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“He’s very intelligent, isn’t he?” Mitch chuckled. “He was quick to make the connection between husbands and babies.”
“He’ll find out soon enough it doesn’t always work like that. The way he’s asking questions, he and I probably need to have the conversation about his daddy pretty soon.”
“So, is Dylan’s dad not in the picture at all?”
“No. His choice.”
“You’re an amazing mom. I hope you know that.”
“We’re doing okay.”
Mitch moved closer. “The folder, something stupid…”
“You snooped.”
“I didn’t. Janice opened it.”
“You shouldn’t have looked.”
“Every photo is of me.”
“I… I know! I don’t know how that happened.”
“Because I kissed you.”
“Most of those were taken before we danced and kissed and… I don’t know how to explain it! Before the dance, I hadn’t even thought… or I didn’t know I was thinking…” She quickly swallowed the rest of her words. “Please just forget what you saw.” Brushing past him, she made her way to the dining room to join the others. How did she explain something she didn’t understand herself?
*
Gnashing his teeth,Mitch crossed his arms as he stared at Riley’s retreating back. The woman was driving him nuts. Forget about the folder of photos of him on her computer? How the hell was he supposed to do that? Especially because, as she’d just admitted, she couldn’t even remember taking them.
He didn’t know much about photography, but even he could see the pictures Riley had taken on Craig and Annie’s wedding day were on a whole different level than your ordinary wedding photos. She’d captured special moments, frozen endearing gestures; every single one was a testimony to his sister and her husband’s love for each other.
And then there were the photos she’d taken of him. There hadn’t been time to study them, but from what he’d seen at a glance, she’d caught every emotion he’d experienced throughout the day, whether he was happy or deep in thought or looking at his sister—it was scary to know Riley had seen right through all his defenses to his vulnerable self.
“Mitch?” Vivian asked as she entered the kitchen. “You okay? You’re frowning again. Oh, I know—Uncle Mitch is adding baby to his list of people he worries about.” She chuckled as she walked closer.
Putting his arm around his sister, he gave her a hug. “I’m so happy for you and Aiden. When is baby due?”
“July next year. I’m just about four weeks now. It’s early and we probably shouldn’t have said anything yet, but we’re just so excited and wanted to share the wonderful news with all of you.”
“So, we don’t know yet whether it’s a baby girl or a boy?”
Vivian laughed. “Not before fourteen weeks. We honestly don’t mind either way.”
“I’d like a baby brother,” Dylan said. The little boy had wandered back into the kitchen without being noticed. He was looking up at Mitch and Vivian, the subject of babies clearly one he found fascinating.
“You don’t want a sister?” Vivian asked as she crouched down to speak to Dylan.
“I like girls, but I’d like a brother to play with.” Sighing, he looked at Mitch. “Mitch kissed Mommy, but she doesn’t want a husband.”
With raised eyebrows, Vivian looked up at Mitch. “Well, you never know, Mommy may just change her mind.”
Dylan’s face lit up. “A Christmas miracle?”
Chuckling, Vivian got up again. “Exactly.”
Quite happy with her answer, Dylan ran away.
