Page 71 of Where the Little Birds Are (Little Bird Duet 2)

“They do—”

“They might,” I agree, cutting him off, “but I’m not a mind reader, Gavin. They’re always so focused on you and what you do that it seems like I’m the black sheep for doing what I love instead of going into a career I’d be miserable in. I went to college, dropped out, argued nonstop with Mom about practicability, and it kept putting an even bigger wedge between us. And Dad never really tried to stop her from voicing her opinions because we all knew he couldn’t. She was going to say what she wanted no matter if it hurt my feelings.”

He doesn’t bother countering anything I say because he knows there’s no point. We get our strong-headed stubbornness from Mom. That included our lack of filter. I’ve just gotten better at controlling it over the years.

I step toward him. “I’m sorry for upsetting you, but Lincoln was never my forever home even though you’re all here. Even though things didn’t work out with Parker, it was good he got me out of here. It put things into perspective for me.”

His lips twitch. “I always knew how upset you were over them not bringing up your writing more. But they did talk about you all the time to me. They’d ask if I heard about what you were doing, how deadlines were, that sort of thing. Dad brags to Rich the mailman still when he drops by packages at the door. I’ve heard him.”

That I didn’t know, and it makes me smile. Dad was always the person to voice how proud he was in ways without outright saying those words. It made me feel like I’d done something impressive in their eyes, and that’s all I ever wanted.

“Things have been tense between you and Mom for so long, but can’t that stop?” he asks, frowning. “I know you two don’t agree on a lot but be honest with yourself, Kin. She just wants what’s best for you. And, as a father, I get it.”

I swallow, glancing down at the bump he’s gesturing to with his chin. “Now that you’re going to experience parenthood, you’ll understand why she’s been tough on you. No parent wants to see their child struggle, hurt, or anything bad like that. She had no way of knowing you’d be supported and happy and it probably scared her. If Sam decides he wants to do something o

utside of farming, something like what you do, I’d be nervous too.”

My brows go up. “Farming isn’t exactly a money maker last I heard. But I get your point.”

He manages to chuckle. “You’re right. Farming is probably the last thing I’d want Sam to go into after what Kayla and I have gone through since starting.”

We stand in silence for a few comfortable moments. I caress my stomach wondering what I’ll be like as a parent. I’ve been too stressed hiding that I’m pregnant to even think about what happens when I give birth, and this all becomes real. And the thought … it terrifies me.

My throat thickens. “What if I’m bad at this? I never thought about kids because I’ve just focused on building my career. What—”

“Stop,” he insists, reaching out and grabbing my hand. “We all have those thoughts, but you know what? You and Corbin—” He tries not to force out his name but it’s still rocky at best. “—have the means to make sure that baby is well cared for, and I have no doubt in my mind that my little niece or nephew will be loved.”

My hand twitches in his, uncertainty lingering in my conscience. “What if something happens to that though? I get why Mom was upset that I dropped out to pursue writing fulltime because book royalties are never stable. With everything else going on…”

He deadpans. “You’re involved with a famous actor whose pants probably cost more than my mortgage payment. I think you’ll be fine.”

I blink. “So, are you okay?” I ask, not enlightening him on what he’s okay with. He’s never going to be fine with what boundaries I pushed to get where I am, or what we did to Lena no matter her motives today. But that doesn’t mean I don’t need his support in any form that he’ll give me.

The side of his lips quirk. “I’m okay with spoiling the shit out of your kid, giving them candy even when you tell me not to, and telling them embarrassing stories about you. Like that time when we walked to the store to grab pizza and the lady pulled over to tell you that your skirt was tucked into your underwear.”

I gasp, instantly feeling my body flame from the memory I’d definitely pushed way, way back in my mind. “Seriously?”

He just grins.

“Dweeb,” I grumble.

“Dickwad,” he returns easily.

We smile at each other.

“Whatever happens,” he tells me, tone full of seriousness, “I’ve got your back. You know that, right? I know what I did was shitty, but I did it because I love you.”

“And because you’re selfish,” I remind him.

He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, yeah.”

“I know,” I relent quietly.

Glancing down at the carpet, he kicks his boot out and clears his throat. “Is it really him, Kinley? You’re sure? Things with Parker got serious fast once they started happening, and we all thought you were over Corbin because of it.”

I’m surer about Corbin than I am on anything else. Things with Parker happened faster than I had time to process because I got swept up in the idea of moving on. I let the possibility of loving someone other than Corbin someday drive me to make rash decisions. The time we had together mattered, but not enough to dwell on for too long. I found a way to move on from him. It should have been that easy to move on from Corbin, but for whatever reason, fate chose us. I can’t deny it even if I wanted to.

So, I give Gavin a small smile, and wrap my arms around his midsection for a rare hug. “I know you want me to say no, but sorry. It’s always going to be Corbin.”

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