“Well…” Chase chimed back in. “I mean, youarea lawyer. Isn’t being mean a requirement?”
The room burst into laughter when both Ellie and Cassie lifted their hands simultaneously to give Chase the bird.
“I wouldn’t run that mouth of yours too much, pretty boy.” One of Ellie’s dark brow arched high. “You’ve already put a ring on your girl’s finger, and we all know what that means.”
“Yeah?” Chase challenged back. “And what’s that?”
“You know. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a?—”
“Yeah, yeah, I get it.” He waved a hand in the air to cut her off. “But Scottie and I have only been engaged for like two weeks. You and Lucky—and Arch and Cass, for that matter—have been doin’ the whole ball-and-chain bit for a while, now. So, when it comes to babies, all I have to say is…you first.”
More laughter ensued as Cassie and Ellie began picking up the mess of torn paper, shiny bows, and long, untied ribbons. While they got to work on that, the guys began a casual meander toward what was left of the food.
Scottie knew she should pitch in and help Archer and Lucky’s wives, but for some reason, her feet couldn’t quite seem to move. Her chest tightened as she stood in place, her mind racing to decipher a deeper meaning behind Chase’s comment to Ellie.
You first.
What had he meant by that? Was it a simple joke whose intent stemmed solely from jest? Or had Chase seriously meant he wasn’t ready to become a father?
Until recently, Scottie had all but given up on the dream of getting married and having a family. The way her luck always ran in the wrong direction, she’d even started believing it was probably for the best.
But now…
“Oh!” Natalie’s brown gaze widened as she brought a quick hand to her midsection. “I swear it felt like the baby just did a complete somersault.”
The baby.
On reflex, Scottie slid a hidden glance in Chase’s direction. He was standing in the open kitchen several feet away. His face was full of laughter and joy as he and his friends filled their plates with the finger foods and desserts she’d been more than happy to prepare for today’s intimate celebration among friends.
Only as she stood in the home of the couple responsible for the conception of Eagle’s Nest Securities, it didn’t feel as if they were spending time with friends. Between the closeness and familiarity—as well as the lighthearted bantering—it felt a whole lot more like being with…
Family.
And suddenly, Scottie felt the overwhelming urge to be anywhere else.
“Hey Natalie?” She glanced over at the mother-to-be. “Where did you say your restroom is?”
The pretty CPA looked up from what she was doing and smiled. “Just down the hall.” She pointed to the area behind where Scottie stood. “Second door on the right.”
“Thanks. I just need a minute, and then I’ll come back and help with the clean-up.”
“Take your time, Scottie.” Cassie’s baby blues met hers as the gorgeous blonde held open a large black trash bag for Ellie. “There’s really not all that much picking up to do.”
“Cass is right.” Ellie tossed a large ball of wadded wrapping paper into the bag. “Besides, you busted your tail to create all that amazing food. I’d say you’ve done your fair share of the work.”
“Agreed.” Natalie flashed her a wide smile.
Doing her best to keep her expression schooled to avoid raising any suspicion, Scottie held her smile in place as best she could. The last thing she wanted was to make today’s celebration about herself by having a complete and total breakdown in the middle of the room.
Her issues would still be there tomorrow. Today’s focus needed to be on Natalie, Logan, and their unborn baby.
Baby.
“I-I’ll be right back.”
Not giving Natalie—or anyone else—the chance to pick up on the anxiety and nerves she was trying so desperately to keep hidden, Scottie spun around and headed down the hallway. Entering the spacious half-bath, she shut the door behind her, making sure it was locked.
Once she knew she was safe and away from prying eyes, she turned away from the door before pulling in the longest, deepest breath she could muster. A few seconds later, Scottie released it slowly as she made her way to the sink.