Page 79 of Sometimes You Fall

“Are you planning on nursing?” Astrid asks me as Willow fills a glass of wine for herself.

“I did with Chase, but not for long. I didn’t have any idea what I was doing, so it didn’t go well. But with this one,” I say, rubbing my stomach again, “I think I might want to try again.”

Astrid sighs. “I loved nursing, but when I was done, I was so glad.”

“I’m looking forward to getting my body back, but I’m also trying to soak up each of these moments for as long as I can,” Shauna says from the couch, peeking at her son under her nursing cover.

“How old is he?” I ask, moving closer to her.

“Almost nine months. He’s definitely more interested in solid food now, but he still likes to nurse, especially when he’s tired.”

I take a seat on the cushioned chair beside her. “My first son is fourteen, so it’s been a long time since I’ve done the baby stage.”

Shauna nods in understanding. “Well, Hudson is our first, so I’m still learning. But if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here. I can give you my phone number before I leave.”

Gratitude rushes through me. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

“Of course. We moms have to stick together, you know? I didn’t realize how much my identity would change just by having my son.”

“Oh, I understand that more than you know.”

Shauna lifts the cover up, staring down at Hudson nursing as his eyes drift close. “But having Forrest by my side has made it easier. I seriously don’t know what I would do without him.” She looks back up at me and says, “Is your husband excitedabout the baby?”

Her question makes my stomach drop because Grady isn’t my husband. I don’t have one of those this time around.

As I fumble for a response, a voice behind me says, “He is, although he’s not her husband yet.” I turn and lock eyes with Grady as he makes his way to my side.

I stare up at him from my seat on the chair, my pulse thrumming in my body as I process the words he just spoke. “Uh, you came out of nowhere.”

He tucks one of my curls behind my ear. “I came in here to check on you. You okay?”

“Um, yeah. Just talking about babies with Shauna.”

Grady nods, smiling at Shauna. “Forrest was showing this little guy off outside,” he says, gesturing to the baby who is now fast asleep in a milk coma.

Shauna readjusts her nursing cover, clasps her bra back in place, and then situates Hudson over her shoulder to burp him.

Jesus, this is going to be me again before I know it.

“Do you mind if I hold him?” Grady asks, startling us both.

“Sure. He needs to burp still, but who knows if he will since he’s passed out.” She hands him a receiving blanket. “Just use this to cover your shirt in case he spits up.

“I’ve held babies before, so I know the risks. It’s just been a while.”

“When have you burped a baby?” I ask as Shauna passes Hudson to Grady, his big arms supporting the baby on his shoulder.

And my clit starts to throb.

Good lord, this man holding a baby should be my new screensaver.

Yup, this image is going in my diddle bank for later.

“I have a niece and a nephew, remember?” he says to me, patting Hudson’s back as his hips start to sway. “I wasn’t around muchwhen they were babies because of baseball, so I need the practice, you know?”

Shauna smiles at me knowingly. “Well, he’s a natural, so at least you won’t have to worry about him freaking out on you. Forrest was very cautious at first.”

Her husband walks over to the couch now, taking a seat beside her. “Forgive me, but I didn’t want to be the one to drop him first, all right?”

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