Maddie from his hold, and she smirks at me. "Okay, good. The kids are asleep. Tyler is napping in our bed, but you can still meet Tobias."
"I’ll be quiet. Lead the way, Mama."
The three of us walk into their room where a bassinet is next to their king-sized bed. Tyler’s sprawled out in the middle, sleeping peacefully. When I lean over and see Tobias, I instantly smile.
"Oh, Mads. He's beautiful."
Liam squeezes my shoulder, and I'm overcome with joy for my friends. They look at their sons with so much adoration. One day, I hope I get to experience what they have, but for now, I'll live vicariously through them.
"There's nothing like a sleeping baby," Maddie whispers.
Tyler begins to stir, so Maddie sits on the edge of the mattress and rubs his back. She’s such an amazing mother, and her kids are so damn lucky to have them as parents. I would've killed to grow up in a household overflowing with love like theirs.
His eyes pop open, and Liam swoops him up in his arms. Tobias doesn’t wake as Maddie watches him in awe. Tyler places his head on his daddy’s shoulder, and Maddie grabs the baby monitor. Quietly, she moves past us, and we follow her into the living room.
“I missed you all so much,” I say as I sit on the couch.
“Well, it’s not too late to move back and live with us,” Maddie flashes a knowing grin.
I look at her incredulously, and Liam chuckles, then goes to the kitchen.
Maddie shrugs. “Well, it doesn’t hurt to try. How long are you staying?” She glances over at my small bag on the floor.
“I fly out tomorrow afternoon. Have to be back at work Wednesday morning.”
She lifts an eyebrow. “How’s Gemma?”
I scoff, shaking my head. “You’re relentless.”
“What do you expect? You tease me about this mystery woman, and then when I ask, you don’t give me any details, only crumbs of information. You’re like a vault and should be glad I don’t live closer.”
“Oh, I am. There’s no doubt you’d infiltrate her group of friends just to learn all the Gemma gossip.”
“I’m still waiting for you to give me your sister’s phone number. We’d be besties, I’m sure of it. Then she’d tell me all I need to know.”
“You probably would. Maybe I should give you her number. You might like her so much that you’d consider moving to Alabama. You’d love Lawton Ridge. Everyone knows everyone. Plus, you’d go crazy in Everleigh’s boutique.”
“I’m following her Facebook page,” she admits.
My eyes go wide. “Really?”
“Oh yeah. When I googled her name, it popped up. I’ve already bought like five fall T-shirts online. And a coffee mug. And a candle. And a few bracelets. I’m kinda addicted.” She snorts, then lowers her voice. “I’m a lot addicted. Don’t tell Liam.”
“Damn. Didn’t realize you were so basic,” I mock, knowing damn well she’s the poster child.
She throws a pillow at me. “Basic?”
“Bet you’re counting down the days for pumpkin spice season,” I say, tossing it back at her. “Tell me I’m wrong.”
“Well...maybe. But who doesn’t love pumpkin spice!”
Tyler runs into the living room and giggles. We both look at him. “Mama funny.”
She picks him up, then tickles his tummy. “No, you’re funny.”
As Tyler’s laughter fills the living room, Liam returns. “There you are! Made you lunch, buddy.”
Liam takes him from Maddie’s arms, then carries him to the kitchen.
Once we’re alone, Maddie shoots me a death glare. “You’re not leaving this house until you tell me about Gemma.”
“What are you gonna do? Keep me hostage?”
“I just might, Tyler Blackwood. Plus, I birthed a tiny human, so the very least you can do is appease me while I suffer with raw nipples and explosive diapers!”
“Ahh, Mads!” I put my palms to my ears as she dies with laughter.
I can hear Liam chatting with Tyler about dinosaur chicken nuggets and wish I could trade places with him right now.
“See, don’t you feel sorry for me? Now, give me all the details.” She pouts, sticking out her lower lip, and even though it’s pathetic, it works.
“She’s engaged, Mads. Getting married in only a few months,” I explain. “There’s nothing I can do about that but sit back and watch it all happen.”
With a huff, she crosses her arms. “Wrong! You can steal her away and go live up on a hill in your little Southern town and have a handful of babies. Preferably girls so when our kids grow up, they can get married.”