Page 31 of Lonesome Man
“We’re all staying at the guesthouse,” Freya said. “And wow, it’s stunning. We might have to come more often.”
I grabbed her hand. “I’ll hold you to that.”
They pulled me into the kitchen, then they all grabbed plates, and ushered me out the door.
“Time for food,” Riley said.
Freya grinned. “And presents!”
I followed them out, my heart impossibly full. I had only known these women a year, but they’d embraced me with open arms. Now I couldn’t imagine life without them in it. I loved them all like sisters. They’d rallied around when my father passed away, and supported me any way they could when my mother decided to sell the farm, and move to the city. Hank, Beau, and Cash had taken turns staying here and looking after the animals while we were away for a month helping Mom sort everything out, and move into her new apartment.
And now this.
When I reached the gazebo, Beau pulled me in for a hug. “Hey, honey,” he said.
Cash and Hank were not the hugging type, unless it was their wives and children, but even they both gave me hugs. I was surrounded by examples of what a real husband, a partner, a father should be. These men, my Tucker, were all supportive, loving, strong, yet incredibly gentle mountain men.
My husband curled his arms around me, as our family finished arranging the food and finished putting up the decorations.
He pressed his lips to my forehead. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s perfect.” I looked up at him. “I can’t believe you did this for me.”
“I’d love to take all the credit, but Birdie, Freya, and Riley were the masterminds.”
My belly fluttering with excited nerves. “This is actually perfect timing.”
“Yeah?”
“Time to eat!” Riley called.
Tuck led me to the table.
“I have a bit of an announcement to make first,” I said instead of taking my seat. I’d been so tired yesterday, and so happy to be home. I’d wanted it to be perfect, special when I shared my news, and you couldn’t get more special than this.
Everyone turned to me and I looked up at Tuck. “You know I had a checkup with the midwife?”
His gaze held mine. “Yeah, you said it all went well.”
I nodded. “It did. But there’s more.”
“More? Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?”
I nodded. “Yes. That’s exactly what we’re having,” I said and grinned wide.
I saw Beau elbow Hank in the corner of my eye.
Tuck frowned. “Sorry, so are you saying boy or girl?”
“Both.”
“What?” he said, a stunned look on his face.
“The twin gene is seriously strong in this family,” I said and bit my lip. Hank and Birdie had two sets now. First two girls, then two boys, and Beau and Freya had three boys. They’d had twins after they’d had Connor. Cash and Riley were the only ones who hadn’t had twins, at least not yet. “Are you okay?” I asked, since his mouth was still kind of hanging open.
“Welcome to the club,” Beau said, grinning wide.
“The What is Sleep Again? Club,” Hank added, chuckling.
A huge smile curled Tuck’s lips, then he lifted me off my feet with a deep, rough laugh. “Happy to join,” he said, then kissed me hard grinning down at me. “So fucking happy, darlin’.”
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