Page 109 of Playing for Keeps
I ease Hunter into Wyatt’s arms, the baby looking even smaller cradled against his broad chest. The sight pulls at something deep inside me, like I’m catching a glimpse of a future I never imagined with him but suddenly want more than anything.
“You look good with a baby in your arms,” I say quietly, just loud enough for him to hear over the soft chatter around us.
He glances at me, his eyes full of something I can’t quite read. “It feels good,” he says, his voice ragged with emotion. “Scary good.”
My breath catches at his words. I know exactly what he means. It isn’t just about holding Hunter, it’s about everything we’re starting. The weight of something genuine, something lasting.
Something that feels like it could be forever.
A couple of hours later, dinner’s over and we’re all relaxing in the outdoor seating area. The twinkling lights that are strung between the trees cast a warm glow over the garden now darkness has fallen, and soft music plays in the background, but it’s mostly drained out by the hum of excited conversation and laughter.
There aren’t quite enough seats now that everyone’s settled, so I’m perched on Wyatt’s lap, his arms wrapped securely around me, not that I mind. I love being close to him.
Every now and then, I catch Ash watching us, a smile on her face whenever our eyes meet. I smile back, noticing the way she’s curled up beside Ben, mirroring me and Wyatt. If someone had told me six months ago that we’d both be here like this, I don’t think I would have believed them.
“All right,” Tessa says, rising to her feet and bringing the chatter to a halt. “Time to call it a night.” Her gaze sweeps over the group. “You guys need to grab a couple of Ubers and head over to Cade’s place.”
Wyatt loosens his arms from around me and glances at his watch. “It’s not even ten, Mom.”
“It’s late enough,” she counters with a smile. “Your brother’s getting married tomorrow. You all need some decent sleep.”
“Let’s go,” Henry says as he gets up, stretching. “Time to clear out.”
Wyatt gives my waist a squeeze, and I rise from his lap. He catches my hand, lacing our fingers together as he leads me a few steps away from the others. When he turns to face me, his hands slide to my hips, pulling me close until we’re pressed together.
“I don’t want to go,” he says, his gaze locking with mine.
I smile, looping my arms around his neck. “It’s just one night.”
He leans in, resting his forehead against mine. “Still feels like forever.”
A knot tightens in my chest because I get it. The thought of lying in bed tonight without him beside me already feels… wrong.
I rise onto my toes and kiss him, hoping he feels everything I can’t quite say yet. Even though I feel it.
“I’ll be thinking about you,” I whisper against his lips.
He kisses me again, slower this time, and when he finally pulls back, his thumb strokes across my cheek.
“Send me a picture,” he says, a heated glint in his eyes. “Wearing my jersey.”
I laugh. “I was kind of hoping you’d forgotten I said that earlier.”
He smirks, his eyes gleaming. “Not a chance.”
I kiss him once more, soft and unhurried, before finally stepping back, neither of us wanting to let go.
“Night, baby,” he says quietly.
“Night, Wyatt.”
I stand there for a moment, watching him walk away with his dad and brothers, already counting down the minutes until I get to see him again.
Yeah… I’ve got it bad.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Wyatt
