Page 70 of The Ties That Bind
He just looked up at her with wide eyes.
Brie handed Hope to her mother and took Anthony from Sir. Walking to the couch, she sat down and unwrapped Anthony from the blanket so Jonathan could get a better look at him.
But Jonathan remained where he was until Brie’s mother put Hope down and she toddled toward her little brother. It seemed to break Jonathan of his shyness, and he quickly raced over to join Hope.
It wasn’t until then that Brie noticed Candy hanging up the last of the baby shower decorations. When Lea saw the direction of Brie’s gaze, she cried, “Surprise! It’s your second After Baby Baby Shower.”
“Oh, my goodness, you guys,” Brie squealed in mock surprise. “You shouldn’t have!”
Lea gave Mary a hip bump. “See, I told you she’d love it.”
Mary rolled her eyes, but Brie could see a glint of satisfaction on her face. “I don’t knowwhyyou insist on having your babies before the baby showers, Stinks.”
Brie laughed. “Don’t blame me. It’s these little munchkins.”
“Well, I for one am happy to get a closer look at your little alien,” Lea cooed, walking over with Candy to ogle the baby. “They’re so much cuter outside the stomach.”
Brie shook her head, laughing at Lea.
“So, we’re sparing you the lame-ass games this time, since time is limited,” Mary informed her, rolling her eyes at Lea.
“But, if you want one, I’ve got it in my car,” Lea piped up. “The game involves diapers and chocolate candy bars.”
Brie groaned at the thought, “I’ll pass.”
Candy giggled. “I remember how Lea creamed us with the clothespin game.”
“Oh, I love that game!” Brie’s mother piped up.
“Thankfully, today it’s just about stuffing Brie’s deflated belly with food,” Mary stated, pointing to the kitchen counter laden with finger foods. “Got any preferences, Stinks?”
Brie was about to stand up when her father stopped her. “You just tell me what you want, little girl, and I’ll get it for you.”
Brie looked up at her dad in surprise. “I…well, I’d like a little of everything.”
“You got it,” he answered, heading to the kitchen.
She glanced at her mother in astonishment. Her dad had never served her before in his entire life.
When the doorbell rang, Sir offered to answer it. “Brie, you may want to see this,” he called out after opening the door.
Brie stood up with Anthony cradled in her arms and walked toward the foyer. The moment she saw who was in the doorway, her heart skipped a beat.
“Tono!”
She couldn’t believe he was standing there in the flesh beside Autumn.
Brie ran to him and, without thinking, pressed her head against his chest. She closed her eyes, needing to hear his heartbeat. Tears ran down her cheeks as she listened to the strength of each beat.
Suddenly realizing that Sir was the only other person in the room, besides Autumn, who knew about Tono’s health scare, she quickly pulled away. To cover up her emotional outburst, Brie wiped her eyes with one hand and muttered, “I’m sorry. Must be the hormones. It’s just so good to see you two.”
She took Autumn’s hand and squeezed it. “I seriously can’t believe you’re here!”
Autumn grinned at Brie. “Tono insisted I come for your baby shower.”
“Little did we know we’d get to meet your son in person.” Tono chuckled warmly, looking down at the baby.
Brie’s heart burst with joy when she gently placed her son in his arms. “Tono Nosaka, I’m honored to have you to meet our son, Anthony Alonzo Davis.”
