43

XANDER

“I hear congratulations are in order,” I said as Lily and Kaiden came into River’s room.

She’d been given her own space now she was off most of the machines helping her breathe and regulate her body temperature.

“Thanks,” Kaiden said, keeping one hand on his fiancée.

Fuck. The pressure was on now. Once one guy in a friend group proposed the rest usually fell like dominoes. But we had our hands full with River. Weddings and all that other stuff could wait.

Peyton knew I loved her.

I didn’t need to put a ring on her finger to prove that.

“How’s she doing?” he asked, tipping his head toward where River slept peacefully.

“She’s a fighter.”

“She’s growing,” Lily said, going over to the bassinet.

“Yeah, she’s gained a few more ounces.”

“Where’s Peyton?”

“She’ll be—”

The door opened and Peyton came inside.

“You’re here.” She smiled. “Let me see.”

Lily held out her hand and the two of them gushed over the rather impressive ring on her finger.

“That signing bonus must have been pretty n