But until then, he had to suck it up and behave like a pal.
He sent her a strictly polite nod, but added a touch of warmth to his voice. “Amen.”
As if she remembered their act, Heavenly blanked her expression and spun away to offer coffee to more of Grace’s guests.
Seth stared at them with an unreadable expression that had the wheels in Beck’s brain turning faster.
The pregnancy.
That had to be what was freaking Seth out. He’d seemed fine most of the weekend.
Until this morning.
After Liam’s text, Seth had sworn that, despite his fear, he wanted this baby. But maybe the reality was proving too much. After all, fatherhood wasn’t abstract anymore. Heavenly was pregnant. They were having a baby by summer.
Or maybe Seth was concerned about Hudson’s response to their growing family. After all, the kid had already run away from his mom’s because of a newborn. Was Seth worried it would happen again? Surely he knew they’d work together to make damn sure the teenager felt valued and accepted.
“Fresh coffee is ready,” Grace called from the kitchen. “Carl, can you bring the spare pot?”
“On it.” Her new husband headed back toward the kitchen.
Time dragged. Beck kept watch. Grace and Carl’s friends came and went. Seth seemed absorbed by mundane tasks. He carried more folding chairs inside. Hudson trailed behind him like a shadow, mirroring his father’s movements.
The doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” Grace said, wiping her hands on a towel as she hurried toward the front door.
When she pulled it open, Cat and Blake stood on the porch, all smiles, the morning sun lit behind them.
Grace welcomed them inside.
Cat pulled her new stepmother into a warm hug. “There’s the bride! How are you feeling?”
“Wonderful.” Grace squeezed her back. “I’m so glad you could stop by before your flights.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” Blake kissed Grace’s cheek, then turned to his father. “Hey, Dad. Did you save any coffee for us?”
“Pot’s fresh.” Carl gestured toward the kitchen. “Help yourselves.”
“And eat up!” Grace insisted. “They don’t feed you anything on those planes anymore.”
“You’re right.” Blake grimaced. “And it’s a long flight back to Tokyo.”
“I’m only going to Indiana, but I’m still eating everything I can before our Uber comes. Nothing is worse than airport food.” Cat reached for a plate.
Blake poured himself a mug and grabbed a pastry, then settled against the counter near Seth. “Morning. Hell of a wedding. You gave a good speech.”
“Thanks.” Seth’s expression warmed slightly. “Sorry you have to leave so soon.”
“Me, too. But reality calls, you know?” Blake took a bite. “I’m just glad I was able to get some time off work. Seeing Dad this happy, and getting to meet you, your mom, and your brothers makes the long flights worth it.”
“It was great meeting you and Cat as well,” Seth said automatically.
Blake nodded. Their conversation stalled, as if Seth suddenly lacked the patience for social skills. Then he excused himself and grabbed more coffee.
Whatever plagued Seth’s thoughts wasn’t letting up.
Cat drifted over to where Heavenly was arranging fruit on a platter, the two of them chatting quietly. Grace hovered nearby, smiling happily when the doorbell rang again.
