Chapter 26

Chapter Twenty-Six

Jackson

I was packing up to head out from work when my cell phone rang. Allison. My heart accelerated. Last time she had called, it was because Russell was in her house. I hoped this time it was good news and not something else going wrong in her life.

“What’s up?” I answered, grabbing my gear and heading out to my truck with a quick wave goodbye to my coworkers.

“I’m so sorry to bother you,” she said, speaking quickly—and based on the tone of her voice, something was definitely wrong. “But I really need a favor. Are you busy right now?”

“You’re never a bother,” I said. “And I’m just walking out from work. What do you need?”

“Could you swing by Bob’s Market and pick up two grocery orders for me? They’re already paid for and bagged, ready to go. One is mine. One is Trudy Hamilton’s. She went into labor at the store. I’m driving her home.”

“To Trudy’s house, you mean?”

“Yes.” Allison’s voice was pinched, like she didn’t approve. “Fiona’s her midwife.”

“Got it.” I opened the truck door and tossed my stuff onto the passenger’s seat. “I know where she lives. I’ll grab everything and be right there.”

“Thanks, Jackson.”

“Anytime, Allison. Anytime.”