Page 98 of Unexpected Delivery

“No,” I lie.

“Oh my god, you totally are.” He plucks the rag from my hand and pulls me up with him until we’re both standing. “She’s going to be so distracted with wanting to get to know you and spoiling Gracie that, I promise you, she wouldn’t notice if a tornado went through the middle of our living room.”

“That’s an exaggeration,” I mutter, burying my face in his T-shirt. He smells fantastic, but that’s nothing new.

“Ehh, it depends on if she’s holding Gracie or not.” He chuckles, squeezing my ass. “She’s going to love you every bit as much as I do.”

“I just really need things to go well.”

“Do I need to wake up Morris or Hayes so they can watch the baby, and I can distract that busy mind of yours?”

It’s so tempting, but I know I’ll feel better with an organized space. “No, but once they wake up, everyone can help.”

Hael snorts. “Fine, but only because you’re adorable, and I love you.”

As it turns out, I really didn’t have anything to worry about. The twins’ mom is amazing. From the very first hug, she makes me feel welcome and like part of the family. All my fears melt away about the time she bursts into tears when she spots Gracie.

It makes me miss my dads something fierce, but I’m so grateful the guys have families who are willing to accept us. At least to my knowledge, they haven’t heard from Easton on whether the paternity swap was successful, but I don’t love the idea of lying to Cyndi either way.

And, luckily, I don’t have to.

Hayes explains the situation, and it takes a huge weight off my shoulders. “…but if anyone asks, Hael is biologically Gracie’s father.”

Cyndi nods. “I understand. I still remember the day your fathers adopted Jacob.”

“She means Easton,” Hael says, rolling his eyes. “He likes to pretend he only has one name, like he’s Cher or something.”

I laugh, letting him pull me into his arms.

Morris appears over Hael’s shoulder, holding up his phone. “I’m trying to get a few natural pictures of everyone.”

Hael laughs, grabs me, and places his hand on my lower back as he dips me for a naughty kiss.

I barely have the presence of mind to hope Cyndi is distracted with Gracie. Morris mutters under his breath, and I think he saysyou can’t take Hael anywhere.

My whole body shakes with silent laughter as Hael pulls me up.

Our lives would look completely different right now if they had skipped Sunday dinner at Nana’s the night I had Gracie. One small choice made a path that changed everything…

And I’m so grateful it did.

Epilogue

Hayes

It’s hard to tell if Arbor was actually okay with leaving Gracie with Nana and my mom or if they justgrandma-bulliedtheir way into getting her to say yes. Not that we didn’t put them up to it, because we did. It wouldn’t have bothered me to bring Gracie with us, but my mom has been here for eight days, and she leaves tomorrow.

It’s a perfect chance for us to go on a pack date. Although, we did make a point of sticking around town. If there’s an emergency, we can be home in ten minutes. Fifteen, if it’s something like Gracie is fussy and missing us.

Arbor’s cold hand digs into my T-shirt as we approach the front of The Divine Omega. She’s got her arm wrapped around my lower back, and I’ve got mine slung over her shoulder. She stops dead in her tracks. “You guys, that place is crazy expensive.”

Hael slides in front of Arbor, facing her. “Yeah? Actually do some shopping this time, and we won’t have to drag you back here on a monthly basis.” He laughs, kissing her nose. “You’ve got a perfectly good nest waiting for you to set it up, but you’ve barely spent any time in it.”

Arbor sputters. “I do… It’s just really far away from Gracie’s room.”

“We aren’t trying to pressure you,” Morris says, rubbing his hands together. “If it’s not up to your standards, I have a friend who does construction. He could rip it out and redo the entire thing.”

“No.” She gasps, shaking her head. “I love the nest. It feels like mine. I’m just not used to spending a lot of time nesting.” Her shoulders bounce. “I’ve never had an actual nest that didn’t double as a closet or spare bedroom… I get the urge occasionally, but I’ve never even had a real heat. Maybe I’ll feel more like nesting once my body bounces back from having Gracie?”

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