Can't Fight It - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,93

lot to clean up. We did dishes as we went.”

“Regardless, I’ll clean up.” I stand from the table and start gathering plates. I take Milo’s from the high chair, and he grins lazily at me. “Bud, I think those mashed potatoes did you in,” I tell him. He just looks at me kind of dazed.

“I think someone could take another nap,” Hollis says, removing the tray and lifting him from the chair. “We got up really early this morning, huh? Got you out of your routine.” Milo just lays his head on her shoulder, snuggling close. His eyes are heavy, and I know it won’t be long. “What time do we have to be at your parents’ tonight?” Hollis asks, looking at the clock.

“Seven, but we can be late,” I tell her, seeing that it’s six now.

“I’m going to try and get him down for a quick nap. I’d hate for him to be cranky when he sees Grandma and Grandpa.” She disappears down the hall. I’m sure going to his room.

“Don’t hurt her,” Tina says, appearing beside me at the sink.

“Never.”

She nods. “Thank you for bringing her back to life. Even before that incident in the alley that night, she was just coasting. Her mom had moved away, and all she did was work. It’s been a really long time since I’ve seen her this happy. In fact, I’m not sure I have ever seen her smile this much.”

“We love her. Me, Milo, my family. She’s one of us now.”

She nods. “You better make sure I’m at that wedding.” She winks.

“That’s all up to your girl. I give her free reign to plan and invite how she sees fit.”

“Do you have a brother?” She laughs.

“I do, but he’s happily married.”

“Figures,” she mumbles under her breath. “Are we washing or putting in the dishwasher?” she asks.

“Both. I’ll wash the pans, as we transfer everything over to containers and put everything that’s left in the dishwasher.”

“Point me toward the containers.”

“Go relax. I’ve got this. You helped cook, remember?”

“Yeah, I know, but you flew me out here, you’re letting me stay with you and eat your food. This is the least I could do. Besides, you need to get to your parents’.”

“You’re coming with us.”

“Actually, I’m exhausted from the early morning flight. I was thinking about just staying here and calling it a day.”

“She’s not going to let you get away with that,” I tell her.

“You’re probably right.”

“Go, catch a quick nap. I’ll finish up here. Milo will sleep for at least an hour. We’ll wake you up when it’s time to go.”

“You’re a good man, Colton. She’s lucky to have found you.”

“We’re the lucky ones.”

We’ve been at my parents’ for about twenty minutes, and no one has noticed her ring yet. On the way over, we decided to see how long it took them. She’s not doing anything to hide it, but she’s not flaunting it either. I can’t believe no one has said anything. Then again, all the focus has been on Milo. Gabby and Chase have a special bond with my son, and they spoiled him rotten. Mom and Dad went overboard as well.

“We’re going to need a bigger house,” I whisper to Hollis.

She just smiles. “Yeah, one day,” she agrees.

“Hollis, will you hand me that pillow?” Gabby asks. She’s sitting on the floor playing with Milo and his new toys, but she’s pregnant, very pregnant, and I’m certain uncomfortable. Hollis grabs the pillow with her left hand and passes it to Gabby. “Thank you— Wait, what is that?” She pulls on Hollis’s hand, almost pulling her off the couch.

“Easy there, tiger,” Chase tells his wife.

Gabby ignores him and looks up at us. Her eyes are darting between Hollis and me. “You guys are engaged?”

“What?” my mom exclaims, standing from her spot on the loveseat to come and take a closer look at my girl’s hand.

“We are.” Hollis beams with excitement. I can’t see her face because she’s looking at them, but I can hear it in her voice.

“Oh, my goodness! Welcome to the family.” Mom pulls Hollis into a hug, as do Dad and Chase.

“You’re going to have to come to me, sister of mine,” Gabby says, rubbing her very pregnant belly. “I’m not as mobile as I used to be.” Hollis settles on the floor next to her, and they hug as best as they can. “Tell me everything,” Gabby demands.

“Hey, now,” I say, chiming in. “Some things are sacred between a man and his wife.”

“Future wife,”