“Gemma says he comes with a lot of baggage. Hope you’re prepared for what’s to come after he’s served his time.”
“Well, not any more prepared than you or Gemma were,” she says with a casual shrug.
“Gemma and I both had a history with the guys we ended up with. You’ve never spoken to Archer.”
“No, but it’d only be temporary. If he wasn’t Tyler’s friend, then I would think twice about allowing it, but he needs help just like Tyler and Noah did.”
“Yeah, I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”
It’s not that I don’t trust her instincts, but neither of us knows Archer.
“Tyler told me why he’s in prison,” Everleigh states. “And it’s not what you think.”
“All I know is that he went to prison for killing his sister’s abusive boyfriend. His lawyers were able to prove self-defense, which helped him get a shorter sentence,” I say.
“His sister actually shot her boyfriend, and he took the fall. Fabricated the evidence so his fingerprints were on the gun instead of hers.”
My brows shoot up in shock. “Wait, really?”
“He walked in right after she shot him and didn’t think twice about it. A few weeks later, she found out she was pregnant.”
“Oh my God. That’s…crazy.”
“I know. So even though he’s rough around the edges, he’s a decent guy. Anyone who would do that for their family has to be,” Everleigh says.
“Well, just please be careful. I know the damaged kind is just your type,” I tease with a smirk.
“Damaged, mommy issues, tragic past…sign me up.” She waggles her brows, and I burst out laughing.
“I think you have your own issues, girl. I should be warning him instead,” I tease.
“Probably should.” She winks. “But anywho, let’s plan this baby shower.”
Everleigh looks over my notes. “Cupcakes, streamers, and a male stripper.”
I snort. “That’s not what it says. Nice try, though.”
“No, but it should,” she grumbles.
After we chat for a couple of hours and plan everything from the food to the games and guest list, I head home. I’m exhausted but excited to see my boys.
“Hey,” I greet Noah as soon as I find him in the kitchen alone, loading plates into the dishwasher. “Well, if that isn’t the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.”
“There’s my beautiful baby mama.”
I arch a brow. “Excuse me?”
He smirks, pulling me against his chest. “Wanted to hear what it sounded like. Sixteen-year-old me is still shocked you’re having my babies.”
Wrapping my arms around his waist, I smirk. “Me too, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Noah tilts my chin up and presses his lips to mine.
“Owen crashed already. So I guess that gives us some alone time…”
I giggle. “You must’ve kept him busy today.”
“We worked hard. I think he had fun, though.”
“Good, I’m glad to hear that after how moody he’s been lately.”
“We chatted a little, and I mainly just listened,” he explains.
“You’re amazing, you know that?” I pull him down for another kiss. “Wanna come to bed with your baby mama?”
“Fuck yes.” He growls, biting my bottom lip. “I’ll meet you in there after I finish up in here.”
He smacks my ass as I walk away.
“Don’t bother wearing clothes either.”
Chapter Sixteen
NOAH
“Have you seen my shoes?” Katie asks, frantically walking around the bedroom.
“Which ones?”
“The black strappy ones.”
I raise a brow. “The ones in your hand?”
She stops and looks down, sighing. “Oh my God. I swear, this baby brain…”
“You’re freaking out, sweetheart. You need to calm down.” I embrace her, hoping to comfort her. “It’s supposed to be an exciting day.”
“I know, and it is, but I’m just so nervous.”
I palm her cheeks and bring my lips to hers, tasting the sweet tea she drank earlier. “Don’t be. The babies are healthy, and today, we get to find out what they are. No more calling them olive and pea.”
She chuckles. “I can’t believe I’m over halfway through this pregnancy. It’s flying by. What if we aren’t ready by the time they arrive?”
“Don’t stress about that. We will be,” I try to reassure her. My goal is to have the house move-in ready by the end of August, which gives me another month. The upstairs is finished, and I plan on surprising her this weekend with the bassinets I built.
“Okay, you’re right. It just feels like I’m starting all over again as a brand-new mom.”
“It’s my first time, so I expect you to guide me through this whole parenting thing,” I tease.
Katie snorts, sliding on her shoes. “I’ll give you the CliffsNotes as soon as I figure it out myself.”
“Mom!” Owen yells from the living room. “Memaw is here.”
“Crap, where’s my purse?”
“You left it on the counter. I’ll grab it,” I tell her, rushing to the kitchen.
“Hey, Noah.”
“Hi, Mrs. Walker.”
She flashes a warm smile. “I think you can call me Dianna since we’re family now.”
“Alright, sure.” I grin.
“Can I call you that? I’m your family,” Owen asks.
“Absolutely not,” Katie interjects. “She’ll always be your memaw.”
“You’ll always be my little jelly bean.” Dianna boops his nose.
“I’m too old to be called that.” He groans.
“Okay, I’m ready to go. I’ll drive,” Katie says, grabbing her keys.
“Everyone excited to find out what the twins are?” Dianna asks cheerfully. “We should all take our guesses.”
She sits in the back seat next to Owen, who looks less than thrilled about going to the appointment, but Katie wanted him to experience it.
“I think it’s boys. You’ll get two brothers,” I say, looking at him over my shoulder. “Wouldn’t that be cool?”
He shrugs, staring out the window. “I guess.”
“I have a feeling it’s girls,” Dianna says.
“I think it’s one of each,” Katie chimes in. “But I’ll be happy either way.”
“Me too.” I smile.
“Have you thought of any names yet?” Dianna asks.
“A few but nothing that has stuck,” Katie admits.
“Maybe Owen has some name ideas he likes?” I say, hoping to engage him.
He ignores me and continues gazing outside.
Katie squeezes my hand and gives me a sympathetic smile. I know Owen will eventually come around, but it kills me that he’s feeling left out and isn’t the same bubbly kid as before.
He opened up a little when we worked on the house a few weekends ago and mentioned his dad when I asked him what was wrong. Instinctively, I froze but just listened so I could support him. He mentioned how many of his friends have their dads at baseball games and to practice with and how he wishes he had that. It makes him feel left out. Then he said he was jealous the twins would have a father. I almost told him I’d always be here for him in the same way, but I chickened out and didn’t want to overstep my boundaries.