Page 18 of One Unexpected Gift

“Most definitely. I figured Brooke would beat us to the punch since she’s been married the longest.”

Sky lifted a brow. “You know it doesn’t work that way, says the only single woman in the bunch and the only one with a baby.”

“I stopped taking the pill a few months ago.”

“Charlie! I’m so happy for you.” Sky squeed, her heart lurching in her chest.

“Easy there. That doesn’t mean we’re pregnant.”

“Any day now, I’m sure.”

“Since it’s shark week, I’d say not exactly any day.”

Sky frowned. “I’m sorry. That has to be frustrating.”

“Especially considering all the sex we have.” There was teasing in Charlie’s voice, but Sky could hear the worry behind it.

“In due time. Everything happens for a reason.”

“Including this little perfect bundle of angel fairy dust.”

“Angel fairy dust? You sound like Gina more and more every time I visit.”

“Olivia’s influence. She’s been wanting a baby brother or sister. Owen and I thought it best to give us time to adjust to a family of three first, to make sure Olivia knew she was loved and accepted before bringing a baby into the picture. We don’t want her to think she’s been replaced.”

“You two are amazing parents to her, and you’ll be amazing parents to your own children as well.” Sky patted Charlie’s leg.

The fact Olivia and Owen’s mom didn’t give a second thought about ditching them to move in with her abusive husband when he was released from prison was more than heartbreaking. It was appalling. They’d all adjusted well, especially Olivia, who was happier and healthier now than when she was living with her mother and basically fending for herself.

Gabby started to stir. Charlie sat up and held her lower in her lap looking down at her now open eyes. Sky scooted closer.

“You made one hell of a beautiful baby, girlfriend.”

“I did, didn’t I?”

“Think her hair will always be this dark or will it turn red like yours?”

“I don’t know. I’ve read that their hair color can change drastically, as well as their eye color.”

“Does her father have blue eyes as well?” Charlie hedged.

“Maybe.” Sky wasn’t falling for the trap. It wasn’t fair to keep her friends in the dark, and it was even less fair to keep the father of her baby from knowing her existence. For now, she’d blame it on hormones.

Gabby stretched, and her little mouth opened to an adorable O. She blinked up at Charlie, scrunched up her button nose and cried.

“Oh, does this mean my time with you is coming to an end, sweet angel?” Charlie nuzzled her nose in the crook of Gabby’s neck. “You smell so good. I really want one of these,” she said, handing Sky her daughter.

“You know,” Sky said, unclasping her bra and lifting her shirt, “they’re not all sleeping little gems. From what I hear, once she hits six weeks, she’ll be awake more often. More demanding. More crying.”

“If you’re trying to scare me, well, you suck at it. I’m more than ready to have a mini-Owen.”

“I know you are.” Sky stroked Gabby’s cheek and watched in awe as she nursed.

Charlie leaned against the end of the couch and sat crisscross facing Sky. “Now tell me why you don’t want Nick knowing about Gabby.”

“Men get spooked by babies. It’s not something I want to announce with a bullhorn if I plan on getting back into the dating game.”

“Since you’re not interested in Nick it doesn’t really matter, does it?”