“You’re not fat.” He averts his gaze back to my belly. The tops of his ears glow. “Do you know what they’ll be yet?”
“Talented. Smart. Stubborn as an ox.” I rest a hand on my belly. “Unafraid. Capable of accepting themselves and others without judgement.”
“I meant the sex,” he says.
I blow out a breath. As if we all don’t believe they’ll be boys. Except Rebel, who is adamant we’re going to have girls. “I want it to be a surprise.”
“Sorry I took so long,” Rebel says as he appears by my side. He presses his lips to my temple. “I got waylaid by the—”
“FBI. I know. And Dizzy...”
“That was unexpected.” He chuckles and his brow wrinkles. “West didn’t react how I expected he would. I went to look for him, but I couldn’t find him.”
“He probably needs some time.” I settle a hand on his bicep.
“That’s if he doesn’t decide to have a chat with our new friend,” Rebel says but then lets it go. “Owen.”
“Hollywood.” Owen’s tone stays smooth. His body language relaxed.
What gives? Why the change? All day he’s been a complete bear.
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to steal Summer away for a bit.”
Owen nods. “Got some things to do anyway.”
“That was strange,” I say as Owen leaves us. “He’s acting weird, right?”
“No.” Rebel takes my hand and threads his fingers through mine. “He’s realized I won’t let him push me around. Or you.”
“M-maybe.” I watch Owen and Rebel exchange a look.
“Seriously. I told you I’d win your brothers over. This is headway.”
“You’re right.” They’re no longer trying to kill each other. That’s progress. I should accept it and be grateful. “I’m glad.”
“Good.” He squeezes my hand. “Will you come with me? I want to show you something while everyone is focused on Rogue and Ivy.”
“What is it?” As a bridesmaid shouldn’t I stay? But he piques my curiosity and Ivy and Rogue seem to have forgotten they’re surrounded by friends and family. She’s perched on his lap. He’s got his hand threaded in her hair and he tugs her head back to kiss her.
“It’s a surprise.” Rebel runs his thumb over my knuckles.
They’re busy with each other. Everyone else is enjoying the bar and music. Tomorrow bridesmaid’s duties will ramp up. Alone time with my man is exactly what I need. “Let’s go.”
He leads the way out of the barn and across the driveway onto the lawn beyond. The further from the barn we go, the darker it gets.
An ear-piercing shriek makes me jump and cling to Rebel tighter. It’s followed by running feet echoing in the quiet. A blur of pink comes out of the darkness and sprints across the path in front of us.
I clutch my throat, an awkward laugh spewing out. “Dizzy.”
She doesn’t stop, darting under the willow branches alongside the water. Another person materializes in the distance. West. He moves much slower, more determined. In his hands he carries something soft and black. The expression on his face is dark, and not because of the shadows from the trees.
He must be upset.
“This way.” Rebel draws me along as West vanishes beneath the willow branches too.
“Should we—”
“Stay out of their business? Yes.” He continues down the path that comes out beyond the trees into a private area with a garden bench and a great view of the sky. “West obviously adores her and would never let anything happen to her. I doubt he could harm one pink strand on her head. She has him wound around her little finger.”
