Baby Daddies - Tara Brown Page 0,97

with one finger. Fortunately for him, Jenny laughs too. She’s genuinely cool again now that their life has settled down.

“Beast!” Sami shouts at me from inside the house. “Is he still dry or do you need a diaper?”

I lift my thumb up gently, not shouting or moving him.

The sun and sand and warm wind is what I needed this week. Between Sami finding out she’s pregnant again, my mom telling me she has cancer, and the company needing me more, the decision to leave the team has been made. The last two seasons have been garbage and I hate to go out on a low, but I’m spread thin as it is.

I just haven’t told these guys.

Brady walks over with a fresh bucket of beers on ice and starts handing them out.

Rich holds his against his face, Carson cracks his and drinks right away, and Lori holds it and stares at the sea. Something he’s been doing all week. Cap takes the beer and tries not to look at Sukii who is sunbathing in a lounger. Something he has also been doing all week. She won’t give him the time of day.

Nat follows with Kara in a snugly on her chest, holding a tray of snacks. “Hungry?” She holds it near me and I grab half a sandwich.

“Thanks,” I say softly.

“He’s so sweet.” She smiles at Eli.

“When he’s sleeping,” I mutter.

“Lori, this was a bomb-ass idea,” Brady says as he cracks a beer and sits in his chair with a deep and satisfying sigh.

Sami comes clicking from the house with her flip-flops slapping the cement and sits; she’s busy now. Everything is busy. Her feet move faster and her mind never stops and she wants more and more and more.

Another reason for me to quit.

I’m about to say something to the guys when Lori glances at Sami. “Ready?”

She smiles wide and nudges Geoff who lifts his camera and begins to shoot at the same time Jenny’s brother Josh lifts his phone and begins filming.

Lori hands Alexzander to Bev and kneels in front of Jenny, lifting a small turquoise box we all recognize.

Jenny presses her lips into a tight line, instantly not amused.

“I’ve asked you all here this weekend for a special reason.” Lori gives us all a look.

“Lori, come on,” Jenny pleads.

“My title as baby daddy will die today, Jenny. And you are going to like it. That’s mandatory.” Lori’s grin widens and Jenny’s eyes flash something resembling fury but with a hint of humor.

He opens the box to a dazzling ring. It sparkles in the sunlight and even Jenny can’t help but gasp. I’m pretty sure I did.

“I’m not asking you to marry me. I’m not taking the chance you’ll say no. I’m telling you right now, this partnership has grown and developed and this is the next step.”

Jenny laughs as Sukii inhales sharply.

“This isn’t a proposal. You don’t even get this ring, Red. Not until you meet me at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort where a small and simple service has been planned in honor of solidifying the partnership we entered.” He snaps the box closed and stands. “You have one hour to make her stunning.” And walks away.

I’m completely lost.

Brady bursts out laughing. “What? Did you know?” he asks Nat but she is mouth agape and totally stunned.

Sami walks to Jenny and holds out her hand. “Let’s go, Cinderella.” She is aware of what’s going on.

Jenny gives me a look, visibly seeking support. I shrug, uncertain how many of them are in on it. Nat’s shocked. Brady’s laughing ridiculously. Josh and Geoff visibly know but Bev is in the dark.

“Sneaky fuckers,” Bev gasps. “Did you know?” she asks me.

“No, no idea.” I lift my one hand.

Carson pops his eyes open. “What’s happening?”

Rich stands and offers his hand. “Lori and Jenny are getting married in an hour.”

“Piss off.” Carson waves him off and closes his eyes again.

“No, for real. Get up.” Rich grabs his arm.

We all stand and stare at Jenny who knits her brow but lets Sami force her into the house.

It’s a whirlwind of everyone hurrying inside to shower and change, but in true Sami fashion, we meet the staff in the foyer. They’re holding garment bags in one hand and weekender bags in the other.

Nat offers a confused glance at me as she takes hers and walks away with Kara still sleeping.

Holding my sleeping son, I manage to carefully grab mine and walk to our room but Sami isn’t there. I lay Eli down and arrange