Page 61 of Can We Try?

“We’re not going to say anything tonight, promise.” Maddox holds up his hand.

“I want you to. You’re family, and we’re all here to celebrate new life. Your baby is a part of that.”

“No wonder Lachlan is so smitten,” Maddox teases.

“Smitten?” I laugh.

“Who’s smitten?” Lachlan asks, joining the conversation.

“You are,” Maddox tells him.

“Oh, that’s not new news,” he says, kissing my cheek. “Ready, Mags?”

“Sure, if you are?”

“I’ve been ready.” He turns to the room and calls, “Time for dessert!”

The kids cheer, and everyone else just laughs. They’re all used to Lachlan and his sweet tooth.

“For real, I need everyone in the kitchen. You’re not going to want to miss this.” He’s got my hand in his, tugging me toward the kitchen as he speaks.

“Uncle Lachlan, we love the dessert,” Rayne tells him.

“Of course you do. You’re a very smart girl.”

“Me too,” River says.

“Yes, you too.”

“Me.” Lilly raises her hand.

“All of you. Geniuses, I tell you.” Lachlan bops Lilly on the nose as we pass by Roman, where she’s sitting on her dad’s hip. “All right, here’s the deal. Everyone gets a cupcake.” He nods toward the box on the table. “Everyone has to bite into them at the same time.”

“Hold up!” Emerson raises her hand in the air. “You had a doctor’s appointment yesterday. Did you find out what you’re having?”

“We did,” Lachlan says proudly. “And you all are about to find out as soon as you take a bite of your cupcakes.”

My friends squeal in delight, as do the kids. The guys are grinning and reaching for their cupcakes, just as Lachlan told them to.

“On the count of three. One. Two. Three!” he cheers.

Everyone starts calling out, “Boy!” and their congratulations. I smile up at him. “I think this is the first time I’ve seen sweets in your presence that you didn’t have one.”

“I’m too excited,” he says, pressing his lips to my temple.

“One more thing,” Lachlan says, holding up his hand. “We also have a name. Maggie’s dad’s first name and my dad’s middle name. Sean Alan Noble.”

Hugs and pats on the back start up, and my gaze catches Brogan’s. She looks up at Maddox and the smile that lights up his face is one I see every time Lachlan looks at me. I know he cares about me, but could it be more? Could he be falling just as hard as I am?

“Also,” Maddox speaks up, “with Laggie’s permission.”

I choke on the water I was drinking. “Laggie?” I sputter with laughter.

“Work with me here, Maggie.” Maddox smirks. “As I was saying. With Laggie’s permission, my wife and I would like to tell you all that we’re also having a baby.”

The room erupts in cheers and more hugs and smiles, and I know that this is going to be my future. These people, they’re the best I’ve ever known. We celebrate our wins and our losses together. As a family.

My son is going to grow up with aunts and uncles, not by blood, but by love, and that makes my heart happy.

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