Page 29 of Stevie
“Trust me, this worked out way better than the original plan,” I say nervously while rubbing her calves.
“Oh yeah, because laying on the couch while I’m in stained sweats, no bra, and completely bloated while rubbing my feet is the ideal first date.”
“I’ll have you know. I find your feet very attractive, so this is the ideal first date.” I give her a playful smirk as she hits me with her pillow.
“Tell me what you had planned,” I groan as I lay my head back.
“Nothing, really. Limo to Cranes, dinner, wine, and a late-night carriage ride. Really, it was totally not a big deal.” Stevie stares at me, her face slack and her brows pushing together.
“Brooks,” she whispers, and I wave her off.
“Peaches, you are the most important part of the date. Trust me, I’m much happier here, making you feel comfortable and hanging up our artwork. We can go to dinner anytime.”
“Thank you,” she whispers, and I watch as she winces while twisting herself before resting her head on my chest. “Despite the pain, this has to be the most fun I’ve had on a date.”
I kiss the top of her head while holding her to me. “Good, that’s all I want.”
* * *
“I like her,” my mom smiles as I help her carry dishes into the kitchen while Stevie sits on the couch, playing with Charlie and talking with my sisters. My mom, sisters, and Charlie decided to get together today, and while I told Stevie we didn’t have to go since I’m sure she still wasn’t feeling great from the other night, she insisted.
“I do, too,” I say tenderly. Dinner went better than I could’ve hoped for. Stevie was funny and charming, and I can tell my sisters love her, especially Tyler, who apparently orders takeout from Nuts About Dough all the time, but has never been in due to their steps.
Going back to the living room, I sit on the couch next to Stevie and make a silly face at Charlie to make her squeal. Grabbing my niece, I hold her above my head before kissing her on her cheek.
“Uh oh,” Pip teases from her spot across the coffee table. “Stevie, you better watch out with Brookie. The man gets around Charlie too long, and the baby fever starts up with him.” I freeze and fuck, I can feel it. Stevie’s entire body stiffens, and her energy shifts. To my mom and sisters, Stevie’s demeanor hasn’t changed, but I know her. I know every micro-expression she has.
“That’s not true,” I try to joke lightly. “I just have a fondness for my niece.”
“Uh huh…” Scout snorts. “Don’t try that with us. Stevie, this man, comes from a big family, and trust me, a bunch of kids is definitely his dream. So don’t worry, great dad material here.”
“Oh,” Stevie’s fake smile breaks my heart, and I watch her hands wrap around her abdomen. “I have no doubt Brooks will make an amazing father one day.” My gut twists at her words.
“Are you looking to have kids soon?” Pip asks, looking up from braiding Scout’s hair.
“Uh, no. I’m actually having a hysterectomy next week due to my chronic illness, so no babies happening here.” Her voice cracks slightly as she stands up and smoothes out her dress, the same pretty one she was going to wear the last time we were coming over here. I’m starting to think it’s cursed. “Excuse me for a moment.” She smiles politely before walking out of the living room. I hear her go through the kitchen and out the back door.
“Good going,” I grit out, handing Charlie back to her mom.
“How were we supposed to know?” Pip asks in confusion.
“You’re not! You’re just not supposed to throw the baby thing around. Jesus Christ! Do you know how hard this is for her?”
“I do,” Tyler says softly, and I wince. While recovering, Tyler spent a lot of time with infections. Especially UTIs, as well as she went septic after her spinal cord surgery. It caused a lot of issues, one of which is, due to massive scarring, there is next to no chance of her conceiving. “And Brookie is right, you guys shouldn’t be shoving that on them, hell Brookie may not want kids! He has a job that can be dangerous, plus he always has to deal with us.” I give Tyler a squeeze on the shoulder before walking through the kitchen and out back. I find Stevie around the side of the house. She has her arms around her stomach as tears roll down her face.
“God, baby,” I whisper, walking over and pulling her into my arms.
“Sorry,” she sniffles. “I’m just–”
“Shhh… baby, you don’t have to explain anything. You hear me? Come on, let’s go home.”
“Oh! No, I don’t wanna do that to your family.”
“Baby, it’s getting late. I’m tired and have to go to the office tomorrow, anyway. Come on,” I say, pulling her around the house that leads to the driveway.
“Shouldn’t we say bye?” she asks as I open the door.
“Nah, I’ll text them later.”
