Page 112 of Unexpected Kisses

–epilogue–

CHAPTER49

–sarah–

With our hands entwined,AJ carries a stunning flower arrangement while I carry balloons and a gift for Colton as we make our way down the hallways toward the maternity ward. We’re both excited to meet the newest addition to the Jackson family. Lisa gave birth to their second son, Braden, late last night and AJ was determined to be one of the first to visit and wish them well. My thoughts race forward to the day when we finally get to meet our baby and I drop my hand to rub over my very slight bump. If you didn’t know I was pregnant, you’d think I ate a big meal. I still have to pinch myself that I’m finally living my dream with my dream fiancé. That’s right. Once my doctor confirmed my pregnancy, we invited everyone over to share our good news, and AJ surprised me by dropping to one knee to propose.

Our steps slow as we come to Lisa’s room. Glancing at each other with matching smiles, we step through the door. The sight that greets us makes my heart sing. Hayley and Lisa are both sitting on the bed, with their new son resting across Colton’s lap. The girls lift their gazes to us but Colton is too focused on his new baby brother to notice we’ve arrived.

“Hey,” I whisper as I carefully lean down to kiss Lisa and Hayley’s cheeks. “Congratulations.” I glance down at Braden. “He’s so handsome.”

They both swell with pride. “Thank you. We’re just a little in love with him. He’s been so good.”

“Looks like Colton loves him already.”

“Yeah. He hasn’t taken his eyes off him since Lisa’s Mom dropped him off a little while ago.”

I chuckle then move out of the way so AJ can pass on his congratulations. I place the balloons on the side cupboard, then bend down and place a soft kiss on top of Colton’s head. “Hey, little man.” His eyes skip up to me quickly then return to his little brother.

“Have you met my brother?” he asks.

“Not yet. You wanna introduce us?”

He nods. “This is Braden. He’s my baby brother, and I’m gonna look after him and make sure he’s always safe.”

My heart melts. How adorable. I loved Colton already, but he’s just burrowed himself deeper into my heart. “I bet you will. You’re gonna be the best big brother.” I smooth my hand over his dark hair.

His eyes snap to his uncle. “Unca AJ. You’re here.”

AJ chuckles. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else. I had to meet the new guy. Is he being a good boy?”

Colton nods enthusiastically. “Yep.”

“Colt, you wanna let Aunty Sarah and Uncle AJ have a cuddle?” Hayley coaxes. “They brought you a present.”

His little eyebrows dip over his gorgeous brown eyes, and I can see him working through his options. He finally nods slowly. “Okay.”

“Who wants first hold?” Lisa asks.

AJ tips his chin toward me. “Sarah can have the first hold because once I have him I won’t want to give him up.”

I chuckle. “Okay. If I have to.” I hold out my arms and wiggle my fingers. Carefully, I lift him from Colton’s lap and cradle him close to my body as I did with the baby I cuddled in the NICU this morning. I take a deep breath, drawing his newborn smell into my lungs. I love that new baby smell. “He’s so tiny.” I automatically sway my body gently from side to side as I kiss the top of his head.

Colton climbs across to AJ and he lifts him into his arms. “Hey, Colt. How’s it feel to be a big brother?”

He thinks about it for a moment. “Good so far.” We all chuckle at the serious tone of his voice. AJ hands him his gift and sits him back on the bed so he can open it. He tears into the paper and reveals the gift AJ found for him. “It’s Doug from my book!” he exclaims, holding the plush sheep above his head.

Braden jolts in my arms and lets out a whimper at the sudden noise.

“Sorry, Braden.” Colton rises to his knees to check his little brother, and I lean closer so he can see he’s okay.

“He’s okay. See?”

Once he’s satisfied, he returns to his sheep, snuggling it tight and studying it closely. “Thank you, Unca AJ.”

AJ musses his hair. “You’re welcome. It’s from Aunty Sarah too.”

“Thank you, Aunty Sarah.”

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