Page 61 of Inked Craving

I could take a night off. And maybe I should. Because falling this hard and so fast? It couldn’t be good. I didn’t want to hurt them or me. I would take the time. Center myself and not want what I couldn’t have.

ChapterEighteen

Paige

“When was the last time we had a girls’ evening, with no babies, no husbands, boyfriends, or screaming?” Brenna asked as she rolled her shoulders back, leaning into the couch.

Mom sat next to her and grinned. “I love having an empty nest, but I also hate it. This is why we have so many dinners at our house.”

“Is Dad at home alone, then?” I asked, taking a sip of my iced tea.

“No, he’s out with Beckett and Clay, dealing with something on the job site.”

I frowned and picked up my phone to look at our work calendar. “Did I know this?”

“You’re technically still on maternity leave,” Annabelle singsonged.

I shook my head. “But I’m not. I mean, I should be kept in the loop.”

“It’s not on the docket. Your father just wanted to see the job site because he misses it, not to give any advice unless asked,” Mom added quickly, and I smiled.

Things had been difficult in the past with how they’d handled leaving the company—or rather how they hadn’t left like they said they would. But things were much better now, and I was grateful for it.

“I’m just glad we could all be here together,” Mom said after a moment and squeezed my hand.

“I’m glad you’re here, too. Although, I don’t know if you came here for Emery or me.” I looked at the baby monitor and saw her still sleeping in her little bassinet, the screen in black and white since the lights were turned off.

“While I appreciate the fact that she needs to nap, she should know that her grandmother is here and wants to hold her. And you won’t let me pick her up and walk her around the house.”

I rolled my eyes as my sisters laughed. “Because you never wake up a sleeping baby. You taught me that.”

“It’s true, because then Emery will be up for the rest of the day and into the evening, and you will never sleep again,” Annabelle added as she reached for a cupcake. “Seriously, Brenna. Stop bringing over cupcakes.”

My sister-in-law shrugged. “That’s a cornbread cupcake. It’s savory. It’s yummy.”

“Oh, I’m sure it is, but I’m going to be so full of every type of cupcake you make that I’m never going to be able to get out of this chair.”

Brenna just grinned. “I can’t help it. I’m that good of a baker and cake decorator.”

And she was. Each cupcake was elegantly decorated with frosting and toppings and looked as if it were from a patisserie. I was so grateful that there were so many talented people in my life. Except for the fact that I was going to burst from the number of cupcakes I had consumed recently.

“I never would’ve thought to make savory ones with cornbread and other types. It’s genius.” Mom leaned forward, plucked a cornbread muffin from the tray, and took a bite. “Seriously, delicious. I’m so glad that Beckett married you. Not just because you bake for me, but because you are a wonderful daughter to add to my collection.”

Annabelle and I burst out laughing.

“Collection?” I asked, wiping away a tear. “Is that what you are? A collector?”

“I picked up Eliza and Brenna. That’s two special daughters. And I also got Jacob and Marc out of the deal.” She looked at me and winked. “And who knows, I might get Lee, as well.”

I blushed and cleared my throat. “Mom. We’re not… It’s still way too early for things like that. We already know I jumped the gun when it came to Colton. I don’t want to be that person again.”

Mom’s face sobered, and she squeezed my hand again. “I’m sorry. I was just teasing. However, do not use Colton as a yardstick.” Her eyes darkened. “That little fucker abandoned his daughter, abandonedmydaughter, so he can rot in hell for all I care. He is not who you judge others against. It is unfair to Lee and every other human being out there to do so. Do you understand me, young lady?”

Annabelle clapped, Eliza and Brenna joining in. “Hear, hear,” Annabelle added.

“I’m not using Colton as a yardstick,” I lied. “Seriously, though, Lee and I are just beginning our relationship.”

Annabelle waved me off. “You guys were practically dating throughout your entire pregnancy, even if you didn’t say so.”

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