Page 140 of Crazy Imperfect Hearts

Family. We’re a family.

I look at Lucas. He looks at me. We both look at Mitchell. And we smile.

Down in the lobby, another crowd waits for us. My parents and his. Siblings. Friends. They all gather around, but not too close, to get their first look at Mitchell.

Maddie and Ava hug me from behind.

“You know,” Maddie says. “We never had a chance to throw you a baby shower.”

“That’s okay,” I tell her. “Have you seen who I’m going home with? I promise, I have everything we need.”

“Still,” Ava says. “Every mom deserves one.”

It’s not lost on me how she’s looking at Mitchell, with a deep longing that I hope one day will be fulfilled.

“You just let us know when you’re ready. Next week. Next month. Whenever. Because it’s happening, Mama.”

I envelop them in one of our threesome hugs. “You guys are the best.”

“We’re happy for you, Regan,” Maddie says. “Genuinely.”

“I know you still have reservations. But you don’t have to. I don’t.”

“Did you really tell him never to ask you to marry him?” Ava asks in a whisper.

“Wow, news travels fast. But yes.”

Lucas butts in. “While you ladies finish talking about me, I’ll go get the car.”

I roll my eyes and crouch next to Mitchell’s car seat, happy he’s not getting touched, poked, and prodded by the two-dozen people here. It makes me wonder if Lucas asked them all to steer clear. It’s still winter, after all, and who knows what germs are going around.

As if Ava reads my mind, she gazes at Mitchell. “I cannot wait to get my hands on him.”

Yup—Lucas definitely issued some sort of warning. I’m sure of it.

Allie gets down on her knees, a foot or so away, tears streaming down her cheeks. Of all our friends and family, she has been the most emotional.

“He looks amazing.” A hand flies to her mouth, covering a sob. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks. Once we get settled, I hope you’ll come over and hold him. He has a lot of blood uncles, but you’re his only blood aunt.”

She reaches out and touches his foot that’s tucked under a thick winter baby blanket. “I can’t flippin’ wait. I’ll be the best auntie ever. I promise.”

“I know you will.”

After a few more minutes of well-wishes, my dad comes over and lifts the car seat. “Your ride is here.”

I make sure the blanket is securely tucked around Mitchell, turn and thank everyone for coming, then Rondell follows us to the front doors.

Exiting into the brisk winter air, I look for Lucas’s Jag, but don’t see it. It takes my tired brain a few seconds to remember his car doesn’t have a back seat, so he wouldn’t be driving it.

As I wonder what he has planned to get us all home, a massive SUV, a Lincoln something or other, pulls up and Lucasgets out of the driver’s seat. He walks over with a smile. “It’s for you.” He winks. “All part of the contract.”

My mouth hangs agape, staring at the gigantic silver SUV. “I thought we were tearing it to shreds.”

“Incinerated.” He chuckles and leans close. “If you decide you don’t like this one, we’ll trade it in for whatever you want.”

“Are you kidding? It’s as big as a tank. He’ll be safe there. I love it.”

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