Page 77 of Baby, Be Mine

The old oak was massive, and I knew the branches would obscure the lights if there weren’t a huge number of them. But this added a hefty detail that would be amazing at night.

The large mason jars had oversized bulbs inside to go with the Edison bulbs. The thick wire for the electricity blended right in with the heavy links of chain, making it seamless.

“Guys!”

Lucky turned with a big grin on his tanned face. “Hey. I stole your kid.”

“I see.” I picked up the pace as I got to the top of the path. “It’s so perfect.”

“Like it?” Jensen asked from the tree branch. “Where’s the rest of the lights? I can start weaving them in while I’m up here.”

The scent of lobster and butter hit me just before the warmth of Mason came up behind me. “I’ve got them on the loading dock.”

I tried to block the shiver that raced down my spine at his voice. I turned to him. “I should have taken a box with me when I came back out.”

“No, you’re not lifting those boxes. They’re thirty freaking pounds.” His eyebrows furrowed. “You know you’re not supposed to lift anything over twenty for another few weeks.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’ll continue to be fine because you aren’t picking anything up heavier than Adriana.”

His voice was firm and there was a tiny spark inside of me that wanted to yell back at him, but there was another that couldn’t help but get a little weak in the knees that he cared.

“C’mon down, kid. I smell food.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Jensen inched his way over to the ladder and slid down faster than I was prepared for.

At my startled glance, Jensen laughed. “I’ve been training to become a fireman.”

“You have?” Maddie’s voice picked up. “I didn’t know that.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, his thick hair falling forward boyishly. “Yeah. My art isn’t making much money yet. I need to pay the bills.”

Okay, they were adorable. Artistandfireman? Yeah, Maddie was going to be in trouble.

Lucky made his way over to Mason and I. “Your daughter is beautiful.”

I swiped my nail along the bottom of her foot and grinned as her foot flexed and twisted. “She wasn’t screaming for food first thing? You must have some sort of magic.”

“We found a bottle in your bag. She’s got a pair of lungs on her.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” I looked up at him, guilt stabbing at me for leaving her behind.

“No worries at all. Made me miss feedings with my twins.” He transferred the baby to me gently, then stroked a finger over her hair. “They’re at the age where they’d rather fling mac and cheese at me and demand Goldfish crackers.”

“Speaking of food, you guys want to eat here or over on the patio? It’s starting to slow down.” Mason lifted the handled bag, his gaze tracking to me as I tucked Ariana into my wrap. When the baby was settled, he seemed more at ease.

I tried to push down the buzz under my skin from his protectiveness. He simply was protective of everyone at The Mason Jar, that was all.

“I could get out of the sun for a bit.” Maddie said as she stood.

“Agreed.” Jensen stood close to Maddie, who was smiling shyly at him.

“Jensen and I can get the lights while we’re over there,” Lucky said.

Mason nodded. “All right. Bring me up to speed on the boat?”

Lucky filled him in, and I listened with half an ear as we trailed behind them. Things were coming together for the party. I couldn’t help but be relieved.

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