Page 56 of Don't Fall For Your Grumpy Neighbor

“You probably don’t need to invite any other guests 'cause Hartford and Anya have bought everything you could possibly ever need,” Paxton says, filling his plate.

“We’re allowed to spoil our niece or nephew,” Hartford says with a shake of her head.

“Speaking of,” Shepherd says and glances over at me. “We’re having a boy.”

The table erupts with cheers at the news. Carol is again crying, and this time I notice Don wiping his eyes. All Shepherd’s siblings are talking loudly over the others to congratulate us and Anya and Hartford are nearly bouncing out of their seats.

“I knew it,” Tripp says, popping a piece of potato into his mouth.

“I thought it was going to be a girl, now I’m even more excited,” Brock says.

“With this family, I knew it was a boy. Anya is still a mystery,” Callum adds with a grin.

“Shut up,” Anya says, tossing her napkin at him. “So blue for the baby shower it is. I can’t freaking wait.”

Shepherd is beaming with pride as he looks around the table at everyone. It’s a look I will never forget. He glances at me and leans over placing a soft kiss on my lips and smiles.

“Umm, did we miss something?” Brock asks.

“What?” Shepherd asks, confused, but I understand immediately.

We never told anyone we were together and now he’s just kissed me in front of them all.

Paxton waves his hands, gesturing between us.

“Oh right,” Shepherd says, laughing as he puts his arm around me. “Felicity and I are together now too.”

“Finally,” Hartford and Anya say in unison.

“Well, this dinner just keeps getting better and better,” Carol says.

I peek up at Shepherd and for the first time in my life I feel like I’m exactly where I belong.

Chapter 26

Shepherd

“What is this for?” I ask, holding up a basket of toilet paper rolls.

Anya swats at me playfully. “It’s for guessing how big Felicity's belly is.”

It’s been two months since Felicity and I officially became a couple. She’s now seven months pregnant, and her belly is noticeably growing every day. Felicity has been incredibly resilient throughout the pregnancy, and I couldn't be prouder of her. We’ve recently started Lamaze classes, and while she manages most things well, I've taken over tasks like tying her shoes—though I joke with her not to get too used to it.

Now, we're gathered at Atta Boy Brewery in the party room, setting up for Felicity’s baby shower scheduled to begin in half an hour.

“And what’s this for? Are we all going to hang laundry?” I joke, dipping my hand into a basket of clothespins.

“It’s for a game. Why don’t you go check on the restaurant?” Anya suggests, gently nudging me toward the door.

“Fine, fine. I know when I’m not needed,” I jest, laughing as I exit the room.

As I stroll through the restaurant, the comforting hum of conversations and clinking glasses fills the air. I exchange nods with the waitstaff buzzing around, delivering plates of steaming food to eager patrons. The warm, inviting aroma of freshly cooked meals adds to the lively atmosphere.

Approaching the host stand, I catch sight of Sarah, our reliable hostess, who greets me with a quick smile before returning her attention to the computer screen. She flips through the reservation list, her fingers tapping away at the keyboard with practiced efficiency.

“Hey, Sarah. How’s it looking tonight?” I ask, leaning casually against the counter.

She glances up, her expression a mix of concentration and assurance. “We’re fully booked for the evening. All tables are set, and the kitchen’s on top of it.”

---