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I mimic my brother’s pose and move my arm to rest on the back of Daisy’s chair, as my thumb lightly brushes over the fabric of her shirt. “Tomorrow we can go shopping,” I offer. “We’ll find you a new dress, and a tiny suit for the little man.”
Poppy places a hand over her chest, her face lighting up. “How adorable is he going to look in a suit? Everyone will be gooing and gaaing when they see him.”
Daisy laughs softly, and the sound does something to me. It’s such a small thing, but seeing her relax feels like a win.
“Excuse me,” I say, looking between them. “Are you all forgetting I’m the best man and I’ll be wearing a suit too?”
Bennett barks out a laugh, and I already know he’s about to come back with some smartarse comment. “Don’t worry, little brother, I’ll make sure the photographer gets at least one photo of you before Jonah arrives and steals the show.”
“Fuck off,” I grumble, through a smile.
Chapter 14
Daisy
By the time we leave the restaurant, I’m feeling tipsy and lighter than I have in a really long time.
Maybe it’s the glass of wine, or maybe I’m just high on life. Tonight I spent an evening with people who genuinely want me around; and that might not seem much to some, but to me it meant everything.
There were no awkward questions or feeling like I was walking on eggshells. Just laughter, conversation, and the comfort of being included.
I glance over at Nolan, who’s walking beside me with his hands shoved into the pockets of his trousers and that easy smile he often carries, curving his lips.
I release a breath, feeling the weight that’s been sitting on my shoulders for so long finally starting to lift.
Nolan side-eyes me. “You okay?”
I give him a small nod. “I really like your family.”
His smile widens. “They really like you too, darlin’.”
A warmth spreads through my chest. I’m not used to people accepting me so easily, without needing anything in return. No hidden agenda, conditions, or feeling like I have to earn my place.
“Jonah will look adorable in a tiny suit—if we can find one small enough—but I think you’ll look pretty smashing in yours too.”
His eyebrows lift, and his smile turns playful. “Smashing? That sounds like something my Granny would’ve said.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Yeah, I do.” His cheeky grin widens. “You think I’m hot.”
A burst of laughter bubbles out of me. He is hot; there’s no denying that, but I’m not about to admit it out loud. “That’s not what I said.”
“In a roundabout, old-fashioned way, you did.”
I shrug, unable to deny it. “Fine, but don’t let it go to your head.”
“Too late.” I lean in, attempting to bump him with my shoulder, but somehow misjudge my footing and stumble sideways. “Easy there,” Nolan says, wrapping an arm around my waist and steadying me before I fall.
“Shit.”
A laugh rumbles from his chest. “Someone’s a lightweight. How many glasses of wine did you have? Two?”
He’s still holding me as I glance up at him and grimace. “One,” I admit. “I’m still breastfeeding, remember.”
His expression softens. “Responsible mum mode.”
“Well, at least Jonah has one responsible parent, right?”
