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“It means he needs to focus on rebuilding his life, not getting mixed up in a relationship.”
“Who said anything about arelationship? We can be friends with benefits.”
He points at her. “Exactly. No.”
“What’s friends with benefits?” Owen asks, and we all turn toward him.
“Thanks, Everleigh,” Katie deadpans.
“Sorry,” she mouths.
“We’ll talk about it later,” Katie tells Owen.
“I’m gonna grab dessert,” I interject, hoping to shift the conversation since everyone’s finished eating.
“While he’s doing that, I have a couple of gift bags for you guys,” I overhear Katie tell them.
I take the peach cobbler out of the oven, then find the scooper and grab the ice cream. Once I have everything, I bring it all to the table and set it down in the middle.
“That smells heavenly.” Gemma inhales deeply. “Baby agrees.”
“What are these for?” Everleigh asks when Katie hands her one of the bags.
“I didn’t know we were exchanging gifts.” Gemma takes hers.
“Stop worrying, it was a surprise.” Katie smiles wide as she takes her seat. Her knee bobs under the table, and I place my hand over it to calm her. “Anyway, open them up!”
The first item they take out is a candle.
“Oh my gosh, I love the smell of baby powder.” Gemma sniffs and sighs. “So fresh and clean.”
“Well, I’ll just light this to scare off Archer. Most men run at the hint of babies.” Everleigh snorts. “Problem solved, brother.”
Tyler shakes his head, not amused.
The next thing they remove is a tin.
“Cinnabuns!” Gemma immediately takes a bite. “Ohmagawd, these are so good,” she says around a mouthful.
“And cookies!” Everleigh grabs the next thing. “Y’all tryin’ to fatten me up or what?”
“Oh, what cute pink and blue hearts. Did Mrs. Wright make these?” Everleigh asks.
“No, Mom and I did,” Owen says, and seeing his face light up brings me hope that he’s just as excited as we are. “They’re sugar cookies.”
“Mmm...delicious,” Gemma says, shoving half of one into her mouth.
“Are you gonna share with me?” Tyler chuckles.
Gemma glares at him. “I’m already sharing with your child so…” She stops mid-sentence and looks at Katie. “Wait. Baby powder candle, cinnabuns, and pink and blue cookies…”
“Are you pregnant?” Everleigh shouts.
On cue, Owen stands and removes his zip-up hoodie. Underneath is the T-shirt Katie and he made.
“Only Child Expiring Soon…” Everleigh reads in a high-pitched squeal.
“Oh my God, no way!” Gemma jumps out of her chair.
