Page 55 of Don't Fall For Your Grumpy Neighbor

He wraps his arm around my shoulders and we walk up to the door. Before he opens it, he presses a soft kiss on my cheek, then opens the door, allowing me to enter first.

“We’re here,” he shouts, closing the door behind him.

Carol is the first to rush to us, her smile reaching from ear to ear. “I’m so happy you’re both here.” She wraps her arms around us both, pulling us into a warm embrace before stepping back, her gaze fixing on me. “You’re glowing, Felicity.”

“Thank you,” I reply with a soft laugh.

Her eyes slide down to my belly and quickly back up to me. “I’m sure you’re hungry.”

I chuckle, nodding in agreement. “Always hungry,” I admit, resting a hand on my belly and grinning. “The baby's been kicking a lot. Would you like to feel?”

Tears glisten in Carol’s eyes as she glances between me and Shepherd. “I’d love that.” She gently places her hands on my stomach, but before I can guide her, Shepherd takes her hands and directs them to where our little boy loves to kick the most.

“The baby seems to like this spot,” Shepherd says, a smile playing on his lips.

“Hey, Shep. Hey, Felicity. Mom, what the hell are you doing?” Brock interrupts, appearing with wide-eyed curiosity.

“She’s trying to feel the baby kick,” Shepherd explains with a grin.

“Oh, damn, count me in,” Brock replies eagerly. “I’m next.”

“Next for what?” Paxton chimes in, joining the group.

“We’re feeling the baby kick,” Brock announces, his excitement palpable.

“Hell yes, I want in on that,” Paxton declares with a grin.

Don, Shepherd’s father, arrives next. We haven’t even made it all the way into the house yet, and I can't help but stifle a laugh.

“Oh, I felt it! The baby just kicked,” Carol exclaims with a tear rolling down her cheek. She gently removes her hands from my belly and takes hold of mine and Shepherd’s. “What a miracle.”

“I’m next,” Brock insists, almost nudging his mother out of the way.

“Next for what?” Tripp asks, descending the stairs.

“The baby’s kicking! Come feel.” Brock invites enthusiastically, placing his hands on my belly.

“No thanks. I’ll wait until it’s born 'cause honestly, it looks weird as hell that you’re just standing there touching Felicity’s stomach while she awkwardly accepts it,” Tripp says.

Shepherd pushes Brock away and shakes his head. “It’s not a fucking open invitation.”

“It’s fine,” I say, feeling bad for Brock.

“Tripp is right, it’s awkward. At least sit down and relax, we’re still in the entryway.”

At that point, everyone moves and we settle into the living room. Don, Brock, and Tripp step outside to enjoy the nice weather, while Carol goes back into the kitchen with a smile.

Shepherd sits next to me and sighs. “Sorry, I didn’t even think about everyone wanting to touch you,” he whispers.

I giggle and rest my hand on his thigh. “I don’t mind at all. I love how excited your family is about the baby.”

In the next half hour, Anya and Griffin arrive as well as Callum. Everyone says hello with a hug and I watch in awe of how incredibly close they all are. It makes me wish I had siblings and it makes me wonder if this little boy will get a sibling or two someday.

“Are you excited for the baby shower?” Anya asks as we finally sit down to dinner.

“Yes, I really am.”

“I am too,” Hartford says, beaming.

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