“I very much appreciate that you didn’t do either of those. My entire family would have insisted on going with us to the hospital, and it would have been a fucking nightmare for everyone involved.”
I stare up at Titus as he flips the washcloth, turning the cool portion against my skin. “I don’t think Tobias told anyone.”
“It wasn’t his story to tell.” He strokes over my cheek. “I know I talk a lot of shit about my brothers, but they’re good people.” His lips twitch into a hint of a smile. “And I know Trevor thinks you and the babies are going to take the heat off them, but I’m pretty sure it’s only going to make my mother more determined.”
My brows pinch together, shifting the washcloth. “More determined to what?”
“More determined to get them all paired up.” Titus's smile slips a little. “She worries about us. Thinks we’re all going to end up alone and miserable.”
I try to flatten my lips, but fail. “I’m pretty sure Trevor will no matter how hard she tries.”
Titus chuckles as he peels the damp cloth from my brow. “Actually, I put my money on Tobias being the one who ends up alone.” He helps me off the counter.
That makes me kind of sad. “But he took such good care of me. He seems like he’s more than ready to have someone to love.”
“He did have someone to love.” Titus takes my hand in his. “And he fucked it up. She moved on, but I don’t think he ever will.”
That’s extra sad, and has me planning to make Tobias a caramel cake. Titus will just have to get over himself. “Maybe it will just take him a little more time.”
Tobias is probably the brother I know the best. Between his visit with Copper to build the furniture for the office, and our time spent together when he took me to the hospital, I’ve seen how funny and charming he can be. But as someone who uses smiles and kindness to deflect and influence, I recognize when a person uses the same tactics. And Tobias most definitelyuses humor to keep anyone from paying too much attention to how he’s really feeling.
“Maybe.” Titus gives me a grin. “He probably shouldn’t take too much more time or my mom will start meddling in his life next.”
“Are you two fucking in there?” Tucker bangs on the door. “If you are, dinner’s ready, so you better finish up before Mom comes to check on you herself.”
Titus pulls the door open. “You know I own a whole house of my own, right? The last place I’d have sex is in my parents’ bathroom.”
Tucker flashes a grin. “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.”
I turn and peer back into the room on reflex.
“Don’t worry.” Tucker gives me a wink. “It wasn’t this one.”
Titus, Tucker, and I join the rest of the family at the table, and I don’t miss the way Deidre keeps smiling at me. The joy on her face is clear and unobstructed. And by the time Titus and I are leaving, I’ve accidentally caught a little of it myself.
For the first time since finding out about my pregnancy, I’m excited. Allowing myself to imagine tiny toes and little noses. My fear of other people’s judgment has evaporated over a single roast chicken dinner. Instead of anger, I was offered acceptance. Instead of being disappointed, everyone was thrilled.
For once, I wasn’t the one making the plans. The people around me were. Deidre talked about a baby shower. Titus told his dad about all the changes being made to the house. His brothers fought over which one of them would be the favorite uncle.
And I soaked it all up. Let it fill the empty parts of me. Soothe the hurts I’ve carried my whole life.
My little Peanuts won’t carry those same hurts. They will have a father who chose them. Asked for them to be his. A mother who will always consider them the best thing that’s ever happened in her life.
Because they are what brought me here. To the people I need.
To the person who needs me.
When we finally walk into his house, I launch myself at Titus, holding him tight as I bury my face in his neck. Breathing in his scent. Remembering the first time it tickled my nose after he covered me up on the couch. He’s always wanted to take care of me. Even when he wanted to protect himself, Titus put my well-being ahead of his own.
And I love him so much for it.
It’s probably time I told him that.
Leaning back, I meet his eyes, taking in the strong set of his jaw, the dark waves of his hair. The evidence of the lengths he will go to for the people he loves etched into his skin.
There is no one else in this world I would choose to be mine.
“I love you.” Three words I’ve never offered to anyone but Janie. Even then, the sentiment was very different.
