“No, you’re right. You don’t even know what you’re having yet. I’d hate to buy all these cute dresses and find out it’s a boy.”
I nod, taking a sip of my smoothie.
“You should register here for your shower,” Lizzie says, looking through the clothes.
“Oh, good idea!” Oaklee agrees.
“I don’t know if I’m having a shower.” I haven’t even thought of it.
“Of course you are. We’re throwing it for you,” Oaklee says matter-of-factly.
“You are?”
“Duh! We’re practically sisters.”
“And when you marry my brother, we will be,” I state. Turning to Lizzie, I add, “And you’ll be next.”
She smiles gently, her green eyes like bright emeralds. “I’m not worried. It’ll happen when it happens.”
“Oh, it will. My brother knows a good thing when he sees it. He might be a complete idiot, but…I forgot where I was going with that.”
They both giggle loudly, slurping their coffee drinks. “He may be an idiot, but he’s my idiot.”
“That’s right, and no take backs. You’re stuck with him,” I tease, pulling white-and-light-brown striped pajamas from the rack. The front has a picture of a highland cow, and it says Welcome to the Herd. “Is this gender neutral?” I ask, holding it up.
“Oh, that’s adorable,” Lizzie says, while Oaklee nods eagerly and replies, “Yes.”
I don’t want to get a bunch of stuff, but I have to get this. It’s just too damn cute.
By the time we’ve finished shopping, everyone has a few items they’re purchasing for the baby. Some cute little pajamas, onesies, a blanket, and some adorable bibs with sassy sayings on them. I realize exactly how loved this child is, to not even be born yet, and already being spoiled rotten by their aunties.
“Do we have time for a slice of pizza before you have to go to work?” Oaklee asks Lizzie, who will be relieving Guy in a bit.
“Absolutely,” she insists, linking her arm through both mine and Oaklee’s and walking down the block toward the pizzeria. “I hope Mario’s working. He makes the best pizzas.”
“Doesn’t he? And his desserts are…chef’s kiss.” She makes the motion by bringing her fingertips to her lips and making the kissing motion.
“Baby is on board with this plan,” I agree.
“Well, come on, ladies. Let’s feed the baby,” Oaklee says.
I had always hoped my brothers would each meet someone they fell hard for, but on top of that, I prayed I’d love them just as much and finally have the sisters I always wanted. I’m happy to report, both Lizzie and Oaklee fit in so well, not onlywith my lunatic brothers and our family in general, but they’re some of my closest friends to boot. Now, Cade and Oaklee are getting married, and I’m sure Collin and Lizzie won’t be too far behind them. Not when they turn just about everything into a competition to try to outdo each other.
I just hope Cam will find someone the way the three older Miller siblings have and fall madly in love with her. He’s always so guarded, protecting his heart from hurt. Not that anyone ever plans for heartache, but it’s a part of life. It happened to him at the very end of high school, and I don’t think he’s come anywhere close to taking the leap since then.
Maybe someday…
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FOUR
Quinn
I’m nervous.
The early September sun is beating down through the windshield as I pull into the parking lot and park in an open spot in the middle of the row. “Ready?” I ask, giving Charli’s hand a gentle squeeze.
“I’m ready,” she replies, already reaching for the seat belt release and then the door handle.
