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I want to give him shit, but to be honest, I can’t. I can’t ride him for loving her and their unborn baby. I know what it feels like to become a dad for the first time, and it’s a rush like nothing else I’ve ever felt. Sure, my situation was different, but the fact that Blakely is my daughter and she made me a dad is still the same.
“It’s the best feeling,” I tell him, and he turns back to face me. “Holding your baby for the first time. It’s like nothing else I’ve ever felt.”
“I can’t fucking wait.” He moves to the refrigerator and grabs a bottle of water.
“Not drinking?”
“Nope. Palmer can’t, so neither am I. Besides, what if something happens and she needs me? I don’t want to be drunk off my ass.”
“You’re a nurse, Brooks. You know that she’s going to be just fine.”
“Shit happens. I see it every damn day, and I will not be that guy. I want to be the man who’s there to support her, not have to phone a fucking friend because I’ve had too much to drink and can’t drive her to the hospital.”
“She still has months yet before you need to worry about that.”
He shrugs and takes a sip of his water. “Don’t care. I didn’t want to do this anyway.”
“The twins pushed for it,” I tell him.
“I don’t understand why. They’re babies.” He chuckles. We both know that if Maverick or Merrick heard him referring to them as babies, they’d give him hell. “They shouldn’t worry about bachelor parties.”
“Yeah, well, Dad told them they could drink. He’s going to stop by later and drive them home.”
“Ah.” He nods. “That explains it.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t know that.”
“The details didn’t matter to me.”
I know that what he says is true. He just wants to marry the love of his life. He was insistent that they didn’t start another year with her not being a Kincaid, and honestly, I can’t say I blame him. If I’m ever lucky enough to find that kind of love, I can see myself being the same way. I loved Blakely’s mom. She was my best friend, but I wasn’t in love with her. I’ve watched two of my brothers fall ass over heels for the women who are perfect for them. That gives me hope that mine is still out there waiting. Maybe when Blakely is a little older and understands the concept of dating, I’ll try my hand at finding the love of my life. Until then, my nights at home cuddling with my little girl are more than enough for me.
I’ve been fine for the last five years. A few more won’t kill me.
CHAPTER
FIVE
Kennedy
I’m sitting in Grandma’s office, staring at the manuscript on the screen. I haven’t been able to focus. Not because it’s too loud, but because Declan Kincaid sets my body on fire. There were a couple of times earlier, I was sure he was going to kiss me, but he never did. Not that I need to be worrying about that. I’m newly divorced. I don’t need to jump back into a relationship. Besides, nothing could come of it even if we did do something. I don’t live here. I have a home and a life back in Florida. That’s where my parents are, and that’s what I know. I don’t need to be forming any kind of attachments while I’m in Willow River.
“What are you doing hiding?”
I look up from where I’ve been staring at my computer screen to find Ramsey leaning against the door frame. “Not hiding. Staring off into space,” I admit.
“Why are you in here all by yourself? We’re celebrating.”
“I don’t want to impose.”
She waves me off. “Please, you’re more than welcome. Put that away and come hang out with us. I’ll formally introduce you to everyone.”
“You don’t need to do that.”
“I know I don’t need to. I want to. Besides, this is my best friend’s bachelorette party. My best friend that is about to become my sister. Are you really going to tell me no?” she asks, batting her lashes.
I chuckle. “Does that work with your fiancé?”
“Every damn time.” She grins. “Come on.”
“Why not.” I shrug. After saving my file, I close the document, power down my laptop, and put it back into my bag, so I’m ready to go at the end of the night. “I’m not getting anything done anyway.”
“What is it that you do?” she asks. “No, wait. The girls will want to know. Might as well wait until we’re all together.”
I stand from the desk, and she links her arm through mine and leads me back to the ladies’ side of the banquet hall. “There they are.” One of the women raises her drink in the air and the rest cheer.
“Ladies, this is Kennedy. Her grandma Maureen owns this fine establishment,” Ramsey slurs.
