Page 268 of The Baby Bargain
"You spent three months trying to convince Ariel." Griffin taps his fingers against the arm of his leather chair. He raises a browyou're ridiculous. "You ran that joke into the ground day two."
Wes flips him off.
Griffin just shrugs. He's the picture of confidence. And comfort. When he steps into his suit, he's a different person. This guy who's incredibly proud of his status as a husband.
No, he's always that person. But it's extra obnoxious when he dons a suit.
"You need any last minute tips on married life?" Griffin asks.
Wes rolls his eyes. "Chug half a bottle of tequila before the ceremony and the rest after?"
Griffin copies Wes's eye-roll. "It's sad how jealous you are."
"Jealous of what?" Wes holds up his left hand. Wiggles his adorned ring finger.
"Such insecurity." Griffin shakes his head. "Poor Ingrid. Growing up with a daddy who doesn't think she's enough."
At the mention of his daughter's name, Wes completely forgets his irritation. Hedoesturn into a different person.
It's bizarre. Beyond bizarre. My little brother is a dad.
Hell, Charlotte is completely enamored with her cousin. She lights up about everything. But she especially lights up when she gets to play with Ingrid.
"You have to admit. Chase could use a drink," Wes says.
The door swings shut as Hunter steps into the suite. He surveys the room, nods hello to everyone. "He really could."
Wes chuckles. "Even he thinks so."
"I'm good." Nerves aren't always a bad thing.
My whole body is buzzing, sure, but it's anticipation as much as anything else. Like before my first tattoo.
I'm marrying Ariel Ballard.
I'm marrying the mother of my child.
I'm marrying the woman who brings joy to my life.
Fuck, I thought I knew what it meant to love before. But after the last few years—
My world is open in a whole new way. A way I never imagined.
The first time I saw Charlotte—a tiny ultrasound that's still taped to the fridge—my heart nearly burst. But actually meeting her? Holding her in my hands? Feeling her tiny hand wrapped around my finger?
I've never felt so much love.
I'd die for her.
I'd die for Ariel too.
And even more importantly, I'd live for them. I stay on top of my shit—I journal, I go to therapy, I set boundaries with my mom—for them.
The big gestures are easy.
It's the little shit every day that's hard.
But I wouldn't have it any other way.
