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“No, wait.” I yank him closer and place his hand on my belly, smiling. “Sarah wasn’t nice, but no one hurt me like that.” The confusion clears a moment later as understanding dawns and hope lights his eyes.
“My baby? Kitten, are you telling me we’re going to have a baby?” When I nod, he laughs, and hops on the bed. “Hot damn! I’m going to be a dad.” The excitement soon slips, as dread clouds the happiness. “Sarah says her baby’s mine, too. I’ve already ordered a paternity test, because I doubt it is, she was fucking around all the time an…”
“Jaxton!” I’m finally able to cut him off, glancing at my dad. “He doesn’t know?”
“No. I didn’t know when I called him.”
“What?” Jaxton asks, looking between the two of us. “What am I missing?”
Another giant smile stretches. “She was lying. Once she figured out I was pregnant, she concocted a plan to steal the baby and pass it off as hers.”
“What the fuck did you just say?” A deep southern drawl drifts across the room. Half expecting Liam, I smile, excited to see him, but an extremely attractive man blocks his way into the room.
“Kam, get the fuck out of the way. I want to see, A.” Liam shoves into his brother’s back and charges over, practically tossing Jax out of the way. Two other guys come in after Liam’s paved the way. One I recognize as Lennox because he’s a replica of Liam. “Hey, baby.” He coos like I’m a broken doll, but his kindness covers me like a warm blanket. “Do I hear that I’m going to be an uncle?” He’s already taking liberties, gliding his hand over my big belly.
“Liam, get the fuck off my baby and my girl.” Jaxton grabs his arm and shoves him into Lennox. “Watch your brother.”
Their banter turns the waterworks on as a soft giggle slips free. “I’ve missed you guys so much.” Tears of joy cascade down my cheeks.
“Kitten, don’t cry. I’m here. We’re all here. I’m never leaving your side again. You’re going to get so sick of me.” He taps his forehead with mine again, inhaling deeply before kissing the tip of my nose, and then slamming his lips to mine.
“Let’s give them a minute, boys.” Dad says, as they all turn their backs, but refuse to leave the room.
Contact. That’s what I crave. “Will you lie with me? I want to touch you—be sure you’re real.” Again, my voice cracks. Today’s passing at warp speed and I’m worried that I might blink, and our reunion will have been nothing but a dream.
He quickly slides in next to me, expertly avoiding tubes and cords. His elbow tucks under my head, then tilts me to the side until my belly is cradled between us. As soon as his hand splays across my tummy, the damn breaks, and sobs escape in giant gasps.
He tightens his hold, and his warm breath fans my ear. “Let it out, baby. I’m here. I promise.” My face buries against his chest, clinging to him like a spider monkey.
Liam clears his throat. “A, I’m feeling awfully left out over here. Can I cuddle, too?”
The plea intertwines with his request, bringing humor when it’s needed most, as a laugh cracks the next wail. Instead of answering, I wave him over with one hand, refusing to release Jaxton with the other.
Liam doesn’t hesitate, climbing onto the bed, and literally cuddling my backside. When his face burrows into my neck and inhales deeply, I laugh again.
“Liam, seriously? Is she Jax’s girl, or yours? Given her some space.” Lennox chides, but I grab onto Liam’s shirt too, silently begging him to stay.
“No can do, brother.” He curls back towards me and Jax approves by gripping him to us in a three-person hug.
My dad chuckles but then steps next to the bed, petting my hair, and leaning down to kiss my head. “We all missed you, pumpkin. Even the brother’s you haven’t met.”
His comment has me peeking through Jax and Liam’s arms to see them. They’ve all turned back around, watching us, crestfallen loneliness peering at me with puppy eyes.Jesus, they’re all drop-dead gorgeous.The thought disappears in the next moment as the sense of family washes over me. Another lump builds in my throat, while a sob emits as I wave them over.
Seconds later, my bed groans and squeaks as they surround me. Warm hands and whispers of encouragement and love filter through the cotton in my ears. The baby loves their deep timbered southern twangs, deciding to join an acrobat’s team before being born.
Liam startles at my back, his hand sliding around to my stomach, and cupping it firmly. A smile tips my lips when he inhales sharply when the baby kicks him. “Did you feel that?” He exclaims, as if there’s nothing more exciting in the entire world.
“Yeah.” Jax’s hand joins Liam’s. The expanse of both of them practically covers my entire belly, causing another giggle to slip free.
“What?” Lennox asks, climbing on top of Liam, careful not to put any weight on me.
Liam turns, so his brother can get closer. “The baby is going crazy. He loves us already.” His smile’s gigantic, stretching from ear to ear, lighting up his emerald eyes.
“Can I feel?” Lennox asks, looking at me for permission.
“Me too!” Cash chimes in next.
Dad and Kam are the two who stand back and watch, so I make it easier, and turn to my back. My belly protrudes into the air, instantly attracting several hands. Typically, the idea of peoples—especially strangers—touching me, is disturbingly uncomfortable. But this is family.
