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Benita lets out a big awwww, and the room fills with conversation again. After we’re finished with dinner, Benita and River help Mama pick up all the plates and wash them. I can already tell they’re going to be friends, which makes me so damn happy because Benita lives close and can relate to the mom stuff.
“You didn’t bring the twins tonight?” I ask Benita about her toddler boys, Reagan and Beau. “Haven’t seen them in a while.”
“Nah, left them home with Aaron for a bit. It was his turn to chase them around the house.” She laughs.
“Twins?” River gasps, glancing at me. “And you said Courtney’s having triplets, right?”
“Yep.”
“You sure you’re only having one?” Benita teases. “Multiples run in the family.”
River’s eyes go wide, and even though Benita’s joking around, it’s always a possibility that one of us Bishop boys could have twins. My money’s on Jackson, though. After the shit he puts us through, he deserves five sets of twins.
When River starts yawning, I know it’s time to go. She’s had an emotional jam-packed day, and I’m sure she’s exhausted. Just as I stand to tell everyone we’re leaving, Benita stands and says she better get home and rescue Aaron before he loses his mind. Taking it as our cue to leave, we all split at the same time, exchanging hugs and goodbyes.
Once outside, the cool air touches my cheeks, and River turns to me. “Is that really when you fell in love with me?”
I lick my lower lip, thinking back to our time together. “There’s a handful of moments when I knew I was falling for you. Moments I didn’t want to admit to myself at first.”
She smiles as I lead her back to the truck. “Is this real life?” she finally whispers as I open the door for her. She climbs in and buckles up.
“As real as it’ll ever be,” I tell her, backing out of the driveway.
As we drive home, I remind River about the details of Mama’s birthday. “You came back just in time. It’s this Saturday. Benita and Mama’s sisters planned the whole thing, but everyone’s coming since it’s a big one. Benita’s a sweetheart and would do anything for anyone, but party planning is right up her alley. The twins slowed her down, but now that they’re older, she’s back at it.”
“I honestly can’t imagine carrying two babies.”
I nod and laugh. “We’re lucky, considering everyone’s popping out multiples in the family.”
Pretending to wipe sweat from her forehead, she giggles. “Dodged a bullet there.”
“Well, there’s always next time.” I wink.
“Funny,” she deadpans.
“You sure we’re only having one baby though, right?” I ask because stranger things have happened.
“I’m positive. I think. Now you’ve got me stressed that there could be two babies in the oven.”
I chuckle loudly. “Guess we should book an appointment with the doctor soon.”
“Shut up.” She laughs. “Seriously.”
“Okay, okay.” I grin.
“That reminds me, though. I’ll need to find a doctor here.”
“Shouldn’t be too hard considering there are only two baby doctors at the hospital. I can ask Evan for a referral.”
“That’s okay. I can call. Or give me Evan’s number and I can talk to him myself. I’m sure the last thing you want to discuss is mucus plugs and stretch marks.”
I glance at her and see her biting down on her lip to prevent a laugh from escaping.
“I bet Benita would love to have you around as she decorates the church for the party.” I slyly change the subject. “I can text her and ask if you’d like.”
“That actually sounds like a lot of fun. I really like her already. She’s nice, and I can tell she’s got a kind heart. I really like everyone, actually. I don’t know how your parents handled all you boys, though.”
I can barely contain my smile. “We were a handful; that’s for sure. You’ll have a good time tomorrow, and I’m sure Benita will enjoy hanging out with someone who’s under fifty.” I laugh.
We park and walk inside, and I notice she’s yawning more frequently.
“You should go to bed,” I suggest, sweetly.
“You’re right. I’m exhausted.” She smiles with a cute, sleepy look on her face. “Come tuck me in, cowboy.”
She walks to her room, and I follow behind her. I watch her hips sway, and all the things I want to do hit me with full force. I want her so badly, I have to adjust myself and force my eyes to the ceiling instead. When she turns around, I pretend I’m just fine. I lean against the doorway and watch as she climbs into bed.
“Alex,” she says, “thank you again for everything.”
Walking toward her, I brush my fingers across her cheek, stopping myself before my lips meet hers. “Thank you for everything. Good night, darlin’.”
After I turn off the light, it takes everything I have to walk to my room. All I want to do is crawl into bed with her and hold her.
