His dad’s hair is grayer than on the camera, but there’s a lot of brown still mixed in.He spots me first, a smile pulling at his lips as he nudges his wife.
Easton’s hand tightens on my hip as his parents stand and appraise us.
“Hadley.”His mom rounds the stroller and throws her arms around me, pulling me into a warm hug.“I’m so happy to finally meet you in person.”
I freeze, my arms stiff at my sides, caught in her embrace, not sure when I’ve ever been hugged like this by a stranger.Easton nudges my arm, and I take the hint, wrapping my arms around her in return.
“You too,” I croak out.
She pulls back and doesn’t look away.Her eyes stay locked on mine, and I have no idea if I’m supposed to react or if she’s waiting for me to say something.“You’re more beautiful in person.”
“Thank you.”My cheeks heat.
“Hols,” his dad says.
“Oh, sorry.”She waves a hand and presses it to her chest.“I’m Easton’s mom, Holly.”Then she gestures to his dad.If I’ve ever wondered what Easton will look like later in life, it’s standing right in front of me.“This is his father, Austin.”
Austin steps forward, holding out his hand.
Holly smacks his arm.“She’s your daughter-in-law.You hug her.”
“Maybe she doesn’t want to be hugged,” Austin says.
“Nonsense, she’s family now.”
“Oh, that’s not nece?—”
Before I can finish, Austin pulls me into a hug.Not tight like his wife’s, but real, and all I can think about is him asking Easton later on why I was so stiff when he hugged me.
“Welcome to the family,” he says, stepping back beside his wife.“We’re really happy to have you.”
Austin is so warm and genuine that tears prick my eyes.I blink them back, refusing to make a scene over the fact that these two strangers have made me feel more welcome than my own mother did last week.
“Thank you,” I say, not sure what else to give them.
“No hug for me?”Easton asks, breaking the moment.
“If you haven’t figured it out, Hadley, my son craves attention.”Holly touches my arm as she moves past me to him.
They hug, and he closes his eyes for a second, his cheek pressing against the side of her head.“You could’ve called.”
It’s obvious to me that though Easton’s shocked by their appearance, he really enjoys being in their presence and he’s missed them.
She pulls back, cupping his face in both hands.“And ruin the surprise?Never.”
“Harper had the baby, and we booked the next flight,” his dad says, stepping in to hug Easton.“Congratulations, Uncle.”
“No one called me?”Easton sounds offended.
I glance at Decker sitting quietly at the table.Where are Penelope and Hazel?I could really use the backup right now.
“Because we wanted to surprise you, but we have a lot of pictures.”His mom turns back to Tanner, then looks at me.“Is it okay if I take him out?”
I almost say it’s not my decision—ask your son.
“He’s your grandson.I’m surprised you haven’t already,” Easton answers for me.“Are Harper and the baby okay?”
“She’s fine.Went into labor, and it happened so quick that Finn had to deliver her on the kitchen floor, but all is well.”His dad delivers this news as though it’s routine.
