Page 62 of The Ranger
“Okay, ladies, grab your drinks.”Trina claps her hands.“And ladies, remember that we have the Cole’s mom and sister here today, so keep it clean.”
Caylee lists her hand.“If it’s about his body, please,” she fake gags.“I’ve heard it all my life.”
A few girls giggle.
“Stop.You love your brother.”Her mom pats her thigh.
“Yes, but I don’t want to talk about his six-pack.”
“Eight,” I mumble.
Fuck, did I say that out loud?
Briar snorts beside me.
“Interesting,” Caylee gives me a sideways grin.
“Notinteresting.Let’s open the gifts.”I wave at Trina.Christ, the last thing I need is his family getting the wrong impressions.
When I glance at Cole’s mom, she’s smiling at me knowingly.
Nope.
There isnothingto know.
THREE HOURS LATER I’malmost dead on my feet.I’ve eaten so much I think I might give birth to a food baby instead.My feet ache, my back aches, my face hurts.
From smiling.
I don’t smile this much normally, and it’s very uncomfortable.How do people do it?
There were also more tears.
Caylee got our little alien a large pelican soft toy, which I have a feeling Cole had some input into, and a little matching onesie.
“If it’s a boy, I’m sorry, but it was too cute, so I had to get it.”She sighs.“I can’t wait to be a mom one day.”
Choose your man wisely, I think.
“It’s gorgeous, thank you.”
Then I opened Maggie’s gift and my heart melted.Inside the box was a white, soft cashmere blanket, which I crushed against my cheek, embroidered in the corner with the messageI am loved.
Our wet eyes met, and for the first time I let myself feel the desire to be a real member of their family.She’s going to be a grandmother, but I don’t want to just be the mom that drops my child off.
My own mom wouldn’t be a part of this little family, but at least baby would have one amazing grandma.
What would Cole think of me becoming a bigger part of his family?Would it be awkward when another woman came into his life?
Yes.
Under the blanket were a pair of silk booties, beautiful lotions and a cute beige wooden elephant.
“Cole had one as a baby.I searched high and low for one but couldn’t find one, so...”Maggie trailed off.
My brows shot up.“Is this his?”
She nodded.“I got his permission.”
