Page 75 of Can We Try?

“We have a few that we like. We want to stay with the outdoor theme. I think we’re leaning toward Willow.”

“I love that,” Emerson says.

“I can’t believe all five of you are pregnant at the same time,” Cassie, Maddox’s mom, comments. “They’re going to all grow up the best of friends, just like their fathers were.”

“More babies to love on.” Sarah, Roman’s mom, smiles. “I, for one, can’t wait.”

“Next Christmas is definitely going to be different,” Brogan says.

“Oh, it’s going to be so much fun,” Grandma Doris tells us. “After you have children and they grow up, Christmas loses a little of its magic. At least it did for me. Little ones make it so special.”

The moms nod their agreement, and excitement bubbles up inside me. I know it’s a full year away, but I’m looking forward to all the moments and all the memories we’ll make as a family. Not just Lachlan, me, and Sean, but our families and our Everlasting Ink family too. There is so much love to give. My heart is bursting with it.

We help Briar gather all of her gifts, carry them up to the baby’s room, and help her get unpacked. The moms leave, and Amanda gives Grandma Doris a ride home. That leaves the five of us ladies. We sit for hours and talk and laugh and make plans for the future.

As I’m getting ready to leave, I take my now-empty glass to the kitchen and find Emerson at the sink, washing hers. “Thank you, Em,” I say, feeling the emotions welling in my throat.

“What for?” She puts her glass away and reaches for mine, and I hand it over.

“For introducing me to your friends.”

“You’re my friend.”

“I know, but we were work friends, and you brought me into the fold of your life. Those relationships have changed my life. So, thank you.”

“I’d like to think that you and Lachlan would have found your way to each other, regardless. The chemistry between you was instant; we could all see it.”

“It’s not just Lachlan. It’s the other girls, the rest of the guys. I only have my grandma, and now it feels like I have this huge extended family, and my heart—” My voice cracks. “It’s bursting with love, and I’m going to be a mom, and it’s just overwhelming in the absolute best of ways.”

“Bring it in.” She dries her hands, opens her arms for me, and I step into her embrace.

“Hold up,” Monroe says from behind us. “Ladies, we got a group-hug situation. Your presence is needed.” The next thing I know, Monroe is wrapping her arms around us, and then Briar and Brogan join in.

“I love you, guys,” I tell them, not bothering to try and mask my emotions.

“Love you,” they echo.

Chapter

Seventeen

Lachlan

* * *

For hours, I’ve been lying here awake, holding Maggie in my arms. The sun is finally peeking over the horizon, and I don’t think I can wait another second to give her the gift. Technically, I’m asking her for one.

I’ve gone back and forth on whether or not I should do this today, but when it comes down to it, I don’t think the day will really matter, because this isn’t her gift. It’s mine.

Needing her to wake up, I move my hand from her belly up under my T-shirt she’s sleeping in, to her breasts. I gently roll her pebbled nipple between my thumb and index finger, and she moans.

I keep massaging her breasts, teasing her nipples, giving both equal amounts of attention, and when she presses her gorgeous ass into my hard cock, I know she’s awake.

“Morning, Mags.” I kiss her neck.

She turns her head to glance at me over her shoulder. “Why are you up so early?”

“I couldn’t sleep.” That gets her attention, just as I knew it would.

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