The sincerity in his voice dismantles the last of my reservations about accepting his unconditional support. Since proposing, he’s had nothing but my best interests at heart, and even though I’m stubborn as hell most days, he meets me with nothing but patience and loyalty. I’ve let my pride get in the way for far too long, and it’s time I stopped fighting someone who hasn’t given me a reason to doubt him. Not when he wants nothing more than to make my life easier.
“The little peanut and I are lucky to have you,” I say, beaming at Heath.
He brings my hand to his lips and presses a kiss to my knuckles. “I’m the lucky one.”
“Always knew you were a big teddy bear under that gruff exter—”
My playful taunt is cut short by a faint fluttering sensation rippling through my lower belly, and I instinctively move my hand to my stomach.
Heath bolts upright. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
A bubble of laughter escapes me. “I think the baby just kicked.”
Another flutter ripples across my belly, stronger this time.
I lift my shirt and guide Heath’s hand to my stomach, holding it there. His eyes widen the second a firm kick pushes against his palm.
“Holy shit,” he whispers, rubbing circles across my skin with his thumb. “That’s our girl.”
I look over at him, tears blurring my vision. “Yeah, it is.”
“Thank you for giving me this gift of a family,” he murmurs. “I promise I’ll cherish you always.”
Suddenly, nothing else seems important as we sit in awe, grinning at each other every time our daughter kicks—a sweet reminder of the life we created together, and that in a few short months, we’ll be a family of three.
The Birds And The Bees
“Uncle Heath, where do babies come from?”
The beer I’m drinking goes down the wrong pipe, and I start coughing. I glance over at Caleb, who’s standing beside the couch wearing an inquisitive expression, hugging aCaptain Underpantsbook to his chest. Reading is his favorite hobby, and Walker has made it his mission to bring him the most ridiculously named children’s books he can find.
“What do you mean, kiddo?” I rasp, my voice hoarse as I fight off another cough.
“Aunt Charlie’s having a baby.” Caleb points to where she’s sitting next to me, covering her mouth to hide her laughter. “How did it get in her tummy?”
“Jesus,” I mutter, taking a long pull from my beer. “You wanna take this one?” I nod toward Briar, who’s lounging on the loveseat across from us with Jensen.
She folds her arms, looking far too smug for my liking. “Oh, no. This is all you, big brother. You could use the practice.”
I narrow my eyes at her. Next time Ma has family dinner, I’m using this as my excuse for why Charlie and I can’t make it. I’m clearly the only sibling who doesn’t find joy in tormenting the others. It’s a damn good thing Walker and Birdie are running late, or he’d be egging Briar on.
When I realize Jensen and Charlie aren’t coming to my rescue, I lean forward so I’m eye level with Caleb and rest my hands on my knees. “It’s similar to how calves are born. The bull and cow spend special time together, and then a baby calf grows in the cow’s belly.”
Caleb scrunches his brows. “Do you and Aunt Charlie wrestle during your special time like Dad and Mama Briar?”
Briar’s face turns beet red as Jensen clears his throat.
I stifle a laugh. “Something like that.”
“Does that mean I’m gonna get a baby sister or brother soon?” Caleb’s voice rises with excitement.
“Caleb,” Jensen jumps in, saving me. “Why don’t you go out back and see if Gramps needs help with the burgers?”
Caleb bounces on his toes. “Think he’ll let me flip one?”
“Absolutely,” Jensen replies.
“Awesome.” Caleb spins around and sprints out of the living room.