Page 49 of The Neighbor's Son

“I’m romantic, Crybaby, and you know it.”

Rather than sticking around while they get into one of their fights that is really just foreplay, I take Brayden’s hand and follow him outside. Since it’s warm, and not quite fall yet, it’s a great day to walk and sip my sweet drink.

We make our way to the end of the strip center where my work is located and then head for a grassy area in front of a small church. It’s our spot. He’s already laid out a blanket and his food bag is waiting to be unloaded.

I’m going to miss this when it gets cold. But, knowing Brayden, he’ll find another way to make lunchtime special.

“What have you been up to today besides spoiling me?” I ask as he helps me sit down.

“Went with Dad to look at a property that’s being foreclosed on. I’m thinking about getting it.”

He shows me the pictures he took on his phone. It’s not a complex like Moonlit Gables, but it’s a cute, older home downtown with a garage apartment. I listen with rapt attention as he explains his plans to rent them both out after rehabbing it. Both his parents are going to cosign on the loan for him, but it’s going to be his responsibility.

“I’m proud of you,” I tell him as he hands me a warm container of leftover spaghetti from last night. “You’re really going to do something great with that.”

“Gotta provide for my baby momma and our little bear.”

I seriously swoon every time he refers to the baby as our little bear.

“I make enough to take care of us,” I remind him.

“I know, babe. It’s a manageable project while I stay home with the baby. And it’ll give us more income in case you decide you want to cut back on work or stay home.”

I love my career, but I won’t lie and say I haven’t considered doing just that. At once, when I thought my future with Derek was what I had to work with, staying with the baby was more appealing since I knew he wasn’t going to give up working. Brayden is such a sweet, caring soul, though. I trust he will be the best stay-at-home-dad, and I can continue to do what I love. It’s thoughtful he’s providing options in case I change my mind.

As we eat the lunch he packed, we discuss next week. We’ll have family in town to witness our small courthouse wedding, so there’s a lot to plan and think about. Luckily, Brayden has put together an awesome menu for our party afterward at the Moonlit Gable meeting room.

“You have room for dessert?” Brayden asks, holding up container filled with cut fruit. “I made that dip you like.”

That dip is addictive and my mouth waters. I think the baby craves it the most of everything he feeds me.

“Maybe I can take it back with me. Right now, I just want to enjoy the sunshine and you.”

I lie down with my head in his lap and he strokes my hair. The wind tickles over my flesh, making me shiver happily. Brayden gives me the most serene moments I’ve ever known. Sure, we can light the bedsheets on fire because our sexual chemistry is off the charts, but he’s also intuitive about my emotional needs.

He’s going to make a great father.

“Tell your dad he can hang out with me and my dad during the shower tomorrow,” Brayden says. “We’re going to go eat atSmoke & Sugar. I guess it’s kind of a bachelor party thing, but lowkey since it’s family and old dudes.”

I giggle at him. “Dad does love to eat.”

The first time I brought Brayden home to my parents for them to meet, I thought my mom was going to have a stroke. She rudely pulled me aside to ask me if he was even an adult yet. Dad, though, welcomed Brayden right away and they got to discussing how they could fix my parents’ back deck that had some wood rot.

He’s growing on Mom, especially once she learned he’s an excellent cook, but Dad adored Brayden right from the start.

A big brown truck passes, and we both look to see who’s driving. Sure enough, it’s Derek. He doesn’t look our way which is probably for the best.

“Oh,” I say, sitting up. “How did it go with your dad and his girlfriend? I forgot to ask.”

For the past few months, Amara and her daughter have been living in Gordon’s old unit. Brayden confided in me that Amara made first month’s rent but hasn’t paid since. His dad is stressing out over it.

“Ugh,” he says with a groan. “Not good.”

“Oh no.”

“It’s a sticky situation since she’s his girlfriend, but he was honest with her. Told her he has his own bills to pay, and he can’t afford to lose the rent money on that unit.”

“Let me guess,” I utter with a frown. “She cried.”

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