Page 75 of Make Mine Sweet
“We can share a birthday party!”
Something soft and warm seems to fill my chest at his generous offer. “What are you doing for your party?”
“We’re going to the park and we’re going to have games and water balloons and dinosaurs everywhere and Mama’s going to make my cake. Strawberry, because that’s my favorite.”
“Sounds like fun. Maybe I can just visit your party.” I haven’t done much of anything for my birthday in too long, but his excitement almost makes me want to join him and see what it’s all about.
His little face turns serious. “We can’t share presents, though.”
I pretend to pout. “What if I like dinosaurs?”
He seems to consider. “Maybe I could share one present with you.”
“It’s okay, pal. I’m just teasing. Your presents are all yours.”
“You can come to Fourth Fest with us, too! There’s a parade where they throw candy at little kids, and at night, fireworks! You can come be with Mama and me.”
“Maybe we should see what your Mama thinks of your plans first.”
I probably shouldn’t be making plans for birthdays and holidays with them without her input. Even if I’m ready to RSVP to his invite right now.
My phone rings on the patio table. Pierce. I’d avoid it, given where I am and all, but I suspect this is an important call.
“I have to take this, okay?”
“Okay.” August slides off his chair and heads to the flower bed where he’s stashed his trucks.
I step to the opposite end of the patio. “Pierce?”
“I caught you. Good.” He sounds wrung out, which confirms my suspicions. “I’m a dad! Bonnie delivered our baby girl this morning.”
“Congratulations. I’m happy for you.” I truly am. I’ve never heard him sound quite this overjoyed. Other than on his wedding day, when he was also a little dazed and in awe of his luck. “What’s her name?”
“Ophelia James. Seven pounds, seventeen inches long.”
“I have no idea what those stats mean. Big baby? Small?”
“So tiny. With perfect little fingers and toes. She’s got an impressive amount of hair on her head, too.”
“Red?” We all inherited red hair from our dad. Mine’s the darkest, Steven the lightest, and Pierce more of a pale red-brown. Bonnie’s had her fingers crossed for a ginger baby since they met.
“No luck this time.”
I won’t point out he’s already leaving the door open for another baby when they just had their first hours ago. It’s actually kind of cute. In a sickeningly sweet way.
But sweet’s been growing on me lately.
August runs up to me and taps my arm. “Ian? Can I watch a show?”
“Sure, buddy. I’ll be in in a minute.”
He dashes toward their apartment, saying goodbye to Dutch at the door. I wasn’t sure Tess would appreciate him in her house all day, so we’ve played with him out here. Probably best to only spread dog hair after he’s been invited in.
“Who was that?” Pierce wants to know. “And don’t say the TV again. I’m not stupid. That’s a little kid you’re talking to.”
I’m still not sure I want to share any part of this with my brothers. Then again, he did just tell me some of the best news of his life. Seems only fair. “That’s Tess’s son, August.”
“Who is Tess?”
