Page 109 of The Grump I Got Stuck With

“I suppose it’s really a present for both of us,” I amended, going for my purse stashed behind the counter.

Alistair waggled his eyebrows in a suggestive way.

“Get your head out of the gutter.” I turned and handed him the small gift box. He pursed his lips, unwrapping the paper and ribbon and opening the lid to reveal a beautifully crafted baby rattle. The silver sparkled under the lights as his thumb drifted across the metal. “I found it at a farmers’ market a couple towns over.”

“It’s lovely, but what do I need a baby ra—” His eyes suddenly widened to the size of tea plates. “Bloody hell, woman!” He stared right at my stomach. “Are you saying⁠—”

“Yep,” I said. “I’ve been to the doctor to make sure.”

Alistair’s mouth fell open, his eyes locking with mine. “We’re having a baby?”

His voice was barely above a whisper, and I caught my lip between my teeth, holding my breath as I waited for the shock to fade enough to show his true reaction. I’d been worried about this moment for a couple weeks. Things had gone so poorly with the last woman he’d had a child with, and I didn’t want this pregnancy to be tainted by that experience.

“We’re having a baby,” he said again, sounding awed more than anything. “My God. Kenna’s going to be a big sister!”

I released the strangled breath, laughing as a brilliant smile took over his face. “And judging by the way she looks after Princess, she’s going to rock it,” I assured him.

Alistair broke out into buoyant laughter, catching me in a hug and lifting me off my feet to spin me around.

“You’re happy?” I asked when he set me down again.

“Happy?” He captured my face with his hands, cradling my jaw. “I’m bloody thrilled. I can’t wait to be a father again.”

My heart soared.

“Are you happy?” he asked.

“So, so happy,” I told him. “I’m ready to keep growing our little family.”

“Maybe not so little anymore,” he said, stroking his hand over my belly.

I laid my hand over his, emotion welling up inside me. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

34

ALISTAIR

Fourteen Months Later

“Isee Aisling and Andy!” Kenna called excitedly. She released Madison’s hand and raced off down the pavement. The high street was packed with vendors and food stalls and more tourists than I’d ever seen for the summer festival.

“Oh my God. Look at Andy!” Madison gushed. He ran toward Kenna wearing a toddler-sized kilt.

“I have it on good authority that Andy is joining us in the kilted dash later,” I told her.

“Stop,” she said, taking my hand. “That’s too cute. I didn’t even know they made kilts that small.”

“Smaller, actually.” She glanced down at the sleeping bundle in the sling against my chest, and I laughed. “I can practically see the wheels turning behind your eyes.”

“Hey, you two,” Isla called as we neared. She stood with Locke, Lena, Weston, Cat, and Patrick Lyons, who had been on the Braeburn town council for decades.

Aisling and Kenna weaved between the adults, giggling as Andy stumbled after them. We’d had to stop calling him Baby Andy when Madison gave birth, seeing as there was a new little addition to the group. Now we had Baby Brodie.

“Hey, Mads,” Cat asked, coming to stand next to us. “Any shot at an opening for the Friday night beading class? My sister’s visiting next week, and I really want to bring her.”

“Fully booked, I’m afraid,” Madison said. There was no need to check her schedule—her classes were always booked up. “But for you, I will squeeze in an extra chair.”

Cat gave her a quick hug. “You’re the best! Okay, I’m off to help at the SPCA booth. If you know anyone who’s looking to adopt a cute kitten, send them my way.”