Page 104 of Unexpected Delivery

“You know you wanna pull my hair,” I coo at Gracie, wiggling my fingers.

That child is a menace. She’s pure devilishness, which probably comes from being spoiled rotten by the three of us. We’re in the process of trying to coax her to walk, and there’s very little in life that Gracie loves more than pulling my hair and beard.

Spoiled damn rotten and cute as a button, that’s what she is.

Gracie grins, rocking on wobbly legs. Her chubby little hand flies up, and she points at me. “Dada!”

There’s no way to describe the joy that pulses in my chest every time she calls me that.

Hayes slams his shoulder into mine. “I’ve already told you, you’re not allowed to be the favorite.”

Hael laughs. “Face it. All the women in this house love him.” He flips me off from his spot on the couch. “We all know you’re the favorite.”

I don’t know why he’s talking shit. He’s the one with Arbor leaning against his chest.

She snorts. “We are not having this discussion again. You know I love all three of you equally.”

Hael grins, kissing her temple. “Yeah, sure. Whatever you say. I still can’t believe Angry Kitty likeshimbetter than me. I’m the one who plucked her out of that engine block. Got ripped all to hell doing it too.”

“You are a valiant kitten saver.” Arbor laughs, running her hand over his.

“That is not my fault,” I say, pointing at Hael. “I don’t even like cats.”

I shrug, because I really don’t, but that damn kitten grew on me. She sleeps on top of my head in my hair every night.

Once the cat stops being a complete tyrant, we might rename her, but for now, Angry Kitty fits. She’s still unsure if she likes us yet, but it’s only been a couple of weeks. Unless it’s time for bed, she literally runs to a new part of the house anytime she spots us.

Gracie squeals, and I frown as she hits her knees, crawling to… Hayes.

Now that’s some bullshit.

He bends down, scooping her up and laughing. “Gracie, you just made my day.”

I chuckle, shaking my head when she stretches out her arms for me. “She was just using you because you’re closer to the ground.” Scooping her up, I pull her cheek to mine, and she proceeds to try to rip out a fistful of my beard.

The favorite, my ass. She really does love all of us exactly the same. We just enjoy talking shit.

Gracie turns, starting to fuss. She points and says, “Mama!”

And there it is.

Children are good at humbling the best of us.

Another Year Later

Gracie wiggles against my chest as I stare at the monitor, trying to determine what the hell we’re looking at.

Hael is at my side, appearing equally perplexed.

Hayes stands up by the top of Arbor’s exam table, holding her hand.

“Daddy,” Gracie grunts, stretching for Hael.

He plucks her up and grins, bouncing her as he continues watching the ultrasound. “Don’t you want to know if you’re having a baby brother or sister?”

Gracie’s head shakes. “Um, no.”

The ultrasound tech laughs. “Well, how do the adults feel because I’m fairly confident I can tell you if you’d like to know?”

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