to daydream about Jared years ago when he went swimming with his brother in the summer. Both of the Brooks boys are built mighty fine.”
“Really?” I kept track of Erica as she made her way through the buffet line and filled her plate.
“Yes, really. So, does he have a baton?”
“None of your business.”
“As long as he’s giving you the business end of his baton, then that’s good enough for me. But the real question is the kid.”
I stiffened. “Sami is beautiful.”
“And a surprise.”
“For everyone.”
“Except you, little sister. You were the only one he told.”
“Don’t get excited. I was the one he leaned on. Big difference. Especially since as far as he’s concerned, he wasn’t equipped for the job.”
“And you were?” She rolled her eyes. “Typical male. Should I be disappointed in him?”
“No. He’s been wonderful with her. And he loves her already. Especially since his puta of a baby mama left her in a basket on his porch in the fucking cold.”
“Whoa. You don’t drop that word—ever.”
“Yeah, well, she left a defenseless baby outside at night and didn’t tell Brooks about her beforehand. So, there’s no love lost in my mind for her. And now we’re making sure that beautiful baby knows just how much she’s loved.”
“We, huh?”
My cheeks heated.
“Just don’t get in over your head, love. All those emotions are flowing, and the baby hearts are in the air. In this town, the baby fever is just as strong without those pheromones going on between you and Jared. But I know he’s your heart. Even if you won’t say it yet.” She tapped my nose. “I can see it. Anyone can.”
I nibbled on the corner of my lip.
“He’s a good man. And if you’re happy, I’m happy.”
“We’re figuring stuff out. It’s new.”
“It’s way old.”
She emphasized way a touch too long as far as I was concerned. “Yeah, well, he’s been my best friend for so long I don’t want to screw it up.”
Especially if he finds out that maybe little Sami is his only chance at a family if he stays with me.
Frankie tapped the skin between my eyebrows. “Stop that. You’re going to get wrinkles. You’d tell me if there was something else going on, right?”
“What else would be going on?”
She narrowed her eyes at me. “Mami is staring holes into the back of your head. I don’t know if that’s because you were late or something else.”
I looked over my shoulder. “She’s probably just pissed I haven’t said hello to her and our abuela.”
“Oh. Yeah. You’re in trouble. Nice that it’s not me for once.” She stalked off toward the food and left me to deal with hurricane Bonnie headed my way.
Instead of shrinking away from dealing with her, I headed her off at the pass and kissed her cheek. “Mami, this place looks beautiful. You and Frankie did an amazing job.”
My mother preened. “Thanks, nena. You and Kayla did a lot too. She’s an angel.”
“She is.” I glanced over at my new sister-in-law. She was a bold column of gold compared to a room full of Italian and Spanish blood. But she fit right in immediately. And that gold glowed even brighter with all the new people in her life.
The Mills were a small family, but they’d taken to us like moss on the rocks around the lake. I could only imagine what Christmas would be like with the new baby in our family. The first grandchild.
My stomach twisted.
Sami could be the first grandchild.
The conversations between the women fuzzed to the background as blood rushed to my head. I was getting ahead of myself.
Just have fun. That was what I was going to do today.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I quickly pulled it out, worried that Jared might have had a meltdown without me there. Instead, I found a photo text from Brooks with Sami and Sadie in the car. Right after it was a request to meet him at The Mason Jar when I was done.
“What’s got you smiling so wide?”
I sat down next to my grandmother and showed her the photo.
“So, this is my great-grandbaby?”
“It’s Jared’s little girl.”
“Bah. Child of your heart is still a daughter. I saw you with them at Thanksgiving.” Her warm hand covered mine. “He’s a good man and a smart one to snap you up finally.”
I opened my mouth to try to dissuade her, but it just wasn’t worth it once my grandmother had her mind made up. It was just easier to nod.