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“Sure.”
“Z still in the dining room?” Rock asks her.
“I think so.”
After Rock leaves, she wraps her hand around my arm and pulls me to the side. “Congratulations. We’re all really happy for you two.”
“Thanks, sweetheart.”
She flicks another nervous look around the room. “Can you give me the number of Serena’s friend…Emily, right? The one she’s staying with?”
“Uh, yeah, I guess. Why?” I pull my cell phone out to search for the number.
“Well, from what she’s said, I understand Serena doesn’t have other family? It sounds like Emily’s the person she’s closest to.” Her eyes dart around the room and she lowers her voice. “I wanted to ask her if she’s throwing Serena a baby shower. If not, I’d like to offer to host it at our place. But not if I’m stepping on Emily’s toes or anything.”
My chest tightens and I have the strongest urge to hug Lilly. I keep my cool, though. “Thank you. I don’t know what, if anything, Emily has planned. I don’t know how any of that stuff works.”
Lilly laughs softly. “Of course you don’t.”
“Let me know what you need—money, whatever—so I can help out.”
“There’s no need.” Her expression shifts to serious, almost sad. “I never had a baby shower. And I missed Hope’s. We already threw one for Heidi. It’s different when you’re a first-time mom, though. I’d really like to do this for Serena.”
Now, I can’t stop myself. I pull her in and give her a gentle squeeze. “That means a lot to me, Lilly. Thank you.”
“Of course.” She pulls her phone out of her back pocket.
I find Emily’s number and recite it for Lilly.
“Perfect.” She jams her phone in her pocket. “I’ll reach out to her tomorrow.”
“That sounds good.”
Music and happy shrieks from the kids echo down the hallway.
“Oh, boy. Sounds like they’re getting into it,” Lilly laughs. “We’re supposed to herd them into the living room for movie night and snacks.”
“Bet that’s not easy.” I escort her to the dining room where the little ones have taken over the entertainment part of the night.
Shelby has her guitar out, leading a sing-along.
Lilly winces as Chance and Alexa hit a few off-key high notes. “I don’t think either of them will be touring with Shelby in the future,” she whispers to me.
“You never know.” I lift my chin in Shelby’s direction. “She seems willing to give them lessons.”
“Aren’t they adorable?” Serena joins us, hooking her arm through mine. “Even little Grace is into it.”
“Oh, yeah, she loves Shelby’s singing,” Lilly says.
A scuffle breaks out between Chance and Alexa. I can’t see how it starts but it ends with Chance pushing Alexa on her butt. She’s tough, though and jumps right back up. Unfortunately, her revenge is thwarted by Murphy scooping her out of the fray.
Z sweeps Chance into his arms for a stern lecture.
Lilly sighs and holds out her hand to her son when Z sets him down. “Come here, buddy, let’s chill for a minute.”
“Why’d you scold him?” Rav asks. “She started it.”
Z stares at Rav like he’s grown two heads. “I’m not teaching him it’s okay to put his hands on women.”
“Yeah, but Alexa started it,” Rav insists.
“I don’t fuckin’ care.”
“And I’ll talk to her about that,” Heidi says as Murphy sets Alexa in her lap.
“But—” Rav protests.
Z thumps his chest. “Look at me. I’m not fucking tiny. Chance is gonna end up as big as me if not bigger. Right now it’s kids rough-housing but when he’s older, he’ll end up doing some damage. I don’t want him thinking it’s okay to hit girls for any reason.” A little calmer, Z adds, “His job is to protect and provide. Not be some douche who thinks fairness means hitting women. Fuck that.” He points at Murphy, then Rock, and Teller. “One of you needs to have a son for him to rough-house with soon.”
“I’m trying,” Murphy says.
“Bro, why you so worried about everyone’s parenting styles?” Teller asks Rav. “Stay in your porn and chicken nuggets lane.”
Rav shrugs. “Someone who still has his balls attached has to look out for the little dude.”
“My son will be fine,” Z snaps. “Worry about yourself.”
“Fuuuuck,” Sparky groans. “Chance is such a lucky dude. He’s got all the chicks around him.”
“Watch where you’re going with that thought,” Murphy warns.
“All I’m saying is, it’s cute. They’ll all grow up together, be sweethearts. It’s so storybook.”
“Who knew Sparky was such a romantic?” Serena whispers in my ear.
“Nah.” Ravage leans over and pats Chance’s head. “You’re gonna get friend-zoned and have to watch them date everyone but you. But don’t you worry, there will always be plenty of bunnies around to return the favor.”
“I think you said the quiet part out loud, bro,” Stash says, running his fingers over his mouth like he’s tugging on a zipper.
“All right, fuckstick.” Z lifts his son into his arms. “Get away from my kid. I don’t need you filling my son’s head with garbage.”
