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“Finally, you’re getting it.”
Rowan snorts. “Or you’re learning how to handle a West sister.”
Ashlyn pinches him. “You do not handle a West sister.”
“Of course not, dream girl.” He kisses her forehead.
“You have to admit it would be handy to know the sex of the baby,” Aspen says, and I switch my glare to her. “What? It’s easier for buying baby clothes and setting up the nursery.”
“Actually, studies have shown it’s better for babies to have gender neutral colors in the nursery,” Lilac points out.
“Thank you, Lilac.”
She studies me for a moment. “Why are you thanking me? Is this sarcasm?”
“We need to have a baby shower soon. I was thinking we could—” Mom says.
“This casserole is yummy.” Aspen’s shout cuts her off.
I hide my smile behind my hand. Aspen sucks at keeping secrets. She obviously started planning a baby shower but hasn’t told Mom yet. Big mistake. Mom will figure it out anyway and then she’ll be mad she wasn’t in on the planning to start with.
“Did you use Phoenix’s cheese in the casserole?” I ask before Mom can sniff out Aspen’s secret. She’ll sniff it out eventually – she always does – but it’ll be more fun to watch the explosion when she realizes she’s been left out. Someone does not like being left out.
Mom frowns. “Of course, I used Phoenix’s cheese. Where else would I get cheese? Buy it from some mass producer?” Her lip curls in disgust. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe she wasn’t born in Winter Falls considering her advocacy for the environment and all things Winter Falls.
“Now, Cole, tell us how the community center project is going. I’m glad the town chose you to manage the project. You’re obviously the most qualified. You’re going to do a wonderful job.”
“We didn’t choose Cole. We choose his firm, Davis Williams.” Lilac can’t help herself from correcting Mom’s slight error.
Cole squeezes my thigh and smiles at me. Told you.
I narrow my eyes on him. Is he gloating? He winks. Yep, he’s definitely gloating. I return my attention to my food while he explains the progress of the project. I scan the table as he speaks and notice everyone is listening to him and nodding at his words.
Dang. He’s right. There was nothing to worry about. My family has accepted him into their fold already. I rub my belly. Baby or no baby, he’s a part of the West family now.
The string tethering my heart to Cole strengthens until it has the consistency of steel and with a jerk, I realize I love this man. If I’m being honest, I fell in love with him a while ago. I tried to resist but he battered at my walls with his sweet gestures and sexy ways until they crumbled.
Please don’t break my heart, Cole.
