Too Strong: Hayes Brothers Book 4 by I. A. Dice

Author:I. A. Dice [Dice, I. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-04-24T16:00:00+00:00

SIXTEEN

Conor

MY PHONE PINGS when I get into my car outside college. Cody and Colt left a moment ago, but I’m still digging through my jam-packed trunk, looking for my jacket.

It’s too chilly today. December’s barely started, and already no longer t-shirt-only weather.

I finally find it, rolled into a ball under a case of beer at the very back of the trunk. It looks like something a dog chewed up and spat out, creased in every direction.

It’s too cold to care.

I slam the trunk, not wanting to stare at the mess there any longer. I should probably clean it out one day before rats start nesting in the bags of Halloween decorations. Well, not decorations, mostly trash—cobwebs, paper bats, lanterns... even a few destroyed cardboard tombstones.

I jump behind the wheel and open the Hayes brothers’ group chat, surprised I’m the first to see Theo’s message. Everyone else must be either working or driving.

Theo: Water broke. Pick up Ares. Talk later.

His messages are usually the longest, but given the circumstances, I’m not surprised he kept the word count to a minimum. I bet he’s having a coronary, fussing around Thalia, and panicking they won’t reach the hospital on time.

Me: Deep breaths, bro. You’ve got this. Keep us posted. I’m on my way to grab Ares.

Another message arrives as I’m about to lock the screen.

Logan: Breathe with her. DON’T FAINT, and remember she’s the one in pain, so don’t be a fucking pussy.

Nico: Call me if you need a punching bag, errand boy, or anything else.

Theo’s not reading this, probably halfway to the hospital by now, talking Thalia through her contractions. I tuck my phone away, ignoring the new messages, and dial Vee’s number as I pull out of the parking space.

“Hey,” she whispers, “I’m still at work. Can I call you back?”

“I’ll make it quick. I’m picking you up after your shift, and we’re going to the beach. You got a jacket with you, or should I grab you a hoodie? It’s cold today.”

“Yes, I have a jacket.”

“Good. I’ll see you in half an hour.”

She whispers “Bye,” then cuts the call at the same time I hear an overdoor bell sound in the background.

Ten minutes later, Ares almost tackles me to the ground as I enter Theo and Thalia’s house. He’s whining, jumping, trying to lick my face off, clearly confused about what’s happening.

The house looks mostly intact, but it’s lucky I came. Soup simmers on a low heat, the air tinged with the mouth-watering smell of manestra: a tomato and orzo soup. Probably my favorite Greek dish from everything Thalia makes.

Looks like she was making dinner when labor started.

A puddle on the kitchen floor proves me correct. She spilled water or tea, I tell myself, mopping it up. I turn the hob off, put ingredients for what looks like a roast back in the fridge, and load the dishwasher. Once nothing seems out of place, I open the cabinet where they store Ares’s food.

“Wow, your mommy was ultra-prepared for this, wasn’t she?” I pat Ares on the head, rummaging through an overnight bag she prepared with essentials.

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