was officially sipping the sappy stuff, so that was enough of that.
John shook his head as he shed his coat. “Here I thought you were a man of the people. Instead, you just want freebies.”
“Freebies through wiles or intimidation. It’s how I live my life.” I clapped him on the back and led him into the living room. “How’s the family?”
“Good. Kid’s growing like a damn weed.”
“Do they ever stop hitting five milestones a week? It’s incredible how fast they advance.”
If John thought the question was odd, he didn’t say. “No, in my experience, it’s pretty constant. Especially at that age. Once they get to about—” He frowned at the whimper coming from the baby monitor on the coffee table. “It’s true? Are you serious?”
“Can you define the question?”
At the baby’s cry, John lifted a brow. “Macy said scuttlebutt indicated you were carrying around a reindeer baby like a fashion accessory last night when Gina took a spill. I figured there was an explanation, since you never told me. Added to that, you once claimed I was your best friend.”
“I was drunk,” I told him. “It’s a very rare event and makes me loopy.”
“Hmm.”
“What else did Macy hear about last night?”
“That there was some kind of scamming going on to make her lose the Gina-and-the-Sheriff-are-they-or-aren’t-they official betting pool.”
“There was no scamming. She was premature and I wasn’t and we provided proof.”
He held up a hand. “I’m glad for you and all, but too much information. It’s about damn time though. You and Gina were overdue.”
“We were, and thanks. Now I’ve got to convince her to marry me. You have any tips?” My voice sounded conversational—I hoped—but in my head, I was screaming like a teenager in a slasher flick.
How had I gotten to this place so fast? Other than being madly in love with her forever and madly in denial.
Sex had officially hurtled me into reality. I adored that woman.
John scratched his beardy chin. A lot of the men in town were already going into our hibernation looks for winter, myself included. “I’m not here to judge,” he said slowly. “But isn’t this sudden?”
“Not really. I tried to do the math in my head, but the best I could come up with was that I’ve been falling for her since about six days after we met.”
“That’s one hell of a long, slow fall.”
“We reached the crash landing part. And since I’m sure, why dick around?”
More scratching. “I see the logic in it, but how does she feel?”
“Why do you think I need some tips? She hasn’t been totally bowled over by my rampant charm,” John coughed into his fist, “or my simmering sexual prowess yet.”
“Dani’s the one who says things are gross, not me. Today may be a first.”
I grunted.
“As for tips, tell the truth. Listen. And never forget what makes her eyes cross.”
“You are very wise.” The baby let out another cry and I stood, motioning to John. “Come meet my daughter.”
John didn’t have a flair for theater, but his expression was comical. He sat back down again without even making it all the way to his feet. “Explain.”
“Something happened last winter.”
“I can guess what. And that baby isn’t Gina’s and she’s still sleeping with you?”
“Not only that, she loves her already. She’s so good with her. Sami loves her too. I swear, you can just see it.”
He frowned. “I know you and Gina have been close for a damn long time. But add a baby into it…” Slowly, John shook his head. “Well, maybe you’re latching onto a ready-made family so you don’t have to do this alone. Which is hard as hell. Take it from somebody who knows.”
“Yeah. That’s all true. I’ve leaned on Gina a lot, but it’s not like that, man. She’s my best friend.” I exhaled. “She’s just everything. And I want everything with her.”
John clapped his hands on his thighs and stood. “Whelp, I’ve been replaced.”
I had to laugh. “You’re a good friend.”
“I know, I know. Too soon for labels.” He pretended to wipe away a tear. “I’ll get over it. I just need some time.”
“Wiseass.” I gave him a shove as the occasional cries from the baby turned into full-blown sobs.
Sadie met us in the hall, her golden brown eyes wide and worried. “It’s okay, Sadie. She’s fine. Just probably needs a diaper change.”
John slid me a sidelong glance. “You seem surprisingly okay with all this father stuff.”
“It’s been almost two weeks. I’ve adapted. Started to anyway. Seems like there are levels.”