Page 40 of The B!tch List

“Shaw, honey,” Mom called from the kitchen. “How did it go?”

“I won.”

She screeched and ran out to launch herself at me. There was a child’s sippy mug in one hand, so it was a one-armed hug that she pulled me into. “I’m so proud of you, baby.”

“So did Nancy,” I told her.

Mom pulled back to look at me. “She did?”

“Yep. It was a tie. We shared the vouchers, and she got the trophy until Jacob Crowne orders another one.”

I thought back to Nancy and how hot she’d looked tonight. The crack I’d made about her ass was not true at all. Her ass looked amazing in the tight skirt she’d worn. I’d just needed to do something that made me feel normal and not like a guy who’d had a baby left on his doorstep.

“How’s Tia been?” I asked. “Although I’m guessing the crying means not so good.”

“Oh no,” Mom replied. “She’s been great. It’s all just a little strange for her. I’m just doing her some warm milk.”

“Did we even have formula in the house?” I was shocked. Rett didn’t drink it, so I had no idea where my mom conjured these things up from.

“She drinks real milk now, honey.” She patted my chest. “I can honestly say that Mrs. Devonshire might not have wanted that gorgeous little girl, but she took good care of her, that’s for sure. Her bag is full of some beautiful clothes.”

“Good for Mrs. Devonshire,” I said sarcastically before blowing out a breath. “Okay, what do I need to do?”

It was at that moment that the front door burst open, and my sister barged in, throwing her hands in the air.

“Tell me, is it true?”

“What?” I asked. “That I only tied with Nancy at the talent show. I know it’s embarrassing, and I apologize to the whole family.”

“No, you idiot.” She slapped my arm and then cupped her hand behind her ear. “I’m guessing that noise of a crying child answers my question.”

“Speaking of,” Mom said. “I really need to go and get her milk before she bursts your dad’s eardrums. I’m hoping it’ll settle her.” Mom rushed back to the kitchen leaving me with my annoyed looking sister.

“Yeah, it’s true. I’ll tell you all about it sometime, but basically my girlfriend who got pregnant by her history professor didn’t, apparently.”

“She lied to you and slept with someone else?”

“Seems that way.”

“Bitch.” Her brow furrowed and her nose crinkled, and I knew she was building up to something. “You do know that I wanted the first granddaughter, right?”

Damn, here was the meltdown that Dad had been worried about.

“I know, but she may not be mine. And you can still beat Ellie to the title in the Maples’ family.” I chose not to tell her that Rett might not even be the first grandchild. You had to choose your battles with my sister.

After she’d thought about it for a second, she nodded, meltdown averted. “Yeah, you’re right.” She cupped my face with a cool palm. “What are you going to do?”

“He’s going to take care of her,” Mom said as she passed us. “Until we find out. However, I’m confident that little girl in there is a Jackson. She’s loud, she sleeps like the dead and she fills her diaper to a nuclear level.”

We watched her disappear into the living room and I felt Bronte’s hand curl into mine.

“She’s amazing, isn’t she?” Bronte sighed.

“She sure is.”

“I hope I’m half as good a mom.”

I turned to see unshed tears in her eyes and pulled her in for a hug.

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