“Baby!” Camden comes running.
“Be easy,” I remind him.
“Cam easy,” he repeats, before leaning in and kissing Coral’s cheek.
“Bellamy, I think I see a love match in the making,” Amanda teases as she and Bellamy find seats in the living room.
“Aww, that would be so sweet if they ended up together.”
“Right?” I agree.
“What’s that husband of yours getting into tonight?” I ask Amanda. The elusive Ethan is never around. Amanda claims he’s always working, trying to make partner, but do they ever actually see each other?
“He’s working on a big case.” She shrugs, then quickly adds, “We’ve been trying.” She nods to Camden and Coral. “It’s been months now, and nothing.”
“What? You didn’t tell me you all were trying to have a baby,” Bellamy scolds her best friend.
“I didn’t want to jinx it, but I don’t know, what if we can’t?” Amanda sounds sad.
“Then you adopt. There are kids out there who need loving homes. They’d be lucky to have you as a mom, but don’t give up hope. Sometimes, when you stop trying or when you’re not trying—like in my case—is when it happens.” Bellamy grins.
“So, you’re telling me I need to pretend like my husband is a stranger I can pick up in a bar, have a hookup, and wham bam, thank you, ma’am, I’m pregnant?” Amanda teases.
Bellamy’s face turns a light shade of pink, but she’s grinning. “Exactly. It’s the least unexpected things in life that sometimes bring you the most happiness.”
“I’m just ready, you know? I want to start that next phase in our lives.”
Bellamy smiles softly. “It will happen when it’s meant to. Believe that,” she says.
“Thank you.” Amanda nods and then turns the conversation to Camden. He chatters away about his toys, his daddy, and his uncles on TV, and some other babble that even I don’t catch. His words are clearer every day, and he’s talking more and more.
Coral starts to get fussy, so I hand her off to her momma, and she settles instantly.
“Cam, tell Aunt Bellamy and Aunt Amanda how old you are.” I hold up two fingers, and he stares at his hand, mimicking me.
“Cam two!”
“That’s right. You’re two. Great job, buddy.” I smile at him. He rushes to me and jumps into my lap. I catch him with ease, and he settles in, his back to my front.
The kids keep us entertained, as does the game. We enjoy snacks and good company, and the Rampage brings home another win. Bellamy and Amanda leave as soon as the game is over so that Bellamy can get Coral into bed. It’s way past Camden’s bedtime, too.
“All right, kiddo, time to go night night,” I tell him, lifting him into my arms and carrying him upstairs. I normally give him a bath at night, but we’re going to wait until the morning. He’s already falling asleep in my arms. I quickly get his diaper changed, him into some jammies, and tuck him into bed. We don’t even need a book tonight because as soon as his head hits the pillow, his eyes close, and he lets sleep take over. “Goodnight, sweet boy.” I kiss his forehead, make sure his nightlight is on, turn on the baby monitor, and slip out of the room.
Downstairs, I get to work cleaning up the kitchen and taking out the trash, before settling on the couch with a book to read until Baker calls. I allow myself to get lost in the story of a woman falling for her best friend’s older brother and jump when my phone rings. I was so engrossed, I forgot where I was. That’s the beautiful thing about fiction.
“Hey, you. Great game,” I greet Baker.
“Thanks,” he says, and I can hear the grin in his voice. He got two touchdowns tonight. He’s having a hell of a season so far. “How was your night?”
“Great, the girls stayed for the entire game, then I got Cam to bed, and he was asleep instantly. Cleaned up our mess, and now, I’m sitting on the couch reading. Waiting for you to call.”
“Waiting for me, huh?” he asks.
“Yep.”
“How was he tonight?”
“An angel, as always. The pregame show was on, and they put up a picture of Knox, and he was glued to the screen. He couldn’t figure out how he was watching Uncle Knox. It was adorable.”
