Wheeler’s baby shower is not the time nor the place, though. Duke has been on cloud nine all damn week in anticipation of it. We watched football at Cash’s place and hung with his baby girl Daisy while the girls showered Wheeler with all the love.
My twin got a little emotional after knocking back a couple Shiners. I did too. I’m just so dang happy thathe’shappy. Mom and Dad would be proud of the man he’s become and the father he’ll be, and we had to hug it out for a long while after I told him as much.
You’re next, he’d whispered in my ear.
I could only nod. Part of me wanted to tell him to shut the hell up. What if Colt heard that? But another part—a bigger part—wanted to turn to Colt and spill the beans right there and then.
Pretty sure Duke invited Colt for exactly that reason, using the excuse that the girls told Sawyer they miss seeing Dean at preschool. Much as I love my brother for trying to give me a nudge in the right direction, I also don’t want to risk ruining a special day.
But no matter what Colt’s reaction would be, I can only imagine the relief of unburdening myself. Not only because I hate feeling like I’m sneaking around behind my friend’s back,but also because I’m bursting with all this good news that I want to share but can’t.
Y’all, I’m falling in love.
I’m playing guitar again. Also, I started therapy.
I’m waking up for the first time since Mom and Dad died, and it’s a beautiful day.
Who knew acknowledging your feelings turned you into a ginormous cheeseball?
Cash opens the door, and we follow him inside the New House. My chest lifts when I see Billie standing in the corner with Wheeler and Ava and Sally, Mollie gesticulating wildly while she tells them an apparently hysterical story.
Ella and June make a noisy beeline for Dean, yelling his name at the top of their lungs because they’rethatexcited to see him.
I get it, girls.
Because I wanna yell too when Billie glances across the room and our gazes collide. Happiness expands like a bubble inside my center as she smiles, and I smile too.
She looks real fucking pretty in her skirt and boots, her long hair hanging in loose waves over her shoulders. She’s wearing makeup today, this glittery eyeshadow that makes the green in her hazel eyes really pop.
Her eyes—her face—her wholebeingis lit up. She’s got a margarita in one hand, and Wheeler holds Billie’s other hand to her pregnant belly.
“You feel that?” Wheeler asks.
Billie laughs. “Amazing! They’re pretty active, huh?”
“Very,” Wheeler replies with a rueful smile. “I’m not sleeping a ton these days, but I like feeling them move around in there. It’s like the world’s best little tickle. Well, it’s actually not so little anymore, especially when they’re kicking me in the ribcage.”
“Or they’re kicking your bladder,” Mollie adds.
Wheeler groans. “Not my favorite bit about being pregnant, that’s for sure.” Glancing up, she smiles when she sees Duke. “Hey!”
“Hey, Blue.” He strides across the room to plant a hugely noisy, totally inappropriate kiss on her mouth. “Y’all having fun?”
“It’s been magic,” Wheeler replies. “The girls truly pulled out all the stops.”
Ava leans her head on Mollie’s shoulder. “It was our pleasure. We can’t wait to meet these little angels.”
“Doc still saying we should expect their arrival around Christmas?” Colt asks.
I don’t miss the way Billie’s expression flickers when she sees her brother.
“Yup. Although with twins, you never really know. My goal is just to make it past thirty-five weeks,” Wheeler says, oblivious to the tension that’s suddenly filled the room.
Or maybe that’s just me imagining the weird energy between me and Billie and her brother.
Speaking of brothers—I’m jealous Duke gets to just kiss his girl like that. In front of everyone. No shame and no drama.
Yeah, this sneaking around shit has gotta end.
