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“Kevin, that’s disgusting,” Rob’s mother yelps and looks repulsed by her nephew.
“What are they talking about?” Molly asks, so Rob takes that as his cue to usher Kevin out of the waiting room.
Rob looks like he could kill Kevin. I’m pretty sure he’s going to.
“Out!” He points toward the nearby stairwell and holds the door open for Kevin, urging him down and following him out the door.
Cade jumps up from his seat. “I’m gonna go make sure Rob doesn’t literally kill him.”
“I’m gonna watch,” Jesse declares, but I give him a pointed stare.
“You’re not going anywhere,” I tell him, and he sits back down.
He seems disappointed, but I don’t know what words will come out of Kevin’s mouth, and I don’t need Jesse hearing them.
I look at Jillian, who gives me a sad yet assuring smile.
This is the hazard of actively dating since you were seventeen. You develop a reputation, whether it’s true or not. Now, it’s biting me in the ass.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE
Olivia Mary Bronson was born at 3:56 in the afternoon with a full head of brown hair and crystal-blue eyes. The hospital was packed with visitors, so after giving the baby girl a hello wave through the nursery glass and my best friend a hug, I left and allowed the Bronson clan to enjoy their newest family member.
It didn’t matter. I knew I’d get the best seat in the house, which is where I am now—in Melissa’s living room now that baby Olivia is home.
“She’s gorgeous. Seriously, you people need to procreate more often because this child is beautiful!” I gush.
“Do not bring that up again. My vagina is still screaming at me from labor. This huge-headed child wouldn’t come out. I blame the Bronson side. You people have big heads.”
Will and Rob both rub their heads, as if to check if they are indeed large. To me, they’re a normal shape, but I didn’t just push one out of my hooha.
“I could go for a few more,” Will states easily before leaning back, away from his wife’s evil glare. “What? I’m one of six. I’ve always wanted a big family. Give it a year or two. You might change your mind.”
“I love you, but there is no way I’m having a fourth kid. I’m already thirty-six and was considered a geriatric pregnancy.”
Rob gives a hearty laugh. “I don’t envy you. Kids are for the young and dumb. They’re a lot of work. I commend you for doing it again. This knucklehead has no idea what he’s in for.”
Will crumples up a napkin and throws it at his brother. “You’re the knucklehead.” He walks over to his wife and takes a seat next to her, facing the baby that is nursing in her arms. “You know I’m kidding. I was prepared if you said you didn’t want to have any. I’ve always said Izzy and Hunter are enough. But little Livy, she’s now the cherry on top of the sundae of life.”
Melissa looks at Will, her eyes welling up with tears. “That’s so romantic,” she breathes, and he kisses her lips gently. “Ouch,” she yelps and then turns to her five-day-old baby. “Breastfeeding sucks.”
“Why do you do it?” I ask. “This is the same torture you went through with the other two.”
“Fair question. Easy answer. Izzy never latched properly. Hunter did it for a little while, and I gave up. I’m determined to make this go smoothly with Olivia. It’s like a personal mission.”
“It looks so painful,” I say as she winces.
“It is at first, and then it’s fine. Like labor, it sucks, but when it’s over, it’s worth every ounce of pain for the joy of being a mom.”
“I’ll remind you of that when you’re up in the middle of the night, complaining about breastfeeding, diapers, your loss of a figure, and unwashed hair,” I tease, to which she groans.
“Don’t remind me.” Melissa burps Olivia, then changes her diaper, puts on a fresh onesie, and goes to put her in her bassinet.
“Absolutely not! Hand that baby over to me,” I demand with grabby hands in the air.
She laughs as she places the sleeping bundle of joy in my arms.
“Go upstairs and get your sleep,” I tell her, noting the deal we made. “If I come over, then it’s your time to sleep. The two of you. I know you’re helping a lot, Will. Get on upstairs with your bride and get some shut-eye. Tara and Uncle Rob are here.”
