterling. He was in his full mama-bear state, sitting close to Aspen while touching Dean. He was a nurturer by nature and this baby gave him an opportunity to experience life being brought into the world, something his own relationship choices would likely not offer him.
Parenthood was an option if they had a surrogate. As far as I knew they weren’t planning a family but I’m certain Aspen having one was going to give Oliver the baby bug. Hopefully, he’d get his fill through her child.
“So Aspen, have you and Hank thought of any baby names yet?” Emma sat down between Collier and Dean.
Hank grinned and Aspen perked up excitedly. “Not really. The only thing we’ve been able to agree on is that the name will start with the letter H.”
“Why’s that?” Emma took a sip of her wine.
“Hank’s Father, Brother, and two nephews all have H names. We want to continue that with our child.”
“What if it’s not a boy?” I asked.
Aspen shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. Hank and I like tradition. Though Hank would be fine with a Hank Jr. of course.” She rolled her eyes as he slid his arm around her shoulder lovingly, a huge smile planted on his rugged face.
“H for healthy is all I’m concerned about, Angel,” he said, kissing her temple. She nuzzled into his kiss.
“Is there something we should be worried about?” I asked, immediately concerned. Oliver perked up and grabbed Aspen’s hand.
“Not a one. Our little lemon is just fine!” Hank added proudly.
“Lemon?” I asked.
My sister grinned. “He’s referring to the baby’s size. According to the growth chart, the baby at fourteen weeks is the size of a lemon. It’s endless entertainment for Hank. He actually tells me each morning how much the baby has grown, what new thing with my body I should expect to be feeling. And weekly, he humors me with what size the baby is compared to food.” She shakes her head and grins.
“Those daily emails are perfect. Just what you need to keep you up-to-date. A man doesn’t need to be told what’s happening with his baby. He should already know.” Hank’s chest puffed up a bit as he placed a protective hand over Aspen’s stomach.
“Let me get this straight, mate. You get emails telling you about your wife’s pregnancy every day?” Nate asked while he leaned against Emma’s chair from behind.
“That’s right. My baby, my fiancée, my family. Not going to be blindsided by nothin’. And I’m completely fascinated by the entire process. Her body is incredible and sexy as hell!” He nuzzled my sister’s neck and kissed the ball of her shoulder.
“You’re whipped!” Nate pointed at Hank and everyone sitting at the table laughed.
Hank shrugged and pulled Aspen closer to him. “Don’t care,” Hank answered with all the confidence in the world. Truly, the macho thing did come naturally to Hank, especially considering his old-fashioned upbringing. When it came to anything related to my sister, he was all in.
“Well, I think it’s fantastic. A man should want to know about his child. So many children don’t have a loving father. Hank, I think you’re better than most men,” I added with meaning. I truly was proud of the relationship Aspen had with Hank. He seemed to care only for her and their happiness.
“Now what about the wedding? That’s in two or three weeks?” Nate asked and sat in his chair.
“Honestly, I’m not doing much,” Aspen responded. “The wedding planner and Hank’s family are taking care of most of the arrangements. With Bright Magazine releasing in January, the baby due in May and Hank’s business expansion to New York…” She sighed heavily. “…we’re crammed with activity. Not to mention how crazy we are for getting married the week before Thanksgiving during winter in Texas.”
“Angel, we’re lucky that we’re having an unusually warm winter this year. ‘Sides, we’ll be doing all of it in the heated tents. It’s going to be fine. Come rain, snow or shine, I’m marrying you in a couple weeks.” Hank smiled so wide his grin almost looked manic.
I remember that kind of love. I had that with James. It’s times like these, when something life changing occurs, that I miss his presence the most. He would have been delighted to see Aspen so happy. He always thought she took life too seriously and lived to work, not worked to live. Yes, James would have approved wholeheartedly in Hank and Aspen. Hank was the opposite of Aspen in all the ways that didn’t matter. The things they have in common, their core values, their love of good food, books, work ethic and deep friendships are a perfect foundation for a happy long life.
“Y’all are coming out to Texas, right? We’ve got room in Aspen’s jet for a whole basketball team.”
I waited, holding my breath while Collier looked at me, held my eyes and responded to Hank’s question. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
I closed my eyes knowing that no matter what I did to avoid him this week, including bailing on our date, he was going to find me and I was going to cave. It was too hard not to when his arms and warmth surrounded me.