Adrift: Book Two of The Crashing Tides Duet

by Ruby Rowe

  She smiles. “I’m sorry. I’ll be your workout buddy once you’re up to it.” Grabbing her hand, I bury my chin against my chest and groan.

  “Jake–Elliott, someone, get over here,” she adds. Jake beats Elliott to the punch, and I grip both his and Nicole’s hands. As Jake rubs my back, I feel hot all over, and before I can ask for one, Elliott’s covering my forehead with a wet washcloth.

  “Thank you.”

  “No problem.”

  “We’ve got this,” I murmur.

  “Yeah, Sailor Girl, we’ve got this.”

  Elliott

  Before I had cancer, my empathy toward my patients was superficial, but not anymore. It runs so damn deep now. Every day, I struggle not to join them in their pain.

  I also used to think there were scientific reasons for what others believed were miracles. That changed one minute ago when my baby girl let out her first wail.

  Science explains how my sperm fertilized Sailor’s egg, but the fact that this tiny, perfect being is the result of that process is a miracle in my eyes. Speaking of eyes, I have to peel mine away from Payton while she rests on Sailor’s chest.

  I’m given the honor of cutting the umbilical cord, and afterward, I stare in awe at Jake, Nicole and Sailor as they shed tears for our baby.

  We did it. The four of us. We fought cancer and won, we adjusted to living under the same roof, and now we’ve brought a life into this world.

  And … there are two more monumental events taking place this year. Nicole and I are getting married on November 3rd, during a private ceremony, and Jake and Sailor will wed on December 22nd.

  They’re having the elaborate, magical wedding Sailor dreamed of at Jake’s favorite time of year. Her dad is even walking her down the aisle. That was an important fence I was happy to see mended.

  I’m still fighting to get healthy. I only recently returned to work, I still fatigue easily, and I’m struggling to put on weight, but I count my blessings every day.

  Nicole and I are golden, happier than I could’ve dreamed, and she and Sailor get along great. The only issue we need to work out is our future living arrangements.

  The condo isn’t large enough, but the four of us don’t want to be apart, so I came up with the perfect solution. Now, I need to tell Jake and Sailor about it.

  Jake

  As Sailor sleeps late into the night, Elliott, Nicole and I take turns holding Payton Rebecca Calli Roberts. Along with having part of my awesome last name, she has Sailor’s raven hair. Her facial features remind me more of Elliott’s, and her body’s long like his, too.

  All eight pounds of her fits perfectly in my arms, and while she’s this cute and quiet, it’s going to be hard to share her. I should’ve known my best friend and I would still find a way to fight over a girl.

  “I figured out a solution to our housing dilemma,” Elliott says. He’s still in his scrubs with his hands laced behind his head. It’s good to see more muscle tone on his arms and less darkness surrounding his eyes.

  “What’s that?”

  “I talked to the owner of our building. I didn’t know, but he leases the other condo on our floor, and the tenants are moving. I offered him a price he couldn’t refuse.

  “We could open it up to our place, giving us the whole floor. We’ll remodel, making it one enormous space, yet we’ll each have our own kitchens, baths, living rooms, etc. Our kids will literally be able to run back and forth between the two.”

  “Real estate is scarce and astronomical in the Village. I can’t imagine what that will cost.”

  “If Sailor and I split it, we can afford it. I think our parents would insist on pitching in, too. Nicole and I want this, so I hope you won’t make a big deal about the financial aspect of it.”

  I look at Nicole, and she smiles. “I think it’s a wonderful idea, Jake. We could even make some communal areas if we wanted, like one spacious rec room or one large kitchen. Those are only ideas, but I see so much potential. We’d have plenty of room for more kids, and Payton would never have to be passed between two homes.”

  After staring at their excited faces a few seconds, I grin.

  “I love it. I know Sailor will, too.”

  Sailor

  Christmas Day

  I look around the family room of Jake’s parents’ home, and as the chatter of loved ones fills my ears, my heart becomes as toasty as the nearby fireplace.

  Nicole holds Payton next to me on the couch, and Maddie leans over to grin at her. Staring back with curiosity in her sapphire eyes, my baby girl gnaws on her stuffed penguin’s arm.

  “My little cousin is getting so, so big,” Madeline says.

  “She sure is. Before long, you’ll be able to teach her things,” I reply.

  Maddie points to her own chest. “I’m going to be a teacher like you.”

  “Yep. Now, am I supposed to open this gift?”

  Even though I’m not teaching Maddie any longer, I think I’m still her favorite person. Well, that’s if Elliott’s not around. She’s smitten with her uncle.

  “Saaaailor, open my present.”

  I laugh. “You mean my present.”

  “You know what I mean.” Maddie stomps twice in her black patent leather shoes. After shredding the wrapping paper, so she’ll laugh, I wad it up and pull the lid off the box.

  “Awww, Mads, I love it.” I admire the 4 x 6 framed photo of Maddie, Jake and me at our reception three days ago.

  “I knew you would. You can put it in your suitcase and take it with you on your honey–honeymoon to Bolognes.” Laughter from everyone joins our party. “What’s so funny?”

  “It’s Belize, sweetie, and I promise to take it with me tomorrow.” Lifting her chin, she smiles proudly. “Can you do something for me?” I ask.

  “Yeah, what?”

  Reaching over the arm of the couch, I pick up the small, wrapped clothing box.

  “Will you please give this to Uncle Jake? It’s a special gift.”

  “Sure.” Swiping it from my hands, she skips across the room.

  “What’s this?” he asks.

  “It’s from Sailor. It’s an extra-special present.” She grins back at me like only we know the secret, except she’s rubbing her hands together as she waits anxiously to see what’s inside. Jake opens the box and picks up a baby onesie. He holds it up...

  “I Watch Football With Daddy,” he says, reading the front of it. After examining it thoroughly, and showing it to Elliott next to him, he looks at me with a perplexed expression. “Payton’s chubby, doll. I hate to break it to you, but she’s not gonna fit in this tiny thing.”

  “It’s not for Payton.”

  He stares at me a few seconds with his mouth agape.

  “Are you…?”

  Biting the corner of my lip, I feel the flush to my cheeks as everyone waits in silence.

  “Barely, but yes.”

  The tears crowd Jake’s eyes, and as he half laughs and half cries, he jumps to his feet to give me a hug. While in his embrace, I listen to everyone’s awwws.

  “Babe, I’m so happy right now. It happened fast.”

  “I know. We’re going to have our hands full.” Letting me go, he wipes his eyes.

  “What’s going on?” Maddie asks.

  “Just don’t tell my parents we stopped using birth control before the wedding. I don’t think they could handle finding out I was knocked up a third time out of wedlock.”

  “I want to be knocked up,” Maddie says. As everyone gasps, Jake furrows his brow and looks down at her.

  “No, you do not, and don’t ever say that again. You’re also never allowed to date anyone named Atticus or Miles. Got it?”

  She scrunches her nose. “Ewww, Miles in my class is gross. He eats his boogers.”

  “All boys do. Remember that. You never want to date any of them.”

  “Jake,” Marcy scolds as laughter lingers in the room. Pulling me into his arms again, Jake hugs me snugly. I look over at Elliott, a
nd he gives me a thumbs up, along with an approving smile, assuring me that we’ve got this, too.

  The remodel of our village will be finished in two months, and we’ll soon add a new member to our tribe. The unique life we share is chaotic, and some even find it abnormal, but Jeanine said it best many months ago at the hospital…

  Our souls choose whom to love. It would be a dishonor to put stipulations on such an extraordinary decision.

  END NOTES

  Thank you for reading Adrift (Book Two of The Crashing Tides Duet). I hope you’ll check out other novels by Ruby Rowe, along with her Ruby Romp novellas.

  Keep up with release information at www.rubyrowe.com. You can also follow Ruby on Amazon, BookBub, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

  I have a reader group on Facebook called Ruby's Rompers. I’d love for you to join! Members get the inside scoop on all my work.

  Lastly, I’d greatly appreciate it if you would leave me ratings or reviews. Thank you!

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Patrick, you’ve been my anchor for twenty-three years and counting. You keep me grounded, and show me immense love and support, so thank you. I love you more every day.

  Members of Ruby’s Rompers, I am grateful for your support and friendship. I’m a lucky girl to have readers who are willing to chat with me daily about my books. I hope you’ll continue to be a part of my group.

  Readers, thank you for checking out my books! I’d love to hear your feedback and find out what kind of stories you’re interested in.

  Bloggers, I wish I could give each of you a hug. Thank you for reading and promoting my books!

  Beta readers, your feedback and friendships are invaluable! Nikki Cherniak, Rachael Leissner, Jamie Mounts, Tracy Ann Murray, Karina Wade and Samantha Wiley, thank you so much for your help!

  Nikki Cherniak, thank you for editing Adrift. I’m still in awe of your patience and knowledge. It’s been wonderful working with you!

  Jo-Anna at Just write. Creations, thank you for creating the beautiful cover. You always produce fantastic work!

  To those who leave reviews, thank you. Good or bad, they’re important for both readers and authors.

  Happy Reading!

  Ruby