AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Everleigh’s future heartbreak,” I taunt, grabbing a glass of water.
“Future baby daddy, future boy toy, future husband…” She releases a dramatic, dreamy sigh.
My mom furrows her brows, confused. “I’ll explain later.”
“Don’t forget my invite.” Loretta grins.
“I’ll bring snacks,” Belinda adds, and we all laugh at Everleigh’s expense.
“A puppy!” Owen screams so loudly when Noah brings him inside that I wouldn’t be surprised if the entire block heard him. “Oh my gosh, he’s so cute!”
Owen’s nearly in tears as he holds out his arms to take the two-month-old golden retriever pup. He’s been begging for one, and I finally caved for his birthday.
“What do ya think, bud?” I ask.
“I love him! What’s his name?”
“Whatever you want. Your choice.” I smile at how happy he is and hope to God we can keep up with the little monster. Granted, it probably wasn’t the best time to get a puppy, but there never would’ve been with how much we have going on. So rather than making Owen wait, we surprised him at his party.
“He looks like a sweetie,” Everleigh coos. “I volunteer to dog sit anytime. Sassy would love him.”
Our friends and family are all here at the house to celebrate Owen’s birthday. Tomorrow, he officially turns eleven, and I’ve been an emotional wreck about it. I don’t know where the years have gone.
“Since Mom and Dad won’t name the twins Darth and Vader, maybe I can name him that?” Owen asks, squeezing the furball to his chest.
“He looks too sweet to be called that,” Gemma chimes in.
“Nah, he needs a good rugged name. Like Maverick,” Noah suggests.
“Yeah! Maverick!” Owen exclaims, loving the idea. He brings him over to me.
“Maverick it is.” I pet his little furry head. “Better be a good dog.”
“He will be! I’m gonna train him to do all sorts of tricks.” Owen beams.
“Well, can the first one be how to go potty outside?” I cringe at the wet spot on the floor.
“Uhh…I don’t think that was Maverick,” Gemma says. She holds her stomach, and my eyes lower down her sundress, then to her feet.
We’re all staring in disbelief.
“Uh…did your water just break?” Everleigh squeals. “I knew you were having contractions! You looked miserable all afternoon.”
“Yeah, I think so.” Gemma’s eyes widen in fear. “They weren’t consistent, though, so I thought they were just Braxton Hicks.”
“We gotta get you to the hospital.” Tyler takes her hand.
“Call the doctor first and tell ’em we’re on the way,” Gemma says.
“I can do that,” Belinda interjects. “You guys go, and we’ll follow you. I’ll make sure they know you’re coming.”
Once I manage to stand, I give Gemma a quick hug. “Good luck. I love you.”
“Love you too. I’ll text or call you as soon as I can.”
The party doesn’t end for a few more hours as we anxiously wait to hear from Gemma and Tyler. After they admitted her, it was confirmed she was already five centimeters dilated.
“Won’t it be cool if they have their baby on my birthday?” Owen exclaims as he and Anthony run around with Maverick.
