Closing the door, I turn to walk toward the private elevator to his penthouse, but his hand catches my wrist, gently pulling me back to him. He walks me backward until my back hits the side of the truck, caging me in with his muscular arms, and then his lips are on mine.
Being on bedrest and him in season has not given us much time together, especially alone time. I melt into the kiss, his perfect lips tangling with my own. This is what home feels like. He’s my home. I put my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss and a soft growl escapes him, causing me to smile against his mouth.
I don’t know how long we stay like that, but I’m breathless when we finally pull apart from each other. Smiling down at me, he tucks an errant curl behind my ear. The contact causes a shudder to race down my body. This man does something to me.
“Ready to go inside?” I give him a nod, still trying to catch my breath from kissing, and we head to the elevator and ride up.
Once we’ve reached the top floor, we walk hand-in-hand across the short hall and Jordan punches in his code to open the door. As it swings open, we’re met with a chorus of cheers from all our favorite people.
I don’t know how they did it, but Reagan and Carter have put together the perfect celebration for this little one. The first thing you see is a huge balloon arch made up of varying shades of yellow and grey, with a white background and props for everyone to take pictures. Besidethat is a cork board with baby pictures and numbers attached to them. Guessing each one will be fun and I have a feeling we’ll all be horrible at it.
They have the kitchen counter lined with appetizers and desserts, along with a make-your-own-soda-bar. There’s every kind of soda available and a variety of syrups you can pump into your cup. A table is also set up for gifts, and it is piled high. I have no doubt this baby will be spoiled and loved by our little family.
After everyone chats for a bit and we have a winner of the baby picture game, Paige, of course, Carter stands up and whistles to get our attention. “Okay, we’re starting our next game, follow me into the dining room.” Carter literally skips over and starts explaining the rules.
“On the table we have everything you need to change a baby’s diaper. Each person will take turns with the doll removing its diaper, placing it in the trash can beside you, then you will use wipes and put on a clean diaper before passing it to the next person. The team who finishes first will get gift cards to Cookout, Mack’s favorite pregnancy craving spot.
“Team Banks has our Baby Momma, Riggs, Lindsey, Mr. Banks, Mrs. Banks, and Mrs. Hart… uh, the OG Mrs. Hart, not you Rea.” We all burst out laughing at that and Reagan turning bright red.
“Team Mills will include Daddy J, Rea, Williams, Mr. Mills, Mrs. Mills, and yours truly. Everybody line up at your station, one team on each side of the table. The last person will both start and stop the timer beside them.”
We all scatter and line up along the table, mostly in couples. Williams stands across from Lindsey and they barely make eye contact. Reagan has theories about them liking each other, but Lindsey is dating Keagan Wilder. Apparently they grew up together and had a falling out. I’m not sure, but something is going on. Carter is across from Riggs’s mom, Nora, and he shoots her a wink which makes her giggle.
“You’re going down, Baby Momma.” Jordan stares across to me, a devilish glint in his eyes. We’re both competitive and it’s going to be so fun to wipe the floor with himthis game.
“Oh, please. I’ve been changing diapers since I was twelve and started babysitting. I think you’d better be begging to share that gift card, Daddy J.” His eyes flare at the name and then I’m the one blushing bright.
Carter once again takes over, “Enough flirting, Momma and Daddy. Everybody get ready, get set, go!”
Jordan and I are the first in line, and I am flying through the process, taking the diaper off, rolling it into a ball and walking it to the trash can. Through my peripheral I see Jordan shoot his from his spot, and of course it goes in, so now he’s a little ahead of me.
I catch up quickly, as he puts the diaper on backward at first, his sister in his ear hissing directions and to go faster. I pass my baby off to Riggs just before Jordan hands theirs to Reagan.
He looks up at me, winking, before he goes into coach mode talking up everyone on his team as they go. It’s effective for Williams and Mr. Mills, but when he gets to his mom, she swats him away.
As the game ends, it’s between Nora and Carter, and Riggs’s mom doesn’t disappoint. She hits the timer, giving Team Banks the victory a full three seconds before Carter finishes!
“Whoo!” I run over and hug her, my teammates joining in for a big group hug before we all laugh.
Jordan sidles over, putting his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. “You gonna share your Cookout with Daddy J?” His eyebrows danced.
I push him off, laughing. “We’ll see how good you are today.”
Everyone decoratesa onesie for the baby with fabric markers. Thankfully, Reagan reminded the boys to keep it G-rated, which had Carter running to the garbage can and throwing it away before grabbing a new one. I don’t want to know what was on there, but it did earn him a smack in the back of the head by my best friend.
After we all scarf down the food and treats, Jordan and I take our seats together on the couch as Reagan starts handing us presents to open. About thirty minutes later, when we finish opening the last gift, the house looks likeBabies R’Usthrew up everywhere. I stand, catching everyone’s attention.
“I couldn’t let this day pass without saying thank you to each of you for coming today. Your support means the world to me and this little one. Y’all know this isn’t the typical family being created, but I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else by my side. So, thank you, Jordan. Carter and Reagan, you blessed us with the best shower/sprinkle and I couldn’t ask for better family or friends than y’all.” My eyes are leaking tears down my cheeks as I sit back down next to Jordan. He kisses my cheek and then he’s the one standing.
“I echo everything Mack just said. She and this little one are my whole world. I couldn’t be prouder to stand beside her. That said, I do have one more gift for Mackenzie.” Reaching down, he pulls me back up to standing and I look around the room to see all the women in the room crying and the men are close, even Carter’s eyes look misty.
We head toward the bedrooms and Jordan stops at the room I’ve yet to see. He said it wasn’t finished a while ago and I didn’t think twice about it.
“I want you to know I love you more than words. I want us to build a life together and I’m hoping you’ll do it here, with me, in Charlotte. You don’t have to move in, but be here as much as possible, at least until we’re married.
“I also arranged for all the newborn essentials and a mini crib to be set up at your parents. I know it will be crazy until the season is over and I want you to feel supported in this.” He opens the door and I step inside to see the most beautiful nursery.
“Jordan,” I whisper as I take it all in, emotions overwhelming me.
