Some people might be threatened by another woman having an important role in their son’s life, but I’ve never felt that way. I’ve always gone with the belief that the more people my son has to love and support him, the better.
She loves him like he was her own, and as a mom, there is nothing else I could ask for. Seeing their relationship grow has been pretty special.
“How’s the baby?” he asks her.
He has been so worried about the baby since the day he found out. When he’s with me, he often wants to call Riley just to check on them.
He’s already protective of his little brother or sister, and they haven’t even been born yet. He’s going to be the best big brother.
She rests her hand on her stomach. “The baby is good.”
“When are you going to find out if it’s a boy or a girl?”
“In about a month.”
Cheers erupt around us. This time, Avery is the one making most of the noise.
Will Kingston got the last out of the inning. He blows a kiss to her as he jogs toward the dugout. A faint blush spreads over her cheeks.
The guys high-five all the kids leaning over the fence near home plate on their way to their respective dugouts.
“You want to go hang out with them?” I ask Mav.
“I will. Later. Is it okay if I just hang out with you two for a little bit?” he asks, turning to look at both Riley and me.
She and I share a look over Mav’s head. I think there are tears in both of our eyes.
I press a kiss to the top of his head. “Of course you can.”
I don’t know how much longer he’ll want to spend time with me like this, so I plan to soak up every second.
CHAPTER FOUR
Abby
The door clicks shutbehind me, and that’s it. The house is silent. Today is one of those days I’m especially grateful for a long shift to fill most of it.
I’m even more grateful Cole asked if I wanted to go grab a drink tonight. He has been so busy with the baby and everything, we haven’t had a lot of time to talk.
His picture flashes across my screen with an incoming call. “Hey,” I say.
“You still want to go to Benny’s tonight?” Everyone still calls it Benny’s Tavern, even if he isn’t the one who owns it anymore.
That title now belongs to a mystery group of guys who recently moved to town. I haven’t been there in months, so I have no idea who they are. I’ve pieced together from the gossip around town that they’re all bikers, but that’s it.
“Yeah. Give me a few minutes to wash the hospital off me, and I’ll meet you there.”
“Sounds good. I’ll head out now.” The drive from his house will take a lot longer than mine, so I have about twenty minutes to get ready.
I quickly hop in the shower, scrubbing off the day with my loofah. I keep my hair dry because I don’t have nearly enough time to deal with it after washing.
My hair was in a braid all day, so I have some nice beachy waves when I take it out. I put on ripped jeans, a white lacy camisole, a cropped leather jacket, and a pair of black boots. With a few touches of makeup, I’m out the door.
My neighbor, Leah, is walking out of her house at the same time. She gives me a warm smile and a wave.
“Hey. How are you?” I ask, walking down my porch steps.
“Good,” she says quietly.
