I stand there, staring, but I can’t think of a single thing to say that would be enough.
“What?” She asks, looking down at herself like something’s wrong.
“Wow,” is all I can say, and I know I sound like an idiot, but she laughs, ducking her head, and it’s all worth it.
My feelings bubble up right then, and I want to tell her, I love you, but it ain’t the right time.
And I got a plan.
My attention is pulled when Sammy gasps.
“Uncle Nate is dating a princess,” she announces solemnly, making Iris’s cheeks turn the same color as her dress.
“That’s right, Sammy,” I say, putting my hand on Iris’s back. “I sure am.”
Gracie comes over, giving me a quick hug before she turns to Iris. “We’re so happy you’re here! Come meet everyone!”
She takes Iris’ hand, leading her away to meet Liz and the babies, while I’m left standing there watching in disbelief that she’s my girlfriend.
God, she’s beautiful.
Ben hands me a beer in the kitchen, and Calvin’s leaning against the counter, grinning at me.
I ignore him and go back to watching Iris.
From here, I’ve got the perfect view of the living room. She’s perched on the couch beside Liz, who’s got baby Maisie on her lap. Gracie sits on the other side of her, Margot in her arms. They talk quietly, all three of them smiling when Margot’s tiny hand bats at Iris’ curls.
Liz says something that makes Iris look nervous for half a second before she gently sets Maisie in her arms.
She holds her so carefully, like she’s nervous.
But when the baby relaxes in her arms, her face goes soft in a way I’ve never seen. Ben follows my gaze, his eyebrows shooting up. “You look like a man in love.”
“That’s the mother of my children,” I announce to the room.
Ben blinks. “Shit, man.”
Calvin lets out a low whistle, coming over and clapping me on the shoulder. “Does she know that?”
Across the room, Iris lifts her head, and when our eyes meet, everything else fades away. My family, the distance.
It’s just us.
She’s cradling the sleeping baby against her chest, herexpression soft and glowing, and when she smiles at me, I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.
“I’m gonna tell her tonight,” I tell them. “I’m gonna give her mom’s locket.”
Some time later, I find the boys on the floor, cross-legged in front of the TV in Noah’s bedroom. His face is scrunched up in determination, thumbs flying over the controller.
Alex leans forward, elbows on his knees, concentrating like he’s in the Daytona 500 instead of playing Mario Kart with a seven-year-old.
“Dude, you cheated!” Alex shouts when Noah gets first place, slamming his controller down.
“I did not! You just stink!” Noah shoves his arm, initiating a wrestling match.
I clear my throat. “Alright, you two, dinner’s ready. Get in here before I gotta break up a fight.”
Noah cheers, dropping the controller and running into the kitchen. We can hear him telling his parents how he kicked Alex’s butt all the way in here.
