Page 20 of Wish You Were Mine

“We’re having a baby,” Liam said.

My jaw dropped. “Congratulations! That’s the greatest news I’ve heard all year.” I bounded across the space between us and wrapped my arms around them both. “You’re going to be incredible parents. I’m so happy for you.”

They really would. But even as I said it, envy gnawed at my insides. I wanted what they had. I wanted someone to get freaky with in the middle of the forest simply because we couldn’t keep our hands off each other. I ached for a man to love and to create a family with. But as long as I was hung up on Asher, I doubted it would happen.

I released them and Bailey took my place, hugging first Kennedy and then Liam.

“That’s so wonderful,” she said. “When are you due?”

“I’m about ten weeks along,” Kennedy said, “so I’m due in mid-December.”

Bailey’s grin grew. “How sweet would it be to have a Christmas baby?”

“Probably not as sweet as you’d think. Their birthday would always get lumped in with Christmas,” I said, already able to imagine how it would go.

She frowned. “Then we’ll just have to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

“Thanks.” Kennedy sounded amused. “Are you up here recording footage for your channel?”

“Yeah, but don’t worry, we’ll cut out anything with you in it,” Bailey assured her.

Kennedy was visibly relieved. “I’d appreciate that. We’re going to walk back now and break the news to the rest of the family. See you later?”

“Definitely.” I kissed her cheek. “Congratulations, again.”

Liam looked nervous, but I knew he’d be a great dad. He’d be the sort to get outside and play with his kids, and then snuggle on the sofa and watch a movie with them when they wanted to be indoors.

We shuffled around each other, steering clear of the creek, and then Bailey and I resumed filming. When we finished, we perched on either side of a rock near to the water and simply watched it fall.

The forest around us was alive with sound. Birds chirped, animals rustled in the undergrowth, and every now and then, I caught snippets of conversations as people passed by on one of the other trails. I breathed in the scent of earth and greenery and rubbed my hands together to warm them. Despite the sunny weather, it was cool.

“Do you want a family one day?” I asked Bailey, made braver by the fact I couldn’t see her face in our current position.

“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate for a second.

I rubbed my lips together. “What will you do if Max never notices you?”

I didn’t want to hurt her, but I needed to know. Our situations were so similar, and I was lost as to what to do myself. I was young enough to still have time, but I didn’t want to throw away some of my best years waiting for something that would never happen.I also didn’t want to do anything impulsive that I might come to regret.

Bailey sighed. “I honestly don’t know.”

“Yeah.” My shoulders slumped. “Me neither. I’ve been wondering if I should move away, but I don’t want to leave my family.”

“Or me.” She swiveled around and dragged me into a hug. “You’re not allowed to leave me behind either.”

“I don’t want to.” I just sometimes wondered if it might be my best option.

10

ASHER

My beer glass was to my lips, my mouth full of bittersweet ale, when Summer strolled into Drunken Destiny looking like a goddamn wet dream. I sputtered and choked as my drink caught in the back of my throat, and it was only by a miracle that I didn’t spit ale all over Connor, who was seated opposite me at our table.

Toby clapped me on the back, harder than necessary. “You okay there, Ash?”

“Fine,” I muttered, coughing into my elbow to clear the last dregs of liquid from my windpipe. “Went down the wrong tube.”

“You’re supposed to swallow it, not inhale it,” he teased.

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