Page 155 of Free to Fall

Stubborn fool he is, he growls, “I loved her first.”

I lean forward and meet my father-in-law’s gaze head on. “I’ll love them forever. All three of them—Laura, Bailey, and our new little one.”

His smile bursts free at the mention of our daughter, due in about eight weeks. “Did you decide on a name?”

I snort. “Like I’m going to tell you? Please.”

He objects vociferously. “I know how to keep a secret.”

“One of this magnitude? From Cassidy? Do you want to be in the doghouse with her again?”

Morosely, he gives in. “No.”

“Because if you tell Cass, the whole family will know. Then I’ll be in the doghouse for sharing. Trust me, that’s the last place I want to be.”

“Because you’re afraid I’ll kick your ass?”

“Because I’m terrified your daughter will come after me with a scalpel.”

We both snicker, knowing it’s the truth. A few more minutes of banter back and forth occurs before Caleb gives up on his fishing expedition. I reply to Laura’s text.

Liam:

Sorry, love. Your father was in here.

Laura:

That’s okay.

Mama’s badgering me to find out what we’re naming her.

Liam:

Your father was just in here doing the same.

Laura:

Think we should tell them?

Liam:

That’s entirely up to you.

Laura:

If we do, I want to do it together.

Liam:

Like . . . family dinner?

Laura:

Of course. I mean, can you imagine their faces?

Liam:

I think if we do, we’re going to need tissues.

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