Hailey's Truth Read Free Page B

vacations. She’d been a bridesmaid in their late-summer wedding. She was always made to feel as if she belonged. For that she owed Ethan and Sarah everything.
    “You’re excellent with Kylee and she loves you. We all do. As far as I’m concerned, you’re priceless.” Sarah jumped slightly, smiled. “Emma’s awake.”
    “Can I feel?”
    Sarah took Hailey’s hand, pressed her palm to her stomach. Emma jabbed and kicked about.
    Hailey grinned, thrilled, fascinated. “Was that a foot, an elbow, or a knee?”
    “I think a foot.” Sarah beamed.
    Hailey felt the jab again and yearned to know the joy of a life growing inside her, to know the bond a mother feels for her child—or most mothers, anyway. “She’s spunky. Emma’s gonna give us a run for our money.”
    “I think you might be right. She is a Cooke after all.” Sarah chuckled.
    “Hey, I heard that.” Ethan entered the room, sweaty in his workout clothes. “Wow, look at all the loot.” He walked over, pressed a kiss to the top of Sarah’s head. “Did you have fun?”
    “Yes, I did. Did you, Austin, and Hunter enjoy punching each other?”
    “Boxing each other,” Ethan corrected. “And yes, we did. I’m just sorry Morgan and Hunter had to leave so quickly. I owe him a right hook to the jaw.” He gave his own jaw a testing wiggle as he smoothed a hand over his chin.
    “Where’s Austin?”
    That’s what Hailey wanted to know. It never sucked to get a good look at Austin Casey. His tall, powerful build, strong square chin, and firm lips on a killer face gave her heart a solid pitter-pat every time. Not only was Austin a hottie, but he was teddy bear-sweet with just a hint of bad boy to keep things interesting—a lethal combination in her mind.
    He walked through the doorway, brown hair damp from a shower. “Hey, Sarah. Hey, Hailey.”
    A slow smile spread across his face, and, as predicted, Hailey’s heart gave a good solid thwack against her ribs as butterflies danced in her stomach. She brushed a hand against her tummy, trying to quiet the flutter. “Hey,” she said casually as she reached for the black trash bag and stood.
    Hailey had known him over three years, had spent weeks with him behind the walls of Ethan’s estate during Sarah’s nightmare stalker experience, yet Austin never failed to tie her stomach into knots when he grinned at her like that. Instead of standing and staring like an idiot, she stooped forward, snatched up more pieces of baby shower confetti, sneaking glances at his dark green eyes. She loved the color, could look into them for hours. They reminded her of a forest of pine trees.
    “Wow.” Austin scanned the room, whistling through his teeth. “I think Emma has everything she’ll need.”
    “And then some,” Sarah said, smiling.
    He leaned in and kissed Sarah’s cheek. “How are you feeling?”
    “Like I’m ready to have this baby. How’s your sister? The stork is circling around her place these days, too.”
    “Actually, my mom called an hour ago. Christie went into labor. I should be an uncle again by tomorrow morning.”
    “Don’t make me hate her, Austin.” Although Sarah’s tone sounded serious, humor brightened her pretty blue eyes.
    “Emma will be here before you know it,” he reassured her.
    “You’re very sweet. Do you want some cake?”
    He eyed the remains of the two-tiered work of art. “It’s tempting, but I’ve gotta run. I told my mom I’d give my great aunt a ride to the airport. She’s getting too old to drive, and I don’t want her on a bus or taxi.”
    Hailey all but melted as she walked to the kitchen for plastic wrap and a plate. How could she resist a man who worried about little old ladies? She hurried back, cut a huge section of pink fondant ribbon and white cake, wrapped it, and handed it off to Austin. “Here you go. I would hate to see this go to waste. I’m pretty sure Wren drove the baker crazy concocting this design.” Their fingers brushed as he took