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“You mean, you’re too boring,” Charlie drawls.
Ruby giggles, sweet and stunning as the birthday girl. “Davis is like the responsible dad of the friend group,” she amends kindly.
I laugh. “Then consider me the tired mom.”
The lodge doors are thrown open, Chris Stapleton plays over the speakers, and we all sit at the long lodge table, playing achaotic game calledTruth, Dare, Drink, Underwearthat Wyatt invented one summer.
Charlie’s down to his boots and boxers.
Ruby wears my apron over her underwear, and a long white ribbon in her hair.
Fallon’s in her bra and boy shorts.
The birthday party has descended into madness. The cake still needs to be cut. Keena circles the table, a frenetic pace that has me dizzy. Unwrapped presents and wrapping paper cover the floor.
“Your turn,” Ford says, looking at his twin.
“Truth,” Davis grunts.
“Same question as before. One last chance.” Ford’s eyes narrow. “You don’t answer, you’re naked as the day you were born. Did you or did you not kiss Lucy Vale in fifth grade after I professed my love to her on the schoolhouse steps?”
Davis goes still, but his gaze is on his brother. His strong jaw is dusted in scruff, the firm set of his mouth gives nothing away. I love this side of him. Relaxed, enjoying his brothers, having fun.
“Kissed her and enjoyed it too.”
“Fucker,” Ford swears.
Davis tilts his head back and laughs. A deep and joyous boom that has the room erupting into howls.
I look around the room and smile.
This is my home. Family and found.
This is the start of everything I have ever wanted.
I suck in a gasp as Squish does a tumble that could get him to the Olympics.
“Everything okay?” Fallon asks.
“He’s definitely your nephew,” I tell Fallon, rubbing a hand over my belly. “Wild.”
Davis places a hand over mine. Brown eyes pinned on my belly, he says, “Son, you have to take it easy on your mama.”
The entire room stills. My breath catches. The pump of my heart is so loud I’m sure everyone can hear it.
Because everyone heard Davis’s words.
Son.
The thought has hot tears filling my eyes.
Ruby stares at us and squeaks, her hands wiping fast at her face.
Keena whines and paces the room. She stops by my side, tries to put her paws on my lap, only to get shooed away by Davis.
“Is she okay?” Ruby asks.
“She’s been doing this all day,” I say, using the table as leverage to stand. Instantly, Davis is beside me.
