“I kicked ass, didn’t I, Cal?”
“You did well, Poppy. I’m glad to have you back. I’d suggest some Epsom Salt.”
“Already done,” Evin tells him, squatting beside me.
“Did I pass the first-day-back test?”
“That wasn’t a test. That was training. Get used to it.” Cal’s voice lacks any sympathy.
Despite the exhaustion seeping into my bones, I find the energy to pump my fist in the air in victory.
“He’s beautiful.”
“He’s the spitting image of Miller. I’ve given birth to a clone of my husband.”
Ashlyn is right. The newborn shots of Baby Tyler side-by-side of Miller’s are practically identical. “Well, you can’t be surprised.”
“No, I knew to expect it. The Kendrick genes are strong. Look at Cole and Pierce.”
“And Devin.”
“Yes, but Devin has a lot of Darby and Evin. That—”
“… smile,” I finish for her, picturing it. “If we have a son, I pray he looks like Evin.”
“Yeah.” She sighs happily. “It’s pretty awesome.”
Even through the phone screen, it’s easy to see her eyes sparkling. Her whole appearance is radiant. “It’s not fair. Women all over the world would kill to know the secret of how you and Darby look like supermodels days after giving birth. I thought new parents were supposed to be overwhelmed and exhausted?”
She smiles and kisses the top of Tyler’s head. “I’m hardly a supermodel. Yesterday, I shaved my legs for the first time since he was born six days ago. Comparing me to Darby is a stretch. Seriously, that woman is a force of nature.”
“So are you. I wish we were there.”
“Poppy, you have a life and obligations. We understand that.”
“It sucks we missed the birth and aren’t around to help.”
“You want to know my secret? Everyone does everything for me. My only job is to rest and take care of Tyler, which at this point is basically feeding him. Miller even helps with that, getting up with every nightly feeding. Someone is always there to swoop in when he needs changing, bathing, or anything else a newborn could need. Since I went into labor, I haven’t lifted a finger. At first, I felt guilty, but I learned to let it go. My parents, my brothers, Jill, Warren—absolutely everyone is pitching in. Maybe a little too much. When my parents return to Atlanta, it’ll be hard. That’s when the crazy Ashlyn will appear.”
“I doubt that.”
“Until then, we’ll send you daily pictures so you don’t feel left out.”
“You better.”
There’s a rustle in the background, and she flashes her smile to whoever is approaching. She sits up and Miller’s face comes into view as he straddles in behind her in their bed.
“Hey, Pips, how is it being back in the bright lights of the big city?”
“Ugh, I don’t see many bright lights. When the city comes alive is my bedtime. I lost my groove. The training is killer, and today, Dante forced me to help lead a workshop that kicked my ass. It was mortifying. I was a hot mess on steroids.”
Ashlyn looks at him and back to me, her gaze moving rapidly as if we are face-to-face. I squirm in my seat, knowing that look.
“We all saw the video and you were incredible.”
“Dante sent the video?” I screech.
There’s a pregnant pause before Miller clears his throat and buries his head in Ashlyn’s neck. My skin prickles and my eyes swing to the breakfast bar where Evin is gloating with a sly smile.
“Every bit of my strength is going to strangle my husband.”
“Don’t be too hard on him. He sent it to Ryanne and we bullied her to share it.”
“She’s on my shit list, too.”
Tyler stirs with a little noise and both their eyes drop to him. It’s impossible to miss the way Miller looks at his son.
“Give him kisses.”
“We will,” Ashlyn whispers, ending our call.
“Is it safe to approach?” Evin jokes.
“Only if you wipe that smile off your face.”
He smiles wider, turning to the kitchen and coming back with a bottle of wine. Gently, he eases me to a half-sitting position to lean on him and pours two glasses.
“You were wonderful.”
“I was sloppy, uncoordinated, and off-count.”
“In my eyes, you were sharp, lithe, and completely in rhythm.”
I sip the wine, trying to hide my grin at his word lithe. It’s been a long time since someone has said that.
“Not to mention sexy as hell.”
“For that, you’re forgiven for sending another video of me that went viral through the family.”
“Blame Ryanne. I sent to her, and she’s the one who can’t withstand the pressure.”
My smile fades and I aimlessly run my fingertip around the rim of my glass. His hand goes to my head, gently massaging the base of my neck. After a few seconds, I admit in a whisper, “I’m a horrible person.”
“Highly doubtful.”
“It’s true. I’m jealous Ryanne met Tyler tonight.”
“I know.”
“It’s weird that Ryanne flew to Charleston and is with our family while we’re here. Thinking this way makes me feel like a territorial bitch.”
“Not at all, it makes you—who you are. Darby, Ashlyn, and you have grown close. You’re sad to miss this. It’s understandable.”
“I guess.”
He studies me for a minute, his eyes a glittery bronze.
“Is something amusing?”
“You’re cute when you pout.”
“I’m not pouting.”
His eyebrows shoot up.
“I’m sulking, there’s a difference.”
“You have no idea why Andrew pushed so hard for Ryanne to get to Charleston, do you?”
“He’s pushing to get her there full-time.”
“Yes, and the fact that Tyler is his nephew. He wants there here for a reason. If things play out, Tyler will be Ryanne’s nephew, too.”
I gasp, jerking up as his words hit me. “Oh my God!”
“It can’t be that big of a surprise.”
“They’re crazy about each other, but that’s huge.”
“Not really.”
“Did he say something to you?”
Evin sips his wine, his eyes studying me, and he stalls in a way that tells me he’s holding back.
“Evin, this is my best friend! Tell me!”
“He called me yesterday and wanted to discuss how we can help sell this house. He’s done with the cross-country travel.”
“That’s not a secret.”
Andrew’s consulting business allows him
