“Hi,” the beautiful woman next to him greeted us.
“We’re here,” Beckett announced, and four sets of eyes looked at us.
“Beckett! And you must be Piper,” the woman said, coming up to me. “I’m Bailey.”
“Oh, the praline maker!”
She grinned from ear to ear. “Yes. Now, you have to tell me. How were those lilac pralines? I asked Beckett for feedback, and I didn’t get any.”
“I completely forgot to pass that on,” Beckett replied, smacking his forehead.
“They were delicious,” I assured her.
Bailey beamed. “Thanks. It was a new recipe. How was it compared to the regular pralines?”
“They’re all delicious, so I can’t say I’ve noticed ahugedifference because of the lilac.”
“Oh no.” Bailey looked disappointed. To my astonishment, so did Celine and Isabeau.
Hmm, what were these three planning, world domination by lilac? Certainly seemed like it.
“Is everyone else in the living room?” Beckett asked.
“Yes,” Xander replied.
“Can we help with anything?” I offered.
“Oh, no, not at all. We were just checking on the beef brisket, but it’s going to need a while. Why don’t we all go to the other room?” Celine suggested.
“Sure,” Beckett replied.
I was still holding Charlotte as she tried to climb my boobs and reach my neck. She was like a small torpedo. She moved with ease, and I kept a hand on her head to secure her.
“Are you okay? Want me to take her from you?” Beckett asked.
“No!” I sounded a bittooterritorial.
He laughed and kissed the side of my head before putting his arm around my shoulders.
“You’re damn adorable,” he whispered into my ear.
I snuggled Charlotte even more. I was blissfully happy with this man’s arm draped around me and our little girl against my chest.
Oh my goodness. Where did that come from?
I loved the thought, though. It filled me with immense joy.Ourlittle girl.
Wow, I had to get my baby fever under control. I loved Charlotte, but I wasn’t her mom. I couldn’t forget that.
The living room was majestic for lack of a better word. It was huge, and I noticed a fireplace opposite the couches. I bet this was cozy in the winter.
“Hello, everyone,” Beckett said.
I swear everyone stopped talking. Half the family jumped to their feet from the couch as they noticed us.
A girl who seemed to be eleven, or maybe twelve, came up to us. Bella, I assumed. I also noticed another brother holding a baby—Chad, maybe?
“Uncle Beckett, you brought your girlfriend! And baby Charlotte.”
