I go to the backyard to check on the equipment delivered and make sure everything is exactly as Dozer requested through his messages with Ashlyn. With the door open, it's easy to know where they are in the house, especially when there's a horde of stomping up the stairs. Then I hear the creak of the front door and the unmistakable, sing-song voice. "Hello?"
"Shit." I'm on the move, getting to the living area in time to find my very pregnant sister-in-law waddling in, carrying a bag.
"What the hell, Darby?"
She glances around, noting we're alone, and leans in to whisper, "I came for moral support."
"It's her family. I think she's okay."
"I didn't come for her. Meeting the parents is a big deal, and I wanted to lend my help. Pregnant women have a way of simmering tension."
My lips twitch at her sincerity and the way she's still talking low. "I appreciate your concern, but you shouldn't be here."
"It'll be our little secret."
"Darby!" Ashlyn shrieks, and our heads swing upward to find the Rhodes family gathered at the edge of the stairs.
Andrew's eyes narrow, shifting between Darby and me, and his face turns to stone. "You're moving in with a man you just met, and he's having a baby with another woman?" he spews.
He's so focused on firing killer looks that he misses Ashlyn's arm flying back to nail him in the gut.
"You dumbass! That's Darby, his sister-in-law, and my friend." She skips down the stairs to hug Darby. "What are you doing here?"
"I brought a welcome gift!"
I take the bag she waves, and the smell of sugar and chocolate fills the air.
"Oh my goodness, what is that divine smell?" Janie comes to my side and peers in the bag.
"It's a variety of extras the resort didn't need today," Darby lies with ease. I know for a fact the resort takes everything she delivers and her staff begs for any rare leftovers.
Ashlyn introduces Darby to her family, bragging about Darby's Creations and the business she built recently, partnering with Brasher Resorts. The story takes a few turns to explain her success along the way and how she ended back in Charleston. Darby shuffles under the praise, her face blushing.
"I don't know what's in there, but it's not polite to hold it hostage," Dozer tells me gruffly.
I hand over the bag and notice Ashlyn holding back her amusement.
"When are you due?" Janie asks, and it's impossible to miss the longing in her voice.
Ashlyn's amusement disappears, her eyes slicing to mine.
"In a little over seven weeks." Right as she answers, her hand goes to her stomach and she recoils.
I take her elbow. "You okay?"
"Yes, he's active today."
"Which means you need to be off your feet and not in an environment loaded with dust, grime, and safety hazards."
"I have to agree. Take it from a mother of two sons, that baby isn't waiting seven weeks," Janie advises confidently.
"That's what everyone keeps saying."
"It means a lot that you'd stop by with a welcome present, but I agree with Miller. It's probably not healthy for you to be here with the house in such a wrecked state," Ashlyn informs her.
"Everyone is overreacting. I'm fine."
"Does Pierce know you're here?"
"He does not," I answer for her. "When he finds out, he's going to lose his mind. I'm getting close to that point myself. You want to visit with Ashlyn's family, we'll plan something this weekend."
Darby's eyes cut to me, sparking with irritation before going back to the Rhodes family. "My husband is a bit overprotective. As is everyone else in my life. Bossiness runs in their genes. If they had it their way, I'd live in a bubble."
I open my mouth, but she waves her hand my way. "But that being said, I only came by to introduce myself and drop that off. It would be great if we could get together again before you leave."
"I'll call you tonight." Ashlyn hugs her again.
"I'll walk you out." I wrap an arm around her shoulder and guide her out as she calls her goodbyes.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but how about staying away from active construction projects until after you have the baby?" I tell her when we get to her door.
"I came for you."
"And I love you for it."
She attempts a smile, but it's not quite right. The enthusiasm she had a minute ago is gone, and I see the same hurt I saw when Ashlyn and I visited her at the bakery. "You okay?"
"Yes, why?"
"Things with Pierce and you going all right? He was pretty worked up last Friday night; Sunday he was still edgy."
"He's overbearing."
"You think I can't tell when something is off with you?"
"It's hormones. They hit out of nowhere."
"Memories hit out of nowhere, too."
Her eyes pool with tears, and my chest aches at the sadness. "I have everything I ever wanted. Soon, we'll have the baby we dreamed about. But lately, all I can think about is how Pierce has already done all of this and I wasn't a part of it. Even knowing the circumstances, it still stings. I'm furious with myself for letting it get to me."
"What you're feeling is justifiable, and your visions of what Pierce went through with Maya and Cole are probably far from reality. He didn't have the woman he loved next to him to share the responsibility. Mom, Dad, me, we helped any way we could, but he was alone and despised not only himself but the mother of his children. He went through the motions for survival and the wellness of his children. You may think he's done this before, but I can guarantee, this time around everything will fucking thrill him because he's experiencing it with you."
"You're right," she replies unconvincingly.
"Let me ask you something. Are these thoughts driven by hormones, or did they start when he pushed you to choose a name?"
Her eyes go wide and she sucks in a breath, which is all the confirmation I need.
"How'd
