The air in the room goes thin, sharp in my lungs. That line—God, I know how deep it’ll cut her.
Drew shutters, it’s a hard blow, but she stands firm like her mother—the perfect mirror of who she might have been if she stayed. “No. I’m not. And that’s a good thing.”
Pride swells hot in my chest, chasing off the ache. That’s my girl.
Mary’s smile blooms, although small, and she lays a hand on Drew’s cheek, voice trembling with love. “Don’t listen to him. You’re my girl. Always. And I’m proud of you.”
Drew’s chin wobbles, her eyes glassy, but she squares her shoulders anyway.
Daisy strides into the room, closes the door loudly behind her, and crosses her arms, her voice sharp enough to cut glass. “There’s no running them out of town this time, Dad. You tried that once, and look where it got you. Drew’s not your princess anymore.”
EPILOGUE: DREW
The guys have gone absolutely bonkers with baby stuff.
I mean, there are piles of clothes, practical stuff, and toys.
So many toys.
I have a feeling they’re going to enjoy them more than the baby will.
They’re all so excited about the idea of fatherhood. Greyson, especially, since he’s been a dad for long enough to miss so much. He’s told me more than once how much he misses Annabelle.
He’ll get to pick her up later today and bring her back here for a couple of days.
Honestly, I can’t wait for him to have that. And to get some hands-on experience.
Maybe he can show me how to change a diaper and prepare a bottle. The practice will be good for us all.
Moving a pile of blankets to the side, Adam sits on the couch beside me, leaning in and putting an arm around my back. “Hey. How are you feeling?”
“Okay. A little hungry.”
“That’s an improvement. How do pancakes sound?”
“I’ll make pancakes.” Gabe drops a kiss in my hair on the way to the kitchen.
Adam points at him behind my head. “I’ll make her pancakes. That’s why I suggested it.”
“Too late. Give her your gift, Romeo. I’m already in the kitchen.”
I laugh at the two of them. Gabe’s started picking on Adam the same way he picks on Greyson. It’s made Gabe more lively.
Which is nice since he’s been far more intense with me lately. Not that I’m complaining.
“I’ll be making her those pancakes, so don’t bother. Yours will go to waste.”
Gabe sends him an incredulous look, before pinning me with a more serious and loving one. “You’ll have to hand feed her to guarantee that.”
“Done.” Adam says it like it’s final, the hammering of a gavel. I’m biting my lip to keep from laughing hysterically as I turn back to him and the box in his lap.
His mouth is stern, but his green eyes are alight with humor and joy. It makes him so much more handsome. It should be a sin. He slides the dark blue wrapped box half on my lap. “You ready for your present?”
I nod, ripping at the corner, pushing the pretty wrapping paper away and revealing a snap open box. Inside is the most beautiful lilac and gold glazed teapot and teacups. “They’re gorgeous.”
My fingertip traces the delicate filigree across its curves. Adam’s watching, too easily dissecting my reaction. He’s such a business man.
“You can’t drink caffeine for a while, so I got you some herbal teas to go with it. They’re already in the cupboard.”
