“No, it isn’t,” I growl under my breath, which earns me an elbow in the gut from Emily.
“Stop it,” she says low enough that they can’t hear her, but there’s no way that they don’t know what they would’ve interrupted if they showed up five minutes later.
“Yes, Ma’am.” I lean down and whisper, “You just remember where we were, and the plans I had for you.”
I’m an adult and still being cockblocked by my family. That shit is supposed to stop when you move out on your own.
As if on cue, Grace whimpers and kicks at the blanket. Ah, there’s a new cockblocker in town. We’ll be lucky if we ever have another kid. At least, she’s the cutest baby I’ve ever seen.
“Let me.” My mom charges up the steps, snatches the car seat from Emily’s hand, and breezes into the house like she owns the place.
It’s going to be a long night.
Chapter Eighty-Six
Emily
The house is pure chaos, but in the best way possible. First, Jake’s family showed up, and then, ten minutes later, my mom and brother arrived, and Grace has been the center of attention ever since.
I sink lower into the sofa, easing against Jake’s chest and lying my head on his shoulder. With Grace’s every need attended to, I can relax.
Supper has been cooked, food is eaten, and dishes are being done. The scent of dish soap fills the air as glasses clink against the sink.
“Well, tonight didn’t go as I anticipated,” Jake says against my hair.
“What? You didn’t intend for half the town to show up and skip your plans to ravish me against the kitchen island?”
“No.” Jake’s booted foot slaps against the floor as he eases forward. “But no one is at your mom’s house.”
“Stop,” I say with a laugh and elbow him in the gut.
“Ouch.” He clutches his stomach. “That’s completely uncalled for. I was only thinking of your needs.” He pulls me tightly to his chest again and relaxes against the cushions. His steady heartbeat is a balm to my still heightened anxiety.
“As much as I appreciate the thought, this is our house, and we’re parents now. We can’t just up and disappear.”
“I know.” He twirls a stand of my hair until it’s tightly wrapped around his finger. Even my hair is ready for everyone to leave, and Grace to go to sleep.
Mackenzie…. Everything has been so crazy, I forgot to update him on our visit.
I shift my position on the sofa until I’m facing him. “I need to tell you something.” I gnaw on my bottom lip as his eyes go wary. “I don’t think you’ll be upset, but it’s something I should’ve discussed with you first before saying it.”
“Okay?”
“When the girls and I were helping Mackenzie settle in with Josephine….” My stomach cramps. I’ve violated his trust. We’re a couple. We should talk about things before I make decisions. I lick my lips as a casserole dish clatters against the counter. “Please, don’t get mad, but I told her that we’d be open to her being involved in our and Grace’s lives.”
He frowns at my declaration. We’ve fought over the years, but this is different. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything without talking to you first.” The words tumble out in a rush.
“Why would I get mad?” He shakes his head as if he’s trying to figure out my line of thought. “It would be difficult to not be involved in each other’s lives. We live in a small town, and everyone is going to know she’s Grace’s biological mother.”
“Thank God.” My shoulders slump in relief at his matter-of-fact response. “I was afraid you’d get mad that I spoke without consulting you. Or considering your feelings. I’m trying to not do everything on my own, and I went and did it again.”
“It’s fine.” He cups my cheeks. “I trust you enough to know that when you make a decision for us, for our family, that it’s not a rash decision.” His mouth quirks upward. “That you’ve thought things through. Besides, you know how I feel. I want whatever is best for Grace.”
“I know.” How did I find the perfect man? One who not only trusts me but has the biggest heart imaginable? Especially considering the disappearing act my father did when I was growing up.
My gaze travels to the kitchen, where everyone continues to tidy up the mess from dinner while chatting animatedly about the day. My brother is now the one holding Grace. She’s nestled against his chest with her mouth slightly open in sleep. He looks good with a baby in his arms. Maybe he’ll find someone he can settle down with, too.
“Is Mackenzie going to be okay?” Jake drapes his arm along the back of the sofa.
