I could slap myself. “Oh. That seems on brand for her.”
Angie showed up after Isabelle with Rafael in tow—who will be moving here officially next week to start at Define as my new CFO and I could not be more pleased. Our tight little college crew is back together. I know it’s been a long time since we all lived together, but part of me can’t help wondering if she’s still harboring feelings for him. She had chalked it up to a momentary lapse in judgment—a minor, fleeting crush that she swore fizzled out, but the way they’re standing next to one another, hanging on every word—I’m not so convinced.
Aunt Rose and Uncle Richard came all the way down from New York again to celebrate, and Jay’s been gushing over her. For every question he has, she has ten stories that he eats up.
Brittany, Samira, Noah, and a few of Jay’s other cousins have shown up with their families in tow, and before long, the house is charged. Laughter and music fill every corner of our home.
“Cora, can-can-can I have more, um, pencils, please?” Viera asks, tugging at my skirt.
“Of course,” I coo, leading her to the cupboard I’ve stocked with children’s art supplies for this exact reason.
She pulls out a pack of pastel pencils and a box of crayons, then bolts for the back patio where I’ve set up a drawing table. “Thank you,” she hollers.
As she runs past Rebecca, who’s talking with Marco, Bec calls out, “And, Vi, please stop feeding the crayons to Leo.”
The birthday boy himself comes up from behind and wraps his arms around me, kissing my cheek. “Thank you. I’m having a great time.”
“Good. Now who’s who over there?” I point to the group of grandpas gathering around the food table.
“That’s Doug, Lawrence, Roy, Fletch, and Jerome. Harold couldn’t make it today because he’s at his daughter’s retirement party.”
“You have an eclectic group of friends, babe.”
Walking over to us with a beer in his hand, Marco gives us an affectionate look. “You two look comfortable. Maybe later I can change that,” he smirks.
My pussy tightens at the threat as Jay whispers, “Can we do that thing where—Oh, hey mom,” Jay blushes. “Dad.”
Kathleen is clearly a little buzzed as her white wine sloshes in her glass. “Marco, you take such good care of my Jaybird. Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure, Kathleen.”
“And, Cora, oh, I can tell how much you love my boys.” Then her eyes go wide like a new idea popped in. “Wait, can we expect babies in the future?”
Jay and Marco both visibly stiffen like they’re about to haul me off. “Mom, whoa! That’s so—”
But I cut him off and smile, “With any luck, yes.”
Kathleen squeals as Marco and Jay turn me to face them head-on. The look in their eyes tells me everything: worried I could spiral, proud that I didn’t, and surprised at my candor. I stand a little taller, shoulders back, unable to wipe the genuine smile from my face.
Chapter 36
Ready
Jay
Present Day
“Yup.Alright.Haveagood night. Uh-huh. Drive safe. Love you, too, Aunt Rose,” Marco chuckles as the three of us wave from our front door at our final party animal as she flops into the passenger side of her car.
Uncle Rich gently closes her door and shakes his head with a grin. “Thanks again,” he calls back with another wave. “Happy birthday, Jay. We’ll see you next month for that sailing lesson.”
“Looking forward to it,” I smile. I unintentionally signed Marco and I up for sailing lessons with Uncle Rich—and Cora, because apparently, she already knows how.
What can’t this woman do?
When our door finally closes, I’ve only got one thing on my mind. Marco must have the same idea because when I lift her up and push her against the door, each of us pin her with a hip between her legs. “You wanna have our baby,” I rumble into her neck.
Idefinitelydidn’t forget that remark from earlier.
