I sigh and sit down on the couch. She follows, but stays on the opposite side, as far away from me as she can manage. “Flynn, it’s okay. I want you to always be honest with me and never be afraid or ashamed of your feelings.”
“But…does this change things for you?” Her teeth find her bottom lip once more. She’s more nervous than I’ve ever seen her and going to bruise her pretty little mouth.
“No, of course not. Even if I wanted to have more kids, I would respect your wishes.”
“Wait…you don’t want kids either?” I shake my head and watch her heave a sigh of relief. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. This isn’t me telling you what you want to hear. When I lost Emily…things changed for me. I don’t think I can go through that again, or risk it, anyway. I love her and I’ll always love her and that’s enough for me.”
Flynn comes to me and climbs onto my lap. My eyes close as she runs her fingers through my hair, massaging my head. Her fingers are heavenly.
“Just because we don’t want kids doesn’t mean we can’t practice like we do, right?” I grin and she grinds her hips down onto mine.
“We can practice all night every night if I have any say.”
She kisses me, and as promised, we practice right there on the couch.
Thirty-One
Flynn
Luke and Olivia got back from their honeymoon a week ago and my parents are having the family over for Sunday dinner. What is even the point of a honeymoon if you’re already knocked up?
Liam is with me today as my family has begrudgingly accepted him. He’s still on edge coming around my family, but they promised to be on their best behavior. Ironic, really, since they’re usually the ones making me promise that.
I walk through the doors to my family’s house. It’s weird not calling it my house anymore since I’ve moved in with Liam permanently. We figured, why move back? We love each other and want to be together. He’s too old to play games and there’s no place else I’d rather be. It’s a win-win.
I roll my eyes as I walk into the living room and see pink and blue decorations everywhere. I had a feeling this dinner was more of a baby celebration, but I’m hoping it’s not a full blown shower. I need time to emotionally prepare for those events.
“Hi, Mom,” I say as she carries in a charcuterie board and places it on the large glass coffee table.
“Hi, sweetheart. Hi, Liam. I’m glad you could both come.” The ice hasn’t quite thawed, but at least she’s trying.
My dad walks in next and comes over to give me a big hug and shakes Liam’s hand. I’m happy when he walks over to Mom and places a kiss on her temple. They’ve tried to work things out and have even started going to therapy. Oh, how the tables have turned.
I pick at a grape and plop on the couch waiting for my siblings and their families to arrive. They must show up at the same time because the door opens and in walks the supposed guest of honor with my brother on her tail followed by my sister, brother-in-law, and niece.
“Nice of you to finally show up,” I quip. “Congrats on getting knocked up. Too bad I didn’t realize it was a shotgun wedding at the time, though.”
“There’s a reason for that.” My brother notes with a smirk. “Hey, man.” He greets my boyfriend with the accompanying classic dude nod in acknowledgment. Liam is ever-polite and offers his hand in hello.
Olivia and Carson are whispering to one another about something. I’m sure my sister is giving my new sister-in-law tips about babies or something. Meanwhile, Ava runs over to me and jumps up on the couch beside me. I never quite understood her affection for me, but kids are weird.
“Hey, Auntie Flynn, now that Olivia is having a baby and my mom has me, when are you gonna have a kid?”
“As soon as my birth control fails.”
“Flynn, seriously?” Carson chastises. Sure, now she hears me. She turns back to Olivia and they keep chatting about God knows what.
My sister and Liv sit side-by-side on the couch, chatting and smiling. Their husbands are on the opposite side of the room talking and even my parents are whispering to one another. Suddenly, I feel like I’m missing something. I’m nervous this has something to do with me and I’m immediately on edge.
Liam, always aware of my thoughts and needs, places a hand on my thigh and squeezes. I turn to him and offer a small smile, but my eyes have question marks in them. I’m wondering if he has any idea what’s going on, but he shakes his head. He’s as in the dark as I am.
“I know it’s very early in the pregnancy yet, but as soon as I heard all the good news I had to celebrate. I mean, what are the odds, right?” Giggles come from my sisters and my head is cocked as I listen to my mom. “Chris and I thought this could be a little celebration for the both of you. It’s nothing major, just a small token of excitement.”
“Okay, what the hell am I missing here?” I ask.
“Language.” Ava calls me out before her mom can and it makes me smile.
“Well,” I turn as Carson starts explaining. Her smile is broad and she’s glowing as much as Olivia is. No. Freaking. Way.
