“A baby,” I say, when we finally break apart.
“I know.” She wipes at her eyes, smiling. “I took a test this morning. I was going to plan this cute announcement, and then this peanut decided now was the best time.”
“Corie girl, we don’t need anything fancy,” Knox tells her, because he’s still standing right next to us. It’s my guess he’s going to be glued to her side every chance he gets through this pregnancy. “Just each other, our family, and this little one,” he says, sliding his hand back to her belly.
“I’ll give the two of you a minute.” I hug Corie one more time, then do the same to Knox, before moving to the kitchen with the others, leaving them to have a moment to themselves.
“Not that we’re not glad to see him,” Reid says, “but damn her,” he whispers that last part as I walk into the kitchen.
“She’s missing so much,” Baker says. He glances over at his son, and there’s nothing but pure love in his gaze. “He’s going to resent her for it when he gets older, and as much as I’m not fond of her, I hate that for him,” Baker says sadly.
“Look around this room, brother. There’s an incredible group of women for him to have a female figure in his life. I know it’s not the same, but that little man… he’ll know the soft touch and the love of a woman,” Reid tells him.
“It’s not the same. I mean, I know they’d all do anything for him, and they have over and over again when his mom bails. They’ve all jumped in—all of you help me when I need you—but it’s not the same. He needs a mom. One who loves him and supports him.”
“Family is what you make it,” Landry speaks up. “If anyone knows that, it’s me and my sister. I know it’s not how you grew up, but it’s how he’s going to grow up, with aunts and uncles who would give their lives for him. That will be his normal. Besides, brother, there’s someone out there waiting for you. She’s the love of your life. She’s just waiting for the two of you to find her. There will be a woman who will bring you to your knees and love that little man as if he were her own.”
“You probably ought to date, though, if you want to find her,” Foster says with a smirk.
“Fu—F off.” Baker chuckles. “That’s the last thing on my mind. I’m too busy playing mom and dad, trying to raise my son alone, with a busy career that takes me away from home half the year.”
“You’re doing an amazing job, Baker,” Bellamy tells him. “What you’re doing isn’t easy, but you’re doing what’s best for him, and as he gets older, he’ll understand that. However”—she grins—“I do think you need to take time for yourself. In fact, we’ll watch Cam anytime you need us to.”
“You’re his father, but you’re still a man with needs,” Reid tells him. “You can be both.”
“He deserves all my free time.” Baker turns to look at Camden, who’s sitting on Amanda’s hip, eating a strawberry. Amanda is Bellamy’s best friend, and we’ve adopted her as one of us.
“They’re right, you know.” Corie comes to stand next to me, looping her arm through mine. “You’re a great dad, Baker. He’ll see that.”
“My wife is a genius, so you should listen to her,” Knox says, making everyone laugh.
“You don’t have to be a genius to get pregnant,” Landry tells Knox.
“Well, my swimmers are better than yours,” Knox tells him.
“Mine have never gotten the chance!” Landry argues. “Ro, do you hear this, baby?”
Rowan grins. “I guess we’ll just have to prove him wrong.”
“Damn right, we will.” Landry advances on her, but she holds her hands up, warning him off. “We’re about to eat.”
“I know, I’m starving.”
“Food, Landry Reynolds. We’re about to eat food.”
“I was thinking dessert,” he counters, as he wraps an arm around her waist and kisses her.
“Come on, man, don’t spoil our appetite,” Reid complains.
Everyone is laughing and smiling, and today is exactly what I needed. I needed time with my people. I needed to hear that my best friend is going to be a momma, and after listening to Baker, I know that losing my job is a very small piece of life, and another will come around. However, most for this upcoming school year have been filled unless I want to travel over an hour away. In the worst-case scenario, I’ll go back to waitressing. This is Nashville, after all. I’m sure I can make a living waiting tables or slinging beers. Is it what I want to do? No. But sometimes in life, you have to make sacrifices. If I have to sling beers and wings for a year, so be it.
Chapter Three
Baker
* * *
“Cam, my man, are you ready to go for a run?” I ask my son.
