I can’t wait to meet my new baby sister.
“Val, do you have a name picked out?” I haven’t told anyone yet what Oliver and I have decided on.
But if she’s having a boy too, I can bet that Sawyer might be thinking something similar.
“We’re thinking about Carol.” Her eyes pinch as she watches me.
My hand flies to my mouth. “Oh my god. Is that—”
She nods. “After your mom. It was Sawyer’s idea.”
“I love it,” I gush, pulling her in for a hug as I fight the sudden tears. “She would have been honored,” I whisper against Val’s cheek.
“Mason?” Lori calls over to Dad at the table. “Can you get all of us in a picture please?”
He pushes away from where he was sitting with Ben on his knee as he chatted with Sawyer and Oliver.
“Anything for you, baby. Here Sawyer, hold your brother.” After he hands off Ben, he squints at all of us gathered in the living room amongst the strewn boxes and wrapping paper. “It looks like quite a haul.”
“Blue said we’re gonna need more cows,” Libby says as she stands. “To keep everyone in milk. Personally? I think we need to be buying stock in diapers since no one in this room seems to know how to keep their legs closed.”
“Jesus,” Dad chokes. “I guess that is an accurate statement.”
Sawyer and Oliver are openly laughing from the table.
It’s so nice to see everyone having a good time. I wish the other guys didn’t have to all work today.
Maybe we can plan some sort of big barbeque get together?
As we all line up, Dad moves the screen farther from his face, furrowing his brow as he tries to get it to focus.
“Hell, I might need glasses before much longer.” He grins sheepishly. “It’s hell getting old. Okay, everyone smile.”
A heavy knock on the door startles us.
“Damn it,” he grunts. “Let’s try that again.”
“I’ll get it.” Oliver pops up and strides towards the entrance.
It’s so good to see him moving comfortably again. No more wincing when he stands.
He’s been able to fold me in two again and chase me around the house like before he was hurt.
God I love it.
Heat crawls up my neck remembering this morning in the spare room. I think I still have blue paint on my ass cheek from accidentally rolling onto one of the letters for the wall.
Dad snaps his fingers. “Soph, stop looking at Oliver. You can stare any other time.”
Everyone giggles, making my throat get even hotter.
Oliver opens the door, revealing Wade with a sour look.
“Daddy?” Elena blurts. “Shit,” she mumbles.
Oh my god, I feel less embarrassed now. That is hysterical.
Libby clamps her palm over her own mouth to stifle her cackle.
