Page 77 of What About Now

“Fine, but I get to tell them you’re mine.”

“I’m pretty sure they already know.” Briar swears they could all see through our “we’re giving it six months” mantra.

“Don’t care. I’m telling them.”

“Are you going to keep your hands to yourself today?”

“What? No. Why in the hell would I do that?”

“Because the kids will be there.”

“Baby, those kids have seen it already. If you think for a second, Roman, Legend, or Forrest keep their hands off their wives because their kids are around, you’re wrong. Besides, it’s good for them to see strong, healthy, loving relationships.”

“Well, aren’t you insightful today?”

“Nah, I saw it on TV, one of those talk show things Lyra likes to watch at the shop.”

I burst out laughing just as we hear someone call out to us. “Go. Greet them. I have to put my earrings in and I’ll be right there.”

“Fine. Love you.”

My heart melts for him. I’ll never get tired of hearing him tell me that he loves me. “I love you too.” I peck a kiss to his lips. “Now go.” I push at him playfully, and he backs away, hands raised, winks, and walks out the door to greet our family.

“There she is,” Maddox says as I enter the living room. The gang is already here. I make my way to where he’s sitting, and he pulls me onto his lap. “Did you hear the good news?” Maddox asks the room.

“Are you having a baby too?” Rayne asks.

Briar freezes as her eyes find mine.

“You’re pregnant?” I ask.

She nods with tears in her eyes. “We told the girls first. We were going to tell everyone today. We just found out yesterday.”

“Briar.” My voice cracks, and tears fill my eyes. I stand, and so does she, and we meet in the middle of my living room to hug. We’re both crying, and when I feel arms wrap around me, I see it’s Maggie, Monroe, and Emerson.

The five of us stand huddled together, all crying because of this beautiful moment. My sister didn’t have anyone but me and our dad when she found out about her first pregnancy. Despite all she went through, she loved her babies, and now, here we are, both married to incredible men, and she’s doing it again. This time with the father by her side, every step of the way.

Finally, we break our little huddle and go back to our seats. “Are you?” River asks, and I laugh.

“No, sweetie, I’m not having a baby.”

“We could,” Maddox whispers, and as always, my husband knows what to say to claim another broken piece of my heart as his.

“We’re married,” Maddox tells the girls.

“We knowed that, Uncle Maddox,” Rayne replies.

“Yeah, but this time, it’s different,” he says, trying to explain it to my nieces.

“How?” River asks.

“Well—” Maddox starts, and I jump in to save him.

“It’s not different,” I tell them. “It’s better. We’re just really happy, and we wanted to tell you all about that.” The adultsin the room are able to read between the lines. The ladies smile with happy tears glistening in their eyes. Whether that’s from our announcement or Briar’s, I’m not sure. Probably both, and the guys, they’re all smiling and nodding, wearing smug expressions. Yeah, I know, I was late to the game, but I’m here now, and I’m ready to take in everything it entails.

The twins seem to accept my answer as they rush to the corner where we keep toys for them and start to play. Lilly chases after them while Kane sleeps peacefully in his daddy’s arms. Maddox wraps his arms around me and rests his chin on my shoulder while Roman tells him about his client yesterday. Everyone is laughing and talking, and happy.

Me most of all.

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