Oops.
“Aren’t you too old to be such an asshole?”
“If I were you, I’d back off,” Tyler said, “before my woman kicks your ass.Again.”
Alan glowered at me as he threw his napkin into the trash and stalked off.
“I did plan to be nice but then he made a stupid comment to Morgan, and well, I couldn’t help myself.” I shrugged, rubbing the top of his hand where it rested on my stomach. “I’m sorry.”
“No, you’re not.” He dropped a kiss on my shoulder. “And I love you for it.”
Tyler loved me. No matter who was here today or what stupid comments they had about our life, that was and would always be enough.
“Everything okay?” Helen came over to us with a concerned pinch in her brow.
“Oh, all is fine.” I cuddled into Tyler’s side. “My hand slipped, and I spilled my drink all over your nephew. Sorry.”
Helen bit back a smile. “I think you guys can start loading the car if you want. I know you probably want to get going.”
“We’re only going straight home. It’s not a big deal.”
“Well,” Tyler said, smiling as he tightened his hold around me. “I thought since you don’t want to join society tomorrow, we could stop and take a look at the new space.”
“Yes, congratulations.” My mother came over to us and kissed his cheek. “So much to celebrate.”
I darted my eyes around the yard, not wanting to see the unshed tears I knew I’d find and trigger my own. Today was a wonderful yet hard day for her, even though she’d forced a smile for hours. I hoped a grandson would give her enough joy to ease the heartbreak. We hadn’t told her about the baby’s name yet. The original Javier could never be replaced, but I knew she’d fall in love with this one.
“We can help you load the car.” Helen crooked a finger at Tyler’s father. “I’m sure you’re both ready to relax after all this family. Thanks for being a good sport, sweetheart.”
Tyler gave his mother a shy smile when she cupped his cheek.
“Hey, it’s a big deal for you both. Not only do your kids not try to kill each other anymore but you also get to share a grandchild.”
“Yes, that is a huge double milestone.” I wrapped my arms around Tyler’s waist as I looked between Mom and Helen, happiness radiating off them both. After the many times he’d scolded us for upsetting our mothers, my father should be here to finally see them like this. I cleared my throat to halt the spiral of emotion that pulled me in so easily these days. “So congrats.”
Mom laughed, even with her eyes wet.
“Let’s get you both out of here.” Her gaze flicked to Tyler’s, and they shared an odd look before Mom followed Helen to the pile of presents.
“So can we stop somewhere since you’re secluding yourself in the apartment tomorrow?”
I rolled my eyes at Tyler after he started his truck and nodded. “Yes, we can. Do you have any other ideas other than knocking down the wall?”
“Not really. Tegan said we should make it a part café, but I don’t have the head to try to figure that out yet. Serving regular coffee is enough for the staff at the counter for now. I’m just looking to spread out.”
“I could spread out too, christen the new space.” I looped my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek as he kept his eyes on the road.
“Don’t say that while wearing that dress unless you mean it.”
“Ialwaysmean it, babe,” I whispered, and I bit his earlobe. Pregnancy still made me a stick of dynamite, just a much thicker one.
“Take a look and tell me what you think. Since you’re my social media manager and all, I’d love your opinion.” He turned to me, a half smile lifting his mouth as he unlocked the door and pushed it open.
“Well, I’ll try…”
The new space was not at all empty as he’d said.
My eyes fell on the two-tiered chocolate cake on a table in the middle of the room with a balloon arch behind it.
