Page 59 of Wylder Ranch
I take my time feeding her, resting her in the crook of my arm while she sucks down the milk like she’s not eaten for days. Her legs stretch out, so much longer than they were when she arrived. My growing girl.
Even after she finishes, I stay and savor the quiet time. I don’t want to go downstairs to the rabble, but in the end, before someone comes looking for me, I get up, change her nappy, and put her in one of the dozens and dozens of dresses my mother bought her—a pink one with little bunnies.
“My cousin is here,” yells Max when we walk back into the snug.
“Hey Maxy, what do you say I employ you to announce my arrival wherever I go? I kind of like that idea, and I’llpay you in gummy bears,” pitches Miles, which has Lando scoffing.
“Your arrival doesnotneed announcing.”
In the time I’ve been upstairs, my brothers have finished decorating. Of sorts.
Balloons are all over the floor, and the bunting is hung across the fireplace, except no one has noticed that one end has fallen off where I stuck it. There’s also a Max-sized finger swipe through the frosting on the birthday cake.
“Uncle Alex, does Everly want a balloon?” Max follows me through to the kitchen, where I retrieve Everly’s bouncer and take it to the snug.
“I’m sure she would love one if you can show her how to hold it. Don’t let it pop, though, okay?”
Max takes one with a serious expression and a very deep nod. “I won’t.”
I’m about to place her in the bouncer when Maud barks at the front door opening.
Holiday walks in first and launches herself at Lando like she hasn’t seen him in months. He picks her up and carries her over to the chair where they snuggle down, whispering and giggling to each other about their respective days. Miles rolls his eyes, his lip curled in revulsion.
I see his point. But I’m less revolted and more jealous.
I spent a year wondering what it would be like to have that. And I want it. I want it with Haven, even when I thought I might never see her again, right up until I followed Miles into the One True Love.
And whatever Hendricks thinks, having Everly only makes me want it more.
My eyes stay glued to the entrance, waiting for Haven to appear, and when she does, it’s the Haven of old, hair tied back into a ponytail, swinging with each step. The one I first met.
I don’t know what they do in that spa place, but every sleepless night, every dark shadow and weary line has completely vanished. She’s shiny, glowing, and absolutely beautiful.
Also, a little confused.
“What’s going on? Why are there balloons everywhere?” she asks, easing Everly out of my arms, and kisses her cheek. “Hello, sweetheart, don’t you look the prettiest picture all dressed up. Why are you all dressed up? What’s Daddy been doing?”
Daddy.
I don’t think I’ve heard her say that before. Not likethatanyway, not like we’re a unit. A family. That it’s not me or her, but the three of us—Mummy, Daddy, and Everly.
And fuck if it doesn’t make my heart swell so quickly I question whether I’m having a heart attack.
Fucking friends. Why did I ever listen to Hendricks?
There’s a wobble to my voice when I tell her, “It’s November twentieth.” Holding her bright green gaze, her brows rise, and I wait for her to understand the significance. “Everly’s two-month birthday. Eddie had some balloons and leftover decorations, so Miles blew them up. And I hung the bunting.” I wave to the wall where the end is still hanging off.
Dammit.
Turning back to Haven, she looks like she’s having a tough time keeping a straight face. “You seriously did all this?”
I nod, feeling incredibly pleased with myself. “And there’s cake.”
“For Everly’s two-month birthday?”
“Yes.”
“Well, if that isn’t the cutest thing I’ve ever heard.” A broad smile stretches across her face, flushed pink cheek to flushed pink cheek, rendering me speechless. “I knew she was born two months ago today, but it never occurred to me to celebrate it any more than ‘yay, we survived two months.’” She pumps her fists in the air.
