There was nothing like New Year’s Eve in the city.

I’d wrapped things up with my practice and was now living full-time on the island with Liam. He’d settled into his position with my security group perfectly – he’d settled into my life perfectly.

No. Our lives. We’d found each other somehow and had this amazing fit, and our lives were so much better for it.

But I did miss New York City, and when I’d suggested coming back here for New Year’s, Liam had been good with the idea.

Now, seated across from Liam in the limo, I leaned over and kissed him, my lips brushing over the stubble that darkened his jaw.

Kane and Raye were with us, and the two of them sat talking quietly as we whiled away the time. An engagement ring sparkled on Raye’s slim finger – I’d noticed it almost right away, and the moment they were settled in the limo, I’d had Liam open one of the bottles of champagne for a toast.

Jake and Michelle weren’t here. Michelle was due any day now, and she’d jokingly commented that knowing her luck, she’d end up in labor and we’d be trapped somewhere in the city, and a New York City police officer would have to deliver her baby.

I’ll pass on that…

I know Liam was hoping she’d have the baby before we headed back to the island in a couple of days.

We arrived at the address where the party was being held, but as the limo driver came around to open the door, both Raye and Liam got a text.

Raye beat Liam to the punch, squealing as she thrust the phone at Kane. “Michelle’s on her way to the hospital!”

I glanced up at the house, then smiled at Liam. “Which hospital?”

He told me, and I peered forward as the driver opened the door. “Change of plans,” I said. “A friend of ours is in labor, and we’d like to go to the hospital.”

The limo driver nodded and shut the door.

“We’re dressed pretty fancy for a night in the delivery ward,” Liam said, grinning at me.

I peered down at my feet and the four-inch heels I’d worn with my cocktail dress. “I think I’ll let you do my pacing for me.”

“Deal.” He leaned over and kissed me.

The drive to the hospital seemed to take forever, the driver navigating busy streets like a pro. We finally got there, and Liam opened the door, not waiting for the driver.

He held a hand out to me, still grinning.

“You look excited,” I told him.

“I am. I still can’t believe Jake is going to be a dad.”

Hooking my arm through his, I turned, and we waited for Raye and Kane to emerge from the limo.

We caught a few curious looks as we hurried inside.`

“I imagine Jake is still adjusting to the idea of fatherhood himself,” I said to Liam as we made our way up to the maternity floor.

“It’s a mind-boggling idea.”

As we slipped into the elevator, I looked at Liam. “What’s mind-boggling, Jake being a father or the idea of fatherhood itself?”

“Both.” He eyed me appraisingly. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while. It still boggles the mind.”

“You’re thinking about being a daddy?”

Funny, but I’d been thinking about parenthood myself the past few months. Michelle’s baby shower had really done me in, and I found myself thinking of little shoes and rocking chairs at odd, random moments.

Liam’s eyes held a gleam as they met mine. “It’s crossed my mind from time to time.”

“Funny…I’ve been having thoughts about being a mom cross my mind quite a bit lately.” I pressed a kiss to his cheek and whispered, “Maybe that’s a talk we should have.”

He slid his arm around my waist as the elevator doors opened and we all stepped out.

The maternity ward was brightly lit, and Liam stepped closer to the sign indicating which rooms were where. He pointed to the left. “Her room is down this way. So’s the waiting room.”

We settled into seats, and Liam sent a quick text to Jake, letting him know we were there.

Then he looked at me, a bemused smile on his lips.

“About that talk?” I said.

He leaned in and kissed me. “We can have that talk.”

He was still kissing me when Jake rushed into the room a few seconds later.

We broke apart as Jake hugged his sister, then turned to pull Liam into a quick hug too.

“It’s going to be a while.” A look that spoke of panic and excitement lit his eyes. “You all didn’t have to skip your party.”

“We’re where we want to be,” Liam told him.

I leaned against him and threaded my fingers through his.

He squeezed my hand and looked down at me. “Aren’t we?”

“No place else I’d rather be,” I agreed. And I wasn’t just talking about the hospital or the baby’s impending arrival.

Liam got it.

He gave me a quick kiss and pulled me into his arms for a hug.

“Happy New Year,” I whispered to him.

He whispered it back against my lips before kissing me.

No…there wasn’t any place else I’d rather be than right here with Liam.