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My eyes and nose sting and I swallow down the lump forming. What the hell is with all the crying?
“Thank you.”
“That being said, you also deserve a man that respects you taking your time.”
“Ford mentioned letting him know if he was coming on too strong.”
“Mom is going to be ecstatic.” The lilt in Addie’s voice adds to my threatening emotions.
“I’m not sure we should jump the gun.”
“That’s because you’re not seeing what we do.”
There’s a rustling from the kitchen right before Pepper comes skipping in, stopping only to see which one of us she wants first.
Harley opens her arms and squeals when the dog lands solidly in her lap.
“We all good in here?” Ford comes in, his concerned eyes on me.
“We’re great.”
“Not really. We all need a refill.” Carson waves her empty glass in the air.
“I’ll get it.” Tera waltzes in the room, going to the fridge. “Sorry to disappear. Mom was in the mood to talk.”
I’d all but forgotten she was here. She conveniently had to make a call when it was time to clean up the kitchen after dinner.
She brings the bottle in and goes around the circle filling our glasses. “What’d I miss?”
I brace, silently praying no one repeats our conversation.
“We discussed the many benefits of having a bench seat in the shower. Especially in the late stages of my pregnancy.”
Tera glances between us, unsure how to respond. “I guess that would make things more comfortable.”
Jewls giggles, Major going to her side and scooping her into his lap.
Harley scoots over, Ford taking her place at my side. He drapes his arm around my shoulders, tagging me into him.
“You like hockey?”
I don’t know why it pops into my mind, because I’m not typically a witty person. But before I can stop myself, it blurts out, “I mean, not as much as Jewls, but yes.”
There’s a beat of silence and then an outburst of laughter from all the women. Jewls nuzzles into Major’s chest, vibrating.
Major scowls, unimpressed with my cleverness. Probably not a good idea to bring up Jewls and hockey, considering what happened last fall when she was on a date at the hockey game before she and Major got together.
Ford’s lips twitch as he leans in, muttering in my ear, “You’re poking the bear.”
Guilt comes over me. “Major, that was rude. It was knee-jerk—”
His face softens. “Sweetheart, never apologize for making a joke. Even if it is at my expense.”
“Seriously, you’re still hung up on that? Have you missed the last five months?” Jewls waves over her stomach and then shoves her ring in his face. “Don’t be a bully.”
He clasps her hand, bringing the diamond to his lips. “It helps ease the burn knowing that poor schmuck never had a chance.”
8
