Page 76 of Tormenting Me

“I’ll go make you some tea,” he offers, his eyes filled with concern. “Maybe it’ll help settle your stomach.”

I manage a weak smile, appreciating his thoughtfulness. “Thank you, Wes. You’re going to be the best father. I just know it.”

He kisses my forehead again, his love clear in every gesture. “It’s the least I can do. Despite whatever feelings you have, I know you’re going to be an amazing mother.”

You sure you won’t be a piece of shit parent like yours were? What good can you bring to a child’s life?

Wes walks over to the kitchen getting started on some tea. I roll over, facing away, and let the tears fall down my cheeks.

What if it’s true? What if I end up a horrible mother?

“Who are we meeting again?” I ask as we climb out of the truck after parking in the restaurant’s parking lot.

“My cousin, Gavin. He’s uncle Robert’s son.” Wes pulls his sunglasses off and tucks them into his flannels breast pocket.

“I thought he had a bunch of daughters?” I question, remembering meeting all of them at the wedding reception.

“Gavin lives in Scotland with his Ma. Gavin’s Ma was uncle Robert’s high school sweetheart. They got divorced two years after Gavin was born.” Wes looks over at the front of the building and a young man dressed in a pain of blue jeans, a black hoodie and a backwards hat waits by the door. “And he’s here. Holy shit, we won’t be waiting forever.”

Wes grabs my hand and laces his fingers with mine, and we walk toward the man. “Gavin?” Wes says as we get closer.

“Well, look at this fuhckin’ Eejit!” Gavin says stubbing out a cigarette against the wall. “Wessy, it’s good to see ya. And who might this bonnie lass be?”

“My wife, Layne.“ Wes says in a near growl.

“Still possessive as fuck, I see.” Gavin turns to me. “If you’re bein’ held against your will, love, just blink three times and I’ll get ya out.”

I chuckle at Gavin’s remark, feeling instantly at ease with his playful banter. “No need to worry, Gavin. I’m here willingly,” I assure him, giving Wes a playful nudge. “I’ve heard hardly anything about you. So it’s nice to meet you,” I say, extending my hand for a handshake.

Gavin takes my hand, giving it a firm shake. “Likewise, Layne. Wes here hasn’t said fuck all about ya,“ he says with a grin. “So, you’re officially stuck with this Eejit, eh?” he adds, teasing Wes.

Wes rolls his eyes but can’t hide the smile that creeps onto his face. “Yeah, she’s stuck with me. Lucky girl, I know,” he replies, pulling me closer to him.

Gavin laughs and gestures towards the restaurant’s entrance. “Well, let’s not waste any more time. I’m starvin’. Plus, I’ve got some stories about this one that ya need to hear,” he says, pointing a thumb at Wes.

“Oh, more Wessy tales. You may have just become my new best friend, Gavin.“ I smirk, pulling away from Wes and looping my arm through Gavin’s crooked arm.

“I am so telling Atlas.” Wes taunts as he gives Gavin a death glare. “You may be my blood, but don’t fuck with my wife.”

“Temper, temper that one.” Gavin slaps his hand to his chest. “Come now, let’s eat.”

We walk towards the restaurant doors and I feel a sense of belonging with these two. This family is everything I could have ever asked for as a young girl. As we enter the restaurant, the aroma of freshly cooked food fills the air, making my stomach growl even louder. We find a table near the window, with Gavin sitting on one side and Wes and I on the other. The conversation seems to flow effortlessly as we order our meals and catch up on each other’s lives.

Gavin regales us with stories from his and Wes’s childhood summers in Scotland, his thick accent adding charm to each word. Wes and I exchange knowing glances, enjoying the banter and camaraderie between him and Gavin.

“Wait…wait…wait, say that again.” I laugh as Gavin takes a drink from his beer. “Wes, you never told me about a Catriona.” I eye him playfully.

Wes gives his cousin a menacing look.

“Aw, you two never swapped stories about losin’ yer virginity? How sweet.” Gavin laughs, wiping the beer that drips from his lip into his stubble.

“I didn’t think it was necessary.” Wes grumbles, looking uncomfortable.

“It’s not.” I wrap my arm through his. “All that matters is us, now. Well, and the baby.”

“Hold the fuuuhck up! Wes, you’re gonna be a Da?” Gavin says, eyes wide.

Wes smirks. “Yeah, we found out a week ago.”

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