Page 94 of Make it a Double

“I bought a house,” he said cautiously. “And I know you’re probably freaking out right now. That’s understandable. But, sugar, I needed to plant roots here if I’m going to be in this baby’s life. We need roots. Liv and Lukas helped me find the perfect place. It’s an old farmhouse not far off the highway. We could set up a nursery, and you can decorate every room to your heart’s content. Even if you choose to stay where you are for now.” He reached out and gently took my hands in his. “But I hope you stay the night and never leave come morning.”

With striking clarity, I realized that no one had ever cared about me the way Beckett did. He could’ve easily walked away when he found out I was pregnant, or any of the other times I tried to push him away, but he stayed every single time. He stayed and showed me what it was like to be truly loved.

Because that’s what this was, wasn’t it? It was love. Pure and messy and chaotic even on the best days. And I loved him back, just as much. Even if I hadn’t said it yet, even if I’d been too damn scared to make the first move. I knew that in my bones as well as I knew the feeling of our son’s kicks in my belly.

“Please say something,” he whispered, closing his eyes. “I know I probably shouldn’t have done it here. I’m sorry. This was a bad idea. It was too much. I should’ve⁠—”

“I love you.” I blurted the words out before I could realize what I was saying. The best part was that I didn’t even care whether I said them or he said them back, because they were my truth.

I couldn’t give Beckett a new vehicle, nor could I buy him a house, but I could give him this.

Beckett blinked. “Really?”

I laughed and reached for the collar of his shirt, tugging him closer. “I, Sawyer Sutton, love you, Beckett Montgomery, so fucking much. You make me happier than I have ever been.”

Beckett closed the distance between us, capturing my mouth in a searing kiss. I didn’t care that we were in a house full of people who were likely watching this play out, or that this declaration would’ve been more romantic in private.

If there was one thing we did well, it was throwing tradition out the window. Nothing had gone by the book since the day we met. Why should we start now?

“I love you, too, sugar. There’s no one else I’d rather do this with.”

“Does this mean you’re finally moving out?” Grams asked.

I turned to gape at her. “Finally?”

Grams nodded. “It’s about time for you to fly the nest, don’t you think?”

“What about your doctor appointments? Who’s gonna take you?”

“That’s what I have a man for.” The smile on Harold’s face didn’t budge as she smacked him in the chest for emphasis. “Plus, we have really been enjoying all the privacy lately. You should see the positions this man can twist me into. Probably show all you young bucks up,” she said, swinging her cane around to Beckett, Duke, Grady, and Lukas.

“Oh my god,” I muttered, covering my face with my hands. The last thing I wanted to think about was my Gram’s sex life.

“I’m just saying. Consider this my blessing, baby. You deserve all the happiness life can afford you. I’m glad you’re finally chasing it yourself.” She walked over and squeezed my shoulder. “You know you can always come home if you need to, but it’s time for the safety net to drop. That man right there ain’t gonna let nothing bad happen to you if he can help it. I’d be willing to bet he’d find a way to move heaven and earth if you asked nicely.”

“Yeah,” I said, turning to look at Beckett. “I think you’re right.”

“‘Course I am, girl. Have you ever known me to be wrong?” Grams snorted. “Now, I’m gonna go get me a refill of that sweet peach tea in there, and then I’m gonna sit my happy ass right there and watch men fail at changing a diaper.”

Liv had all kinds of games planned, some of which were going on quietly around us. But one of the things she was most proud of was the one where people could test out how fast they could successfully change a diaper.

I watched her go, hobbling past with her rhinestone cane at the ready. Harold got up to follow her, but was stopped when Lukas placed a hand on his chest. “Do you mind if I pick your brain about that pretzel position?”

SAWYER

“Looks like you’ve got yourself a pro there,” Liv said, gesturing toward the heated game currently taking place. Beckett was the reigning champ four games in a row, but Grady was giving him a run for his money. So far, no one had been able to knock him out, but I was curious to see how he would do against someone with experience.

Most of the people had already left, leaving just our little group, Grams, and Harold. While I might have fought against this baby shower, it’d almost been a perfect day, and it wasn’t even over. I even had a surprise up my sleeve.

“I know,” I whispered. “His sister is younger, but only by three years. It’s not like he was changing diapers as a toddler, so I have no idea where this is coming from.”

We watched as he dragged the wipe across the baby doll’s bottom and fastened the diaper before stepping back with his arms raised. He let out a triumphant laugh as Grady hung his head in defeat.

“Time!” Grams called from her perch. Liv had put her in charge of the game, ensuring no one cheated. The woman might have been old, but no one was stupid enough to cross her. She’d matched it to her outfit for the day, which consisted of loose-fitting leopard print pants and a bedazzled shirt that read “GILF.”

No wonder people looked at me weirdly as a kid when we were out and about. There was no telling what ridiculous things she wore.

Cleo came up to Grady, wrapping her arms around his middle. “It’s okay. You’re always a winner in my eyes,” she said, giving him a kiss.