“We do. And I’m letting her lead. She’s been through a lot, and I’m not pushing her for more. It’s all in her hands. I’m totally gone for her, though.”
“Aww, baby brother is all grown up,” Ruby says.
“I’m double your size. Stop calling me baby brother.”
“Never.” Heather smirks.
“How long are y’all in town?” My Texas twang always comes out when I’m around them, no matter how long it’s been since I’ve lived there.
“Until you tell us to get out,” Daisy says. “Plus, you need some uncle and niece time. You have to practice, after all.”
“She’s almost three,” I deadpan.
“Yes, and her attitude is off the charts, so good luck. Luka and I are having a date while you have her.”
“Good to know. Thanks for just dropping that on me. What if I had to work?”
“You don’t. I called Woodcroft,” Autumn says.
“Jesus, even from hundreds of miles away, all of you have no sense of privacy.” I shake my head.
Truth is I miss them. I plan to make more of an effort to make it to Texas after Teeny is here. I want them to grow up knowing their extended family.
“Duh. We don’t stop being your sisters just because you chose to move.” Daisy rolls her eyes.
“I missed you guys,” I say quietly.
“Aww, Adam.” They all coo, huddling around me in a group hug.
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t get big heads about it.”
They release me and step back.
“We’re going to head out, but if Claire is feeling up to it, can we take you both out tomorrow?” Heather asks.
“I will let you know. Thank you … for coming.” I sincerely mean it too.
After walking them out, I make my way to my bedroom.
Claire is gorgeous, curled up with her pregnancy pillow, her bump just barely noticeable through all the blankets.
“They’re really great,” she says, stretching her back.
I sit behind her, using my hand to massage her lower back, which has been bothering her a lot.
“They are. They’re a lot, but they always have my back.”
She’s quiet for a moment before she shifts and faces me. “Did you mean what you told them?” Claire whispers.
“I did. That doesn’t mean that I want to pressure you or make you think that you have to feel the same.” I want her to know that I’ll never be the man who makes her do anything. If it takes her ten years to fall for me, so be it.
“And here I am, still thinking that you feel trapped.” Her sniffled laugh tries to brush off her words.
“What did you therapist say about that?” I murmur, cupping her cheek.
“To ask you.”
“Then ask.” I press my forehead to hers.
