Page 83 of The Way We Score

“Your brain’s active enough as it is.”

Outside, the sound of a car makes my stomach jump. I’ve been texting with Garrett all morning, so I know it has to be him, based on his ETA.

“Is someone here?” Mom tilts her head, walking over to look out the living room window. “Who in the world…”

“I’ll go see.” Leaving her, I hustle out the door, meeting him halfway.

As always, Garrett has my senses tingling. He’s in simple black jeans and a brown sweater with a tan suede bomber jacket on top, but my whole body hums at the sight of him.

His dark hair is a little longer than it was in the summer, and I imagine threading my fingers in it. His beard isn’t as clean shaven, and my inner thighs tense at the thought of how it might feel. Heat rushes to my core, and I won’t lie, the rugged look is working for him.

“Perfect timing.” I do my best to distract my lusty brain. “The grandmother is getting restless.”

He grabs his duffel from the Uber XL, and I slide my hand into the crook of his arm. His blue eyes are heated when he looks down at me, and it’s all I can do not to pull him down for a kiss.

It’s been happening a lot more since we found out about Baby.

“How are you feeling?” He holds my arm, lifting it and moving me out as if he’s inspecting my appearance. “Still glowing, healthy. Boobs.”

“Shut up!” I laugh, pulling him to the house. “Mom’s not going to know what to think of you being here. We’ll have to tell her right away.”

“Lead on.”

“Garrett?” Mom meets us at the door. “What in the world? What are you doing here?”

Her eyes move from him to me and back so fast, I know she’s scheming. She’s smart, and she’s already been working on her own plan to put us together since the wedding.

“Come inside.” I take her arm, moving her into the living room. “Sit down.”

“You are so bossy.”

“I learned it from the best. Now, here. Garrett and I have some important news, but I want you to listen all the way to the end without interrupting. Can you do that?”

She exhales a disgusted noise. “Of course, I can do that. Don’t speak to me like I’m a child, Olivia.”

“No interrupting.” I hold up a finger. Another scoff, and I continue. “We’ve got some good news, but it’s not what you think.”

Her mouth opens, and I hold up my finger. Instantly it closes.

“I’m going to have a baby… and Garrett’s the father.” Her eyes bug, but I push on quickly, knowing I’ve hit her limit on self-control. “We’re not getting married, but…”

Her expression melts from ecstatic to confused, but I won’t let her start with the pressure yet.

“We’re committed to this baby. Garrett’s planning to retire and move back to Newhope, and we’re going to do this together.”

Her lips tighten, and I watch as she inhales deeply through her nose.

“Now you can go.”

Blinking her eyes, she shakes her head, a smile spreading across her face. “I’m going to be a grandmother?”

That makes me laugh. “Notjusta grandmother.” I drop to my knees in front of her, clasping her hands. “You’re going to be thebestgrandmother.”

With a little squeak, she pulls me into a hug, and the two of us rock side to side. After a few minutes, she releases me, and I look up at Garrett.

His hand is on the back of his neck, and his brow is furrowed. I almost laugh at his bewildered expression.

“Garrett Bradford!” Mom pushes off me to stand. “Get over here and give me a hug.”

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