Page 81 of One Unexpected Gift

“Austin isn’t filled with snakes,” Logan said.

“More than here.”

“Does that mean you’re settling in Maine?” Nick asked his sister.

He stroked his fingers across the back of Sky’s neck. Whether he was aware of the tingles he sent through her body, she wasn’t sure. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw he was focused on his father rocking Gabby around the kitchen. Nick’s touches could be meant to tease and arouse or may be absentminded caresses that she was looking too deep into.

“Probably.”

Gabby let out a loud, pathetic scream and Travis came over to Sky. “I’m sorry but I’m pretty sure she wants you.”

“I’m impressed you held her off for this long.” She took Gabby in her arms, and she instantly rooted in search of Sky’s breast.

The men looked at her awkwardly. It wasn’t like she was going to nurse in front of everyone.

“Is it okay if I go to another room?” she asked Isabella.

“We can leave.” Logan and Holden stood, obvious discomfort on their faces.

“You all stay.”

“Oh, honey. Let’s find a place you two will be more comfortable.” Isabella got up, and Sky followed her through the kitchen.

If the house hadn’t ever graced the covers of magazines and websites, she’d be utterly shocked. The kitchen was spacious and open. The ceilings had to be at least fifteen feet, and the white cabinets and granite countertops glistened in the sunlight reflecting off the ocean.

Splashes of blue and yellow accented the room. She’d appreciate it more later when she didn’t have a screaming baby in her hands. Isabella led her to another sunken living room to the right. Three walls were lined with windows facing the front and side yard, all meticulously landscaped. The hardwood floors were a dark contrast compared to the white walls and white furniture.

“Will this be okay, or would you prefer somewhere more private?” Isabella picked up a blue and yellow striped pillow and patted a spot on the couch.

Sky sunk into the luxurious softness while Isabella propped the pillow under her arm helping to situate her.

“I’m meddling, aren’t I? I’m sure you’ve got this down to a science.”

A meddling mother was something she hadn’t had in twenty-six years. “I appreciate the help. Being a single mother has been challenging.” She lifted her shirt and undid the flap on her bra a half-second before Gabby latched on.

Isabella sat up straight and rolled her shoulders back, her dark brows arching in concern. “Does Nicolas not help you? Support you? I’m afraid my son has been keeping his family distant otherwise we would have all been there for you when Gabriella was born. And through your pregnancy. We won’t smother you, but we’ll help you, darling, in any way you need it.” She stroked Sky’s hair, pushing a fallen lock out of her eyes.

Tears glistened in Sky’s eyes. The waterworks had been making their way around more often lately, only they weren’t sad tears like they were during her pregnancy.

“Oh, Skylar. Don’t be sad. I don’t know what Nicolas has done, but I’ve never seen my son look at a woman the way he looks at you. And at Gabriella.”

Sniffing and shaking her head, Sky said, “Nick’s been wonderful ever since he found out. My tears are happy tears. Your family has been nothing but kind to me. I wasn’t sure how you would take it, an unplanned pregnancy, and Nick and I aren’t even together.”

“Are you sure about that?” She continued with her motherly touches, gently rubbing her shoulder and arm.

“It’s my fault. He didn’t know... I didn’t even tell him about Gabby until a few weeks ago.” She bit her lip in shame and dropped her gaze to her daughter. “Don’t be upset at him for keeping your granddaughter from you. It’s not his fault.”

“That’s not entirely true,” Nick said from the other side of the living room.

She didn’t have the courage to look up. It wasn’t her place to tell Nick’s family about their messed up situation, but she wouldn’t let him take the blame for it. He crossed the room in three long strides and sat on the coffee table across from her, his knees bumping hers.

“I selfishly kept Gabriella a secret wanting to grow a bond with her before introducing her to you, Mom.”

“What do you mean?”

He scratched the back of his neck like he always did when he was nervous or trying to figure out his words. “Look at you and Dad. You see your granddaughter for four seconds and instantly it’s love at first sight. I’m not exactly father material. I don’t know how to be a parent but I’m learning.”

“I’d say you’ve learned from the best.”

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