He doesn’t answer, simply nods and continues going over the blueprint of Nash and Bailey's new home.
When they began house hunting a few weeks ago, there was absolutely nothing in town that caught their eye. Not until they drove out to a large, empty plot of land on the county line that had been put up for sale. Nearly sixty acres of land, perfect for constructing their dream home and creating a lifetime of memories for their future children.
Children were definitely on Bailey's mind. Although so was her upcoming engagement.
“You always want to push walls. Working with you somehow costs me more money every project.”
I smirk, knowing he’s going to oblige. “And every time, the clients end up thanking me. I will accept only perfection in creating Bailey and Nash’s forever home.”
Monty shakes his head, but I know he agrees. There’s a sense of pride in his smile when he hears me talking about family. He and I have been doing this for years. I hold the vision. Monty has the experience to make it happen. This project isn’t just another build, it’s for our family, so it means so much more to both of us.
I stand beside him, sketching my notes onto the blueprint, my belly pressing a little against the tabletop when I get too close. I’m five months pregnant, and you can definitely tell.
“You okay to be out here doing this?” He asks, staring down at my belly.
“Not you too,” I answer annoyed. Jase and I had this same conversation yesterday when I came home with swollen feet and an aching back from being out all day.
“Well, if he’s also telling you, then maybe you should be taking it easy. I guess it’s something we both agree on.” Just as I am about to tell him I’m perfectly fine working at nearly six months pregnant, Jase's truck comes zooming down the gravel driveway. “Looks like you’ve got company.”
His truck comes to a stop right before the edge of the makeshift fence we set up to map out the perimeter of the house, with a cloud of dust trailing behind it. He climbs out with a paper bag in one hand and two sodas in the other, his grin wide as he heads toward us.
“Delivery service,” he says, holding up the bag. “A Ceasar salad and fries from Dolly’s.” My smile drops. A salad is the last thing I’m craving. “For Monty,” he says when he notices my face fall. Monty grunts an inaudible thanks as Jase pulls out another paper bag. “And a cheeseburger with extra pickles and Cajun fries for my gorgeous baby mama.”
This time my brother's groan is louder as he grabs his salad and sets it on the pile of lumber behind him. Monty doesn’t eat in his workspace and rarely ever takes a break unless it’s swinging by the local lumberyard for more material. He is a workaholic, and it’s really taken a toll on his personal life. I may have to figure out a way to bring someone on board before my baby’s born to keep him in check when I’m unable to.
“You didn’t have to do this,” I tell Jase, even as the smell of grease and salt makes my stomach growl. He didn’t have to, but the fact that he did makes my stomach flutter for different reasons than hunger.
“Yeah, I did,” he counters, setting the food down. “You forget to eat when you get caught up in work.”
Monty chuckles, eavesdropping on the conversation while pretending to be engrossed in something. “She does. Been like that since she was a teenager.”
I shoot him a glare that says,oh now you want to be Chatty Kathy, but Jase just smirks, clearly enjoying the backup.
I yank the paper bag from Jase and lead him out onto the steps of the unfinished porch, before Monty can share any more of my lovely tendencies as a teenager. Setting my stuff down, I take a seat on the bottom step, unwrapping the burger and taking a bite.
“So,” Jase says, taking a sip of his soda, “Doctor’s appointment next Friday?”
Sauce drips down my chin as I freeze mid-chew and look up at him. Jase wasn’t able to go with me to my previous appointment as he was back in Raleigh sorting out the last details with Lacey to serve Lane & Co. bourbon at the bar as soon as next month.
“Yeah,” I say nervously, wiping my chin with the napkin he gives me.
He watches me, his eyes steady, looking at the mess I’ve made. Things have been so crazy lately. I go from not hungry to starving in a matter of minutes, and then I feel incredibly guilty for scarfing down my food like a maniac.
“We’ll find out if it’s a boy or a girl?” he asks, his eyes hopeful, yet he also seems anxious.
I bite into my burger, chewing slowly, buying myself time. I chose not to find out at the last appointment, knowing this was something we both had to be present for, but the thought of it being so imminent is nerve-wracking.
“Are you nervous?” I ask, trying to make sense of what he’s feeling since his expression gives nothing away. Jase is a master at hiding what he’s truly feeling. I’d like to say I am too, but lately I haven’t been in control of them, and my face gives me away.Though with him, he’s so quick to make a joke or be playful, I know there’s something he’s not saying.
“Excited,” he answers, though his smile isn’t full. “I’m betting on a girl, but whatever it is, I’m going to love this baby with every part of me.”
I laugh, brushing crumbs from my lap. “What awaits us if it’s a boy and he’s got his daddy’s charm?”
“Same thing if she’s as stubborn as her mother. God help us,” he jokes, and for a moment, things feel right again, just like they have for the last month.
When it’s just the two of us with no expectations, or the curious looks from my brothers in the background, daring to imagine a future together doesn’t seem so impossible.
By the time we’re done, Monty calls me back inside to check on the measurements for the bay window frame I want installed. I stand and hand Jase the trash to throw out in the bin behind him.
