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He grins. “Only if we don’t have two boys first.” I roll my eyes, but he ignores me.
“We’ve had this discussion, but I don’t think you understand, but I’m serious. I’m even thinking of calling in the big guns to make sure my swimmers are all boys.”
“Big guns?”
He nods. “Ida Sue.”
“Um, I’m totally going to ignore you now because I figure I’ve freaked out enough today to do me for a week or so.”
He bursts out laughing at that and I enjoy the sound.
“Actually, after the way you left the field today, I’m unsure you need to worry about working for the team.”
“It’s good, Buttons. I called Green before joining you and Mom in the kitchen today. He and Kage didn’t exactly have a smooth road when they got together, so he understood.”
“Well, in that case, I love the idea of living in or near Mason if that’s doable. It doesn’t matter where as long as we can find a place with a big yard and a small town feel. It also wouldn’t hurt if there are some good schools nearby for when that is needed.”
“Agreed. So that’s worry number one. Tell me your other two.”
I blow out a breath, knowing there’s nothing my man can do to help this one. It’s likely we’re both worried about the same thing. “This one is much less pleasant.”
“Let me have it.”
“I’m worried that Emily is going to chew your brother up and spit him out.”
“Yeah, that’s what I’ve been stewing over all evening,” Ryder agrees.
“I figured.” I give him a squeeze and settle my chin against his chest as I look down at him.
“Tucker said straight out that he doesn’t care for her. She was just at a rodeo one night and he’d had too much to drink. Shit happens, but I know Emily and she’ll twist him up if she has a chance. Then, there’s the baby…”
“Maybe being a mother will change Emily. I mean, stranger things have happened. After all, she technically didn’t call to make trouble for us. She just didn’t clarify that she was wanting to get a hold of you because of Tucker and she told Tucker immediately when he called her to tell me the truth.”
“I hope so, Buttons, I truly do, but I don’t have much faith in her.”
“I get it,” I say quietly because I feel the same exact way.
“What’s your third worry?”
I scrunch up my face as I look down at him. “Ugh. If Emily is carrying a Monroe, she’s going to be a permanent fixture in our lives. I have to say, I’m really dreading family get-togethers if we have to deal with Emily every time.”
Ryder surprises me by laughing. “We’ll ignore her and pray the baby takes after Tucker.”
“God, I hope he or she does,” I agree.
Ryder’s gaze is focused on me and when our eyes meet, I feel the heat from him flood through me.
“I love you Ryder. I’m so sorry I ever doubted you.”
“I love you too, Buttons. I always will.”
“I think I’m going to have to ask you to prove that, honey.”
“How do I do that?” he asks.
“Well, I was hoping you’d give me another demonstration of how you got the nickname Mr. Break Your Headboard.”
“Jesus,” he huffs.
