Page 78 of One Unexpected Gift

“It’s just a house. They’re just people.”

“Yeah, well–”

He tapped the brakes and cut her off with another kiss, this time making it last longer until she melted in his arms. He watched through hooded lids as her eyes closed and she sunk into the kiss. Her hands clenched at his shirt holding on as if for dear life.

When her leg stopped tapping, he broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. “That seemed to do the trick.”

“Hm?” She opened her sleepy eyes.

“Kissing you. Your leg isn’t fidgety anymore. However, if you feel you need to stretch and flex it, I can find other ways to relax you.”

Skylar squared her shoulders and moved back, a playful squint in her eyes. “We’re at your parents’ house. You need to be on your best behavior.”

“Nah,” he said, hopping out and opening the back door to get Gabriella. “My family would think I was up to something if I was good.”

He hefted the diaper bag over one shoulder and unlatched the car seat, Gabriella’s smile filled her cheeks, and she kicked her feet in excitement.

“Hey, sweet angel. Did you have a good nap?”

“Should we wait before lugging all this stuff in?” Skylar motioned to the playpen and her overnight bag.

“Let’s get settled in and then I’ll come back out for it.”

She met him at the front of the truck and reached for Gabriella. Nick took her hand instead and held it as they walked up the cobblestone pathway.

The heavy front door opened, and his mother stepped out. Nick set the car seat and diaper bag on the ground knowing what was coming next. His mother clapped her hands to her face in typical Isabella Pierce fashion and rushed to them, her long dark hair, now streaked with silver, flowing behind her.

“Mi el hijo. Nicolas, my boy, I missed you.” She stretched out her arms and engulfed him in a hug.

“It’s been three months, Mom.”

“Three months and maybe five phone calls does not a relationship make. Now introduce me to your beautiful friend.” His mother’s brow arched high telling him she’d already figured Skylar was more than a simple friend.

“Mother, meet Skylar Hayes. Skylar, this is my mother, Isabella.”

His mom didn’t even try to contain her smile. “It is lovely to meet you, Skylar. Welcome to our home.” She hugged Skylar, who jumped at the sudden embrace, but then lifted her arms to return it.

“Thank you for having me. For having us.” She gave Nick a stern look over his mother’s shoulder.

“Travis is out back by the food with the boys. Are you hungry?”

Nick’s heart raced with nerves as he crouched and unbuckled Gabriella from her car seat. She giggled as he tickled her sides, easing some of his anxiety. He hadn’t lied to Skylar; his family would welcome Gabriella with open arms.

He hoped. He’d never been in this situation before. Delaying the inevitable, he turned Gabriella around so she had her back to his chest and sat on his forearm.

“Mom, I’d like to introduce you to Gabriella.”

“I was wondering when I would get the introduction.” They’d been there for two minutes. Nick would have rolled his eyes if he hadn’t been so nervous. “What a beautiful baby.”

“She should be. She has Santigao-Pierce blood in her.” His mother slapped her hand across her chest and sucked in a breath. “Gabriella is your granddaughter, Mom.”

“She’s your...” She looked from Nick to Skylar, back to Nick again.

He nodded. “I know. Who would’ve thunk it? I’m a dad. Gabriella is my whole life and I love her more than anything. I hope you can accept her into the family.”

“Oh, mi el hijo.” Unabashed tears streamed down her cheeks, her mascara smudging in the process. “You have a baby? You’re a papa? She’s... she’s my grandbaby?”

“Yeah. Congratulations.”

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