Page 73 of Can We Try?

“What?” Monroe screeches. “Really?” There are tears in her eyes.

Emerson nods, tears also forming. “Really.”

“So, we’re all pregnant at the same time?” Briar asks.

“We are,” all the ladies, including myself, answer.

“They’re all going to be the best of friends,” Emerson says.

“Baby girl,” Roman says, pulling Emerson’s attention back to him. “I’m so thankful for you. You never gave up on me, on us. Now, we have this beautiful little girl and another baby on the way. You’ve given me everything I never knew I wanted. I love you.” He makes a fist, taps it over his heart, and kisses his wife.

“Grown-ups are weird,” River says.

“Yeah,” Rayne agrees.

“Yeah!” Lilly echoes, and the entire room erupts in laughter.

“Happy Thanksgiving.” Lachlan raises his glass of tea, and we all follow suit, raising our drinks.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” echoes around the room.

We dig into our meals while talking, laughing, making plans, and making memories. This is our future. This is what my kids will grow up with. Something I didn’t have. Family isn’t just those you’re born related to. It’s also those you choose to love. Those people who come into your life at just the right time, and they stay for a lifetime. That’s what we are. We’re family. The Everlasting Ink family.

“Twenty-eight weeks and growing strong,” Lachlan says, joining me on the couch.

We just got home from my doctor’s appointment and are taking it easy. It’s cold as hell outside, as it should be the week before Christmas.

“He’ll be here for all of this next year.” I point toward the tree and the presents beneath it.

“I can’t wait,” Lachlan says, leaning over to press his lips to mine. “Speaking of Christmas, I want to give you an early present.”

“I can wait until next week.”

“Yeah, but I can’t.” He chuckles. He stands from the couch and offers me his hand. “Come with me.”

“I have to go somewhere for this gift?” I ask, not really wanting to move off this couch. I worked all day because we were able to get a late appointment and I’m beat.

“Yes, but not far.”

“Okay.” I place my hand in his, and he helps me from the couch.

“I’ll carry you. I know you’re tired.” He lifts me into his arms, bridal style, and I lock my hands behind his neck.

“I could have walked. I’m just being lazy.”

“No, Mags, you’re not lazy. You’re growing a human; that takes a lot out of you. Besides, we’re just going upstairs.”

My heart begins to race, because the only thing upstairs are the two spare bedrooms and a bathroom. The nursery. I bet he bought the furniture we were looking at. I bite down on my cheek to tamp down my excitement.

Once we’re in front of the bedroom that we agreed would be Sean’s, Lachlan places me on my feet.

“I’m going to place my hands over your eyes. Close them, too, and don’t try to peek.” He gives me a stern look.

“Yes, sir.” His blue eyes darken and he licks his lips. “We’ll get back to that,” he muses. “Now, close those beautiful blue eyes,” he tells me.

I do as I’m told, and he places one arm around my waist and the other shields my eyes. “Shit, I need to open the door. Hold on. Keep your eyes closed.” I hear the door open, and then he’s back with his arm around my waist, one hand covering my eyes, and we’re moving. “Almost there,” he tells me. We stop, and he drops the hand over my eyes. “Open.”

I count to three slowly in my head and blink open my eyes. I blink again. Once, twice, three times as I take in what I’m looking at. It’s not just the furniture we looked at. It’s everything. The dark blue and cream contrasting walls, the wood nameplate above the crib, the cream and dark blue rug, the rocking chair, the changing table, and the art on the walls. It’s everything. Every single thing I’ve shown him on my phone or while shopping, he’s incorporated. There’s a small end table and a bookshelf by the rocking chair for late-night feedings. Every little detail is perfect.

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