"What makes you so sure Jake didn't know about Sam?" asks Paige.
"Because he would have done the right thing," I say. "Jake would have owned up to his..." I was about to say mistake, but I stop myself when I catch Noah giggling at me. Paige wouldn't think Noah was a mistake, and I certainly don't think of Sam that way.
"Not all men own up," growls Hudson.
He's staring at Noah, and Paige scoops him into her arms and plants a kiss on the top of his head.
"Not all men know," she says softly.
"Then they should be told," Hudson counters.
Paige lets out a long sigh. "I'm sorry you don't understand, Huds, but there's no point telling you who the father is because he's not going to be around anyway."
She looks around the group. "I can understand Sam's mother's thinking. Not all women want the father in their kid's life."
"But who wouldn't want Jake?" Avery says quietly. She's sitting with her legs pulled up to her chest, and she blinks quickly.
My sister took Jake's death hard. But I know what she means. Jake was a good guy; he would have done the right thing. If she didn't want him in the kid’s life, he could have at least contributed financially. None of it makes sense. But then what in life does?
All I know is my nephew arrives in three days, and I need to get this place ready for him.
"Come on." I get up off the floor. "We've got a set of drawers to build."
11
AMOS
My fingers drum on the kitchen counter as I wait for Alana to arrive. She agreed to stop by today to check over my place and tell me if it's okay for a kid to live in.
From what Alana told me, as long as it's dry and clean, it will be adequate. But I want more than adequate for Jake's son.
The intercom buzzes, and I let her up and meet her outside the elevator. She's wearing a knee-length skirt that hugs her hips then flares out, and I try not to stare at her ass as I follow her into my apartment.
Avery has worked her magic in the living room. I gave her and Paige my credit card, and there was much discussion about color schemes and shit I don't care about, but seeing the effect on Alana as she nods in appreciation, I'm glad they decided on duck-egg green for a feature wall and curtains. Whatever the fuck color that is, but Avery assured me it would go with my gray couch, and she was right.
The gym equipment is gone; I donated it to Joel's veteran's center. Now that I'm back permanently, I can join a gym and I won't need to work out at home.
The couch has bright cushions and a yellow throw over the back. The curtains have been replaced, and there's a shaggy rug on the floor making the place cozy.
In one corner there's a shelving unit with colorful woven storage boxes ready to fill with toys. Avery picked up a car track and some books, but I'll take Sam toy shopping when he gets here so he can choose what he wants.
A peace lily sits on top of the unit, another addition from Avery. She's got a thing for those plants.
On the walls are framed photos from Mom's collection and a colorful artwork that looks like paint squiggles that a kid did, but that Avery assures me are works from a local artist.
I have to admit they brighten the place up.
"This is not what I was expecting." Alana turns around slowly, taking in the space. "It's homey."
I smile to myself, making a mental note to buy Avery a large bunch of flowers or something extra nice for the baby when she officially tells me she’s pregnant.
"You sure a woman doesn't live here? Or at least visit often?"
Her voice wavers when she says it, and I cock my head. "Are you jealous?"
"No." She says too quickly and looks away.
I chuckle and lean forward so my elbows rest on the bench. "You sure about that?"
