Page 48 of Claiming Becca

Connor, Bass, and I share a look with Victor and Liv. Victor glances down at Liv, and they seem to have a conversation with their eyes before he steps forward.

“Let’s eat, and we’ll talk about it when we sit down,” Victor suggests. Everyone glances around, standing in their spots, before all agreeing. Connor drops a kiss on my forehead.

“You okay?” he asks.

I bring my hand up to cup the side of his neck. “I feel like I should be asking you that. You’re always checking on me when I’m worried about you.”

He rubs his thumb along my cheek. “I’ll always make sure you’re okay, Shortcake. Always.”

I give him a small smile. “Are you mad?” I ask him.

He sighs heavily. “Mad? No. I am disappointed you didn’t tell me, but I also understand. Liv obviously needed someone to talk to, and you were there.” He tips my chin up and kisses me.

There’s a collective gasp around the room, and I realize people are still here. I get so lost in Connor, it feels like it’s just him and me in the room most of the time.

“Are you two together?” Caroline cries out. I turn in Connor’s arms to face the room.

He wraps his arms around me and puts his chin on my head. “Yep,” he answers.

Bass walks to Julian and puts his hand out. “You owe me fifty bucks.” Bailey and Caroline turn toward them.

“What?” Bailey exclaims. Connor starts laughing as I watch this exchange in confusion. Julian pulls his wallet out of his back pocket, takes money out, and hands it to Bass.

Bass turns around and snaps the money. “I told Julian you two would finally tell us today you’ve had a thing going on. Julian swore you’d wait slightly longer, so we made a bet. I won!” Bass declares.

My mouth drops open. “How did you know?” I question.

Bailey smacks Julian in the chest. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me your suspicions.” He grabs her hand, bringing it to his mouth and kissing her fingers.

Caroline walks over and grabs the money out of Bass’ hand. His mouth pops open, and she cackles. “It’s for the baby,” she tells him with a huge smile on her face. He snatches it back and holds it above her head. They start laughing as she stands on her toes to grab it.

She finally gives up breathing hard; her hand rubs over her stomach, her lips pinched. “I give up. I’m about to pop.” She walks over to the couch and plops down, then groans. “I’m never going to be able to get up.” Everyone starts laughing, and she grins as she settles back, but a grimace replaces the grin as she tries to get comfortable.

Ansley walks over and pats her on the head. “Just rest, I’ll make your plate.” Caroline gazes up at her with a thankful look, then promptly bursts into tears. “Oh, dear lord,” Ansley cries out as everyone starts laughing.

“I’m fine. I’m fine,” Caroline says through her tears.

Bass walks over, kisses her forehead, and then stands facing everyone. “Yesterday, she started crying because her taco fell on the floor.” I clutch my stomach as I double over in laughter.

Caroline gapes at him. “It was the last taco!” she exclaims.

“Not gonna lie. I would have cried too,” Connor says. He lifts his hands in the air. “Tacos are life!” he sings out dramatically. There’s laughter throughout the room as Caroline waves her hand in Connor’s direction.

“See!” she says, feeling justified.

Connor claps his hands and rubs them together. “Well, today we have lots of food, so I promise we’ll have plenty left over even if you drop something. There’s brisket, ribs, and chicken. Becca made some coleslaw, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese. For dessert, she also made her famous cheesecake. There’s beer and wine too.”

“Jesus. Are you feeding the entire neighborhood?” Lincoln asks. Ansley hits him in the stomach, and he scowls at her. “One,” he tells her.

She smiles at him sweetly. “What do I have to do to get two?”

He smirks at her. “Simply ask, sweetheart.” He leans forward and kisses her softly, but she grumbles.

“Where’s the fun in that?” she whines.

“This is not a BDSM party this time,” Caroline exclaims. Ansley’s mouth drops open, and Lincoln runs his hand through his hair.

“You’ve become bold since getting pregnant,” Ansley tells her.

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