“I know that. You’re growing into a wonderful man. Have I told you lately that I’m proud of you?”
“You said it this morning,” Jacob said as he pressed a kiss to Nora’s head and handed her back to Lyric.
“I think I need to say it again. I love you, and I’m proud of you.”
Jacob fidgeted with the cuff links as he turned and walked out of the room. “Love you too.”
Lyric bounced Nora on her hip. “Let’s get you dressed.”
Nora kicked and fought against the frilly dress every step of the way, but Lyric was a champ at wrangling the fussy toddler. She’d just stuffed the last arm into the outfit when Asa walked in.
“I’ll take that.” He picked up Nora and lifted her in the air, coaxing another squeal out of her.
“Now, it’s my turn to get dressed.” Lyric pointed a finger at Nora. “No more food fights. Orange will not go well with my pink dress.”
Nora tugged on Asa’s sleeve. “Daddy. Up.”
He lifted her again before swinging her down and back up. After a few more laughs, he settled his daughter against his chest. “Can we have another one?”
Lyric’s jaw dropped. “You just cleaned up her kitchen mess and you want another one?”
Asa moved closer, sliding his hand behind her neck to pull her in for a soft, slow kiss. She melted against him seconds before Nora tried to squeeze her little lips into the action.
Lyric pulled away smiling. “How could I say no to more of this?”
Asa’s grip tightened on her hip before he released her. “It’s a date.”
Olivia
“Liv, where is Betsy’s leash?”
Olivia glanced at Betsy, sprawled out next to her on the couch. The leash was attached to her collar, and Olivia held the loop in her hand. No amount of hype had coaxed her to her feet yet.
“In here.”
Dawson appeared in the hallway wearing a white button-up shirt and navy slacks. The man was handsome in his police uniform, but he was unfairly gorgeous when he dressed up.
As soon as he saw her sprawled on the couch, his brows lowered. “Are you okay?” He knelt beside the couch where she’d decided to rest. “Do you need water?”
“Are you saying I look like a beached whale?” Olivia asked with more snap than she intended.
Dawson’s hand rubbed over her bulging belly. “Not a chance, my queen. You’re the most beautiful woman in the world.”
Defeated despite Dawson’s sweet words, she held up the leash. “I was going to take Betsy out, but I turned into a potato instead.”
Dawson lifted a finger. “That’s enough of that. You’re a million times prettier than any potato I’ve ever seen.”
Olivia let her head fall back against the couch. “I meant a couch potato. Actually, I could go for some french fries.” The baby squirmed in agreement.
Dawson took the leash and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll take Betsy out, then I’ll be back to carry you to the car. We’re making a pit stop at The Basket Case on the way.”
“Then I’ll smell like fried food at the wedding!” Olivia shouted at Dawson’s back as he headed for the door with an excited Betsy on his heels.
“I’ll be the one sitting beside you, and I won’t complain.”
The door closed behind him, and Olivia hefted herself to a sitting position. With one hand cradling her belly, she got to her feet with the last of her strength. “Come on, love. We have to go see our friends get hitched. Oh, and please don’t make my water break at the wedding. That would be slightly embarrassing.”
“What would be embarrassing?” Dawson asked as he unclipped Betsy’s leash.
