He freezes, staring at me, and our eyes hold as they’ve been doing too often lately.I don’t want to turn away.I want to lose myself in his gaze because the way he looks at me sometimes is so nice, as though he doesn’t see the same Hadley my family does.
“I need a wipe.”I get up and dig into the diaper bag, trying to push away whatever that was.
We’re friends, and I’m going to help him find Tanner’s mom.
Stay in your lane, Hadley.
ChapterTwenty-Six
Easton
It’s been over a week since our visit to the zoo.We had six straight home games, one three-day away stint, and now another day off.
So we took Tanner to the pediatrician to get a checkup and did errands.
Errands.I’m not an errand guy, but I guess maybe now I am.We got diapers, grocery shopped, and even picked up new clothes for Tanner since he’s growing out of the stuff I bought him weeks ago.
Now, Tanner is asleep in his crib, and Hadley is napping on the couch, while I’m sitting in the kitchen wrapping my head around the turn my life has taken.
My phone vibrates on the table, and I glance at the screen.I wondered when my sister would reach out.
So… baby… wife… what’s next?A dog?
Took you way too long.
I was giving you time to process, and I had to finish growing your niece.Be happy, it’s the only reason mom has stayed away this long.She’s waiting for me to deliver.The way I see it, you owe me.
When is the little one coming?
Feels like never.I’ve walked, I’ve eaten spicy food, and I’ve fucked.Still, she won’t come.
I can do without the visual of you and Finn.
Who is this Hadley?She’s beautiful.I don’t remember you liking brunettes.
She’s not wrong.I haven’t gone for a brunette since Kenzie.There’s probably a reason for that if I cared to dig into it.
Guess I don’t have a type.
How is my nephew?Based on the pics I’ve seen from mom, he’s such a cutie!You need to post to the cousin chat.They’re all pissed off at you.
Me?Why?
You haven’t talked to anyone.They’re trying to give you space, but they’re getting antsy up here.
My family is huge.I have twenty-four first cousins, and that doesn’t include their spouses.Plus, sixteen aunts and uncles.The Baileys are a big deal in Lake Starlight, and although I’m a big deal in Chicago, the attention feels different when there are over three million people here versus a fraction of that in Lake Starlight.
I’ll send something.Hold the line for me a little longer.I’m figuring things out.
I guess I’ll do your dirty work… again.
Thanks :)
But mom is going to corner you for a wedding celebration here after season.Prepare yourself.
I start to type and delete.That won’t be happening.I don’t know how I’ll put it off, but I’ll have to.I don’t want to rope any more of my family into this charade than necessary.
Hello?
