Enzo shrugs. “Yeah, but I don’t reallywantto do it.”
Luca rolls his eyes. “And what exactly do youwantto do?”
“Oh,Amico,” Enzo says with a slow grin. “I think you know exactly what I want to do… or more likewhom.”
He winks at Luca, and despite how hard he tries to hide it, I watch a blush creep up Luca’s neck.
Joe snorts a laugh as she continues washing dishes, not even bothering to turn around.
Sebastian’s amused gaze drifts from the two men at the table back down to his phone. He stands at the front window, coffee in one hand, phone in the other. He glances down at the screen every few seconds, like he’s waiting for something.Anything.
My chest tightens a little.
Because I know who he’s wishing to be at the other end of that phone.
Something is happening today.
I just don’t know what.
The boys left early this morning, before the sun had even climbed over the ridge. Lawson had been dressed already when I woke up, sitting at the edge of the bed, pulling his socks on. Lincoln stood near the dresser as he buttoned the cuffs of a crisp white shirt. Beau leaned against the doorframe, muscular arms crossed over his broad chest, watching them both. And Jasper sat on the edge of the mattress beside me, brushing a few strands of hair out of my face with that quiet, thoughtful expression he gets when he’s thinking too hard.
I didn’t ask where they were going.
Didn’t ask why none of them looked like they hadn’t slept or why they all kissed me a little longer than usual. And I definitely didn’t ask when Beau held my face in his hands and whispered, “Everything will be better after today. We will be back soon.”
I knew better.
I trust them.
So, I let them go.
Pressing my hand gently against the small curve of my stomach, I smile, knowing theywillcome back to me.
They’d never put themselves in a situation where they wouldn’t make it home to me.
I feel a small flutter as my hand moves along the small bump.
The baby is still small enough that most people probably wouldn’t notice the bump yet unless they were looking for it.
But I notice.
Every second of every day.
Not because I’m uncomfortable, but because it’s a constant reminder of the love the five of us share.
Sometimes, when I catch my reflection in a window or a mirror, I still feel a little stunned that this is my life now. There’s a tiny person growing inside of me. Equal parts me and the men that I love.
And yeah, sure—I know it’s scientifically impossible. I know that genetically, this baby is only one of theirs. But I also know something else.
That with daddies like them, there’s no way this baby won’t grow up carrying pieces of all four.
Lawson’s steady kindness.
Jasper’s fearless heart.
Beau’s unwavering devotion.
And Lincoln’s quiet strength.
