Page 82 of The Naughty Elf

He’s right. It won’t change how I feel about Ginger. I won’t be able to give her up regardless. But things will have to change.

“How long do you think she’s known?” Jackson crosses his arms over his chest. “And why didn’t she tell us?”

Fuck, I hadn’t thought of that. Why wouldn’t she tell us?

Because of her father? Gracie?

Does she not want more kids?

Ever since she touched her stomach earlier, all I can think of is how happy I am that she’s pregnant. How badly I want that baby to be mine.

A door opens and slams closed behind me, and I turn to find Genevieve stomping toward us. Her hands pop to her hips as she stares each of us down. The mother of all mothering looks is on her face.

“Are you all going to step up? This isn’t a pity party we’re having, is it?”

“No, ma’am,” we echo in unison.

Her hand flutters to her chest, aghast. “Ma’am. Ma’am?”

The way she waves us off and scoffs has a smile curling at the edge of my mouth.

“Listen. I will only say this once, and if you do not heed my advice, Bennett will bury the three of you.” Genevieve looks at the three of us in turn. “Because he does as his wife says, like a good man should. Now…do I have to remind you what Gracie’s father did?”

It’s not a story I’ve heard in full, but her point is clear. He abandoned her.

I would never abandon her. Baby or no. Is that why she didn’t tell us? Does she think we’re going to run for the hills?

“No? Good. Then, take care of it before it festers too long. Don’t keep her in limbo about what this means for all of you.”

I thought it was obvious that I still want her. I’m in love with her. I can put it into words for her if I need to.

“Honies, my advice? Build her a house that will fit all of you. And more. She’s young yet, and I want more grandbabies.” With her message delivered, she stomps back to her car and leaves us staring at each other.

Her advice hits home. It’s exactly what I want. To share a house with Ginger. Build a family with her. Finally having a home that feels like one.

“I’m down for that.” Ashley straightens, brushing his hands down his shirt. “If she agrees, I say we build her that house.”

“I say we beg her to let us.” Jackson looks to the sky, watching a bird circle above. “I’m pretty sure it’s going to take a whole lot of begging.”

I have a feeling it won’t.

“In my truck. It’ll be best if we arrive together. I’ve got a plan.”

36

GINGER

The heat and activity and stress of the day has me curled up on the couch with Gracie. She microwaved a bag of popcorn and easily nestled into my side to watch a cheesy rom-com with me.

My hand brushes through her hair, trying not to let the fake buttery smell overwhelm me. My nausea is flip-flopping in my stomach.

They know. Everyone knows now. About the baby.

I shudder and hold Gracie closer. Now, it’ll just be the three of us. My daughter’s been such a blessing. My new baby will be, too. Raising them on my own won’t be as hard as last time.

My emotions are dull, though. The worst is over. I’m not hiding anything anymore, so I just wait. Wait for them to decide I’m too much trouble to be bothered with. Even if my heart wants to tell me something different.

We make it halfway through this cheesy romantic comedy before the doorbell rings.

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