Page 54 of Three of a Kind

She’s freaking three years old.

“If not, I’m happy to hire a nanny for the day to ensure someone is completely focused on her well-being,” Avan says.

Does he think he’s being reasonable? Or is he purposely trying to piss me off?

If it’s the latter…it’s working.

I clench my teeth to keep from snapping something that would cause this to get ugly.

I don’t even know what I would say, but it’s not my responsibility to be at his beck and call.

Our daughter hasn’t spent enough time with his family to be at his wedding without me.

Not unless he wants her to be scared. She barely knows any of them outside of Bless, but even then, Avan is unaware of how much time they’ve spent together.

“Brooklyn told me her ex was a great guy, but that’s seriously generous,” Maverick says in a tone I’ve only heard him use once before. It’s much more clueless frat guy than his normal voice, and it’s the same way he talked to those guys when he rescued me that night in the bar.

He wraps his arm around my lower back once more as Nova paces, watching Avan, like she can sense that he’s a threat.

“Make sure you don’t miss the fitting appointment.” Avan’s lips turn downward as he blanches. “I won’t keep you. It seems Liberty needs to get settled for her nap.” He flicks his eyes at Maverick. “Pleasure to meet you, Benjamin.” And with that, he steps around us and walks off.

I’m sure there’s a car waiting somewhere nearby.

My fists clench.

Jesus. I hate him so much sometimes.

“Come on, sweetheart.” Maverick guides me toward the door to the apartment building. I’m not sure if he’s purposely trying to bait him, but he says it loud enough that I’m sure Avan can hear it. “Maybe we all need a nap.”

Maverick puts Libby down on her bed. I’m technically not allowed to have pets in my apartment, but I guess it’s fine for a short visit.

My hands shake as I carefully change Libby into a Pull-Up. She’s a deep sleeper, so she occasionally has accidents. The pediatrician said it was normal for her age, and he mentioned that she might even regress once the new baby is born.

It’s kinda terrifying.

In no way can I afford two kids in diapers.

I tug her blanket up and kiss her temple before heading for the door.

The baby wiggles as I stand, and my knees wobble.

I move to cradle the baby and realize I need the bathroom. Yeah, I think I might be experiencing some residual shock.

It feels like my whole world is crumbling, but I don’t have any idea how to fix it.

Avan is going to punish me.

The look on his face, hell, his entire demeanor, told me what I’m in for. He won’t do it when anyone else is around, but he will make me suffer. The anger from earlier is gone, and now all I can focus on is the explosion that I know is coming.

Chapter Sixteen

Maverick

Nova glares from her spot near the kitchen. I made her lie down in the small breakfast nook because it has hardwood flooring. I figured it would help her cool off.

I already went digging for a mixing bowl to give her a drink, but my mutt is not pleased. She’s antsy and wants to check on Brooklyn and Libby.

What a coincidence.

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