"I was wrong. This, right here, is surreal. My heart is about to burst open and I'm not sure what to do with it."
"Lay your ass back down and get used to it. This is your life now."
"The bossy boyfriend has returned."
The term scores through me, leaving a sting in its wake. "Princess, that boyfriend shit needs to end."
She smiles wide, the tears drying up. "I prefer live-in lover."
A rumble growls low from my throat as she folds back into me, vibrating with quiet laughter.
Soon enough, I'll change that fucking title.
Chapter 26
Ashlyn
I'm on cloud nine, floating into Jill and Warren's kitchen to find an enormous spread already on the counter. "Oh my God, who's eating all this?"
"Some of it's for tomorrow night at Annie's. We joined forces and knock it out together today. Tomorrow will be easier."
A sting of guilt hits me. "I should have been around to help."
"No use, they were wenches. These two don't like to have us in the mix." Darby comes in, holding a freshly bathed Dev, and I immediately reach for him.
"Well then, I'll pitch in for brunch at your house tomorrow. My family won't be here until mid-afternoon."
"Sounds like a plan."
"Hey, sweet boy." I nuzzle into Dev's neck, inhaling his baby scent. "You look adorably dapper in your first Christmas attire."
He's so close to sleep, all I get is a sleepy blink. My mouth feathers small kisses along his face. His little fist hits my jaw as he settles to my chest.
When I raise my eyes, Annie, Jill, and Darby are all gazing at me with a recognizable glimmer in their eyes.
"Nope," I whisper-hiss, "don't get any ideas."
"You're a natural," Jill praises dreamily.
"Devin Kendrick was the first baby I held in a decade. That hardly makes me mother material."
"Don't worry about that, it comes naturally," Darby throws in. "I mean, he's only a few weeks old, but I think we're doing okay."
"You're doing fantastic. And you look amazing. It's not fair."
Darby does not resemble a woman who gave birth recently.
"She inherited my genes." Annie perks up.
Darby rolls her eyes and winks. "Sure I did."
"But back to you." Annie waves a finger, gesturing between Dev and me. "From what Scottie says, it won't be long before you're holding your own little one.”
Damn Scottie! He and Annie are worse than the 227 crew. My cheeks tingle as I shake my head in denial.
"He lied to you."
"Only time will tell."
My skin sizzles under her words. "Jill, please know I'm not…"
"Save it, honey." She throws her hand in the air. "We know it's coming, no need to get in a tizzy."
At this point, nothing should surprise me with these families, considering Darby had matchmaking in her sights, and Warren practically orchestrated my move in with Miller the same day he met me. But openly discussing my future with a baby sends my stomach on a rollercoaster.
The conversation last week with Miller comes back to mind. Just like with him, it's not an 'if' we have children. It's 'when' we do.
"How about we talk about the day?" Darby thankfully saves me.
"It went seamlessly. Miller is the owner of a run-down house next to mine. The whole family showed to the closing. It was kind of emotional and beautiful. Mrs. Chester cried when I gave her the photo of the home for her new place."
Darby presses her lips together "She has lots of memories in that house. I'd have lost it, too."
"That's because you're a mess. Thank God Pierce, Evin, and Miller have the badass, or my grandson would grow up with a weepy personality." Annie pretends to be put out, but when she looks at Dev in my arms, her face tells a different story. She’s in love with the little guy.
A little squeak escapes before I can stop it. Big mistake because she focuses back on me.
"And that goes for you. Don't let Pierce hear you call his son dapper."
"Yes, ma'am." I nod vigorously. "No more dapper."
She smiles approvingly. "So glad you're part of the family. You get me."
Jill laughs, too, tapping Annie's shoulder. "Can we go back to the details now?"
"There's not much else. We stopped by on the way here tonight and walked the property, talking about the plans. I think it will be easier to digest when we move next week. I can get a better feel for what we both want."
"Can I give you a piece of advice?" Jill gets serious.
"Of course."
"My boys are assertive and emphatic when they set their sights on something. It's a trait I blame on Warren."
"Oh lord, you may need to give him to me for this conversation." Darby cradles Dev, and the second he's gone, a glass slides next to me on the counter.
"You'll need this." Out of nowhere, Lynda appears and my skin prickles at the change in the group.
"What is this?"
"It's my holiday specialty. You'll like it."
"But why do I need it?"
"Just trust in the wisdom," Darby advises.
"Like I was saying, my boys don't back down, barreling through obstacles they feel are in their way. Sometimes they lose sight of glaring signs." She pauses, looking at Darby lovingly. "Learn to make them listen. It's difficult, but it's necessary to find that balance."
"I don't know if I'm following." I take a large swallow of the bubbly concoction to keep from fidgeting.
"What she's saying is that, if you ever feel overwhelmed and railroaded, speak up," Darby announces.
"Speaking up has never been my problem. But most of it falls on deaf ears."
There's a chorus of 'mmmhmms' around the kitchen.
"Been there many, many times. These men have selective hearing if it doesn't fit their agenda. Make him listen. It's the only way to get through to the Kendrick men," Darby goes on.
I've bonded with all these women over the last few months, some more than others, but my comfort level plummets with the fact that I'm in unchartered waters. They may like me, but the fact remains that I'm still new to this.
"Miller's not very receptive
