Page 41 of Three of a Kind

I wanted to be a good role model.

“Brooklyn,” he murmurs, tilting my chin up until I’m forced to look at him. “I’m going to reach out to Bless and tell her Maverick and I are now on your duty—unless you tell me right now that you want nothing to do with me.”

My eyes widen as I study his face. His jaw is tense, like he hates the idea that I could tell him to get lost.

“I have to get my kid,” I say as that thought floods back. “I’m already late.”

A slow, sexy smirk crosses his face. “That wasn’t you saying you want nothing to do with me.”

“No, it wasn’t,” I admit. “But my life is way more complicated than you realize, and I don’t have time to get into all of that right this second.”

He nods, thumbing my lower lip. “I won’t keep you, but Maverick or I will be on shift when you leave tomorrow.”

“I’m off work tomorrow,” I say before I can hold back the words.

“Then, it’ll be the perfect time for the three of us to talk.” He bends low, brushing his lips over my forehead and spinning away to jog back down the stairs.

Yeah, I’m sure his interest will last exactly until he realizes I’m super freaking pregnant.

Libby and I share a quick shower where she politely tells me, “Mommy, your tummy is getting big.”

I chuckle awkwardly. “It seems like I’m growing fast, huh?”

“Yep,” she squeals, dancing around in her towel.

I’m not sure how much longer I can keep it from her.

I want her to have time to get adjusted to the idea of having a little brother or sister, but I’m also terrified that, once she does know, she’ll chatter the information to any and everyone.

It’s kinda what toddlers do.

They blab everything they hear.

We get dressed in our pajamas and enjoy a little snack before I curl up next to her in her twin-size bed.

I read her two stories, and she knocks out before I’m done with the second.

I roll over, brushing her dark hair away from her eyes.

She’s so beautiful and such a sweet kid.

And I feel like I’ve done nothing but fail her at every turn. I’ve tried so hard to be the best mom I can be, but even I can admit how many things I’ve gotten wrong.

The baby wiggles, and my chest aches as I cradle Libby’s cheek and give her a forehead kiss.

“I love you, sweet pea,” I whisper, trying not to let myself get caught up in the rush of emotions.

All I want is to protect her and the baby.

It’s a complicated mess, because I don’t know exactly how to make that happen.

I pull Libby’s blanket up, tucking it tight around her shoulders, before carefully climbing off her bed.

It doesn’t even bother me that Avan is getting married.

Not logically, anyway.

It hurts my pride knowing he never intended to follow through with the multitude of promises he made to me, but even that is a foolish hurt.

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