“Nope.” He grabbed me, yanking me onto his lap. “You’re trapped now. There’s no escape. Don’t even try.”
I squealed and wiggled, but no, I didn’t even try. I liked being exactly where I was.
Chapter Thirty-six
Mazzy
BarbandKyliewerewaiting at Ben’s when we got home from the hospital. They’d cleaned, brought food, and most importantly, had loaded Ben’s freezer with ice cream.
Ben and I were utterly wrung out, and Katty was a cranky mess. But as soon as we walked in the door, Barb took over, coddling her, giving her everything she wanted. No matter how sassy and demanding Katty was, Barb didn’t even blink.
It was pretty perfect.
Ben and I collapsed on his couch, watching Barb spoon-feed Katty ice cream.
“I felt bad she didn’t have a grandma, but I kinda think she does,” he said.
“Yeah.” I sighed. “And now she has eyes in proper working order, a daddy, uncles, and cousins. She pretty much has everything.”
His head fell on my shoulder. “Me too.”
Kylie plopped down on the armchair across from us. “Awww. Look at you two. So cute. I hope you know this is all because of me.”
I wanted to argue, but couldn’t. “I guess you’re right.”
Ben folded his arms over his chest. “Chances are, with us living in the same city, we would have crossed paths.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. If Mazzy had spotted you, she would have dived behind the nearest piece of furniture to avoid your stupidly chiseled face.”
He rubbed his jaw. “What I’m hearing is you think I’m incredibly handsome. Thank you, Kylie. I appreciate the compliment, but I’m taken.”
She flipped him off, then her eyes darted toward Aunt Barb to make sure she hadn’t seen. Thankfully, all her attention was being poured on Katty at the moment.
“If you were on the women’s rugby team, I might be interested.” Her eyes raked over him, and she sighed. “Alas, you’re…you. Mazz can keep you as long as I get to give a toast at your wedding.”
I scoffed. “You’re getting way ahead of yourself.”
Ben leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “You can give a toast, as long as you mention the first crush you had on a man was me, but you had to let it go when you saw how perfect Mazzy and I are together.”
She finger-gunned him. “Sure, buddy. That’s exactly what I was planning on saying.”
Barb walked into the living room, Katty tucked in her arms. “This little angel is going to take a nap. All of you need to keep your inappropriate conversations down.” She kissed Katty’s curls. “My brave girl deserves a peaceful rest.”
I started to get up. “I can put her down. You don’t have to.”
Barb pinned me with a glare. “Don’t even think about it. You deserve rest too. At least for today.”
Ben tugged me against him, pressing my head to his chest. “You heard her. Katty’s in good hands. This is your chance to take a breath and relax, so why don’t you take it?”
“What if I can’t?” I whispered.
“I’ll just have to make you.” He touched his lips to my forehead. “Relax, Mazz. Everything is taken care of. Even you. Our baby is safe and well, school’s out, and we have ice cream. What more could you need?”
“When you put it that way, I can’t really think of anything.”
I started to snuggle deeper into his arms when Kylie reminded us of her presence.
“Awww, so cute,” she deadpanned. “I guess I could probably say one or two nice things in my toast.”
