Wrecked (Clayton Falls) - By Alyssa Rose Ivy Page 0,61
on the bed. “This is who Noah’s named after.”
I started with the pictures of us as kids, and we moved through them until I found the one of us at his high school graduation. “He was an incredible brother. An incredible person.”
“I’m sure he was.”
I leaned my head against his shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here. I couldn’t sleep alone.”
“Just a few more weeks, and you’ll never sleep alone again.”
I leaned over and kissed him. “Neither will you.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Jake
“Hey Coach!” I turned toward the dock from the deck of the boat I was working on, shocked to see Becca standing there with Molly.
“Hey! What are you doing here?” I wiped the grease off my hands before walking over and pulling Becca into a hug.
“We’re spending Christmas in Augusta, so we thought we’d stop here on our drive down.”
“That’s cool. I was wondering when I’d see you again.”
“I also wanted to show this off.” She held out her left hand.
I checked out the large diamond ring on her finger. “Wow. You’re engaged?”
“Yes! Gavin proposed last week!” She popped up on her toes. She was beyond giddy.
“Congrats. That’s awesome.”
“I know it’s pretty fast, but it feels right.”
“They’re not getting married until this summer though.” Molly jumped in. She was grinning too.
“Cool, cool. I’ll definitely be there.” I wouldn’t miss it. It was nice to see Becca so happy. “How long are you in town for?”
“Through the weekend. We’re actually having everyone over to Gavin’s place Friday night.” She glanced down at her ring, before looking up at me.
“Awesome. We should be able to make it. We usually spend our weekends in Wilmington, but they’re moving in next week anyway.”
“What?” Becca’s jaw dropped. “How did I not know this?” She looked at Molly. “Why aren’t you surprised? He told you?” She didn’t look happy at that thought.
“Of course not. Emily did.”
“Probably during one of the times you called to ask her one hundred and one baby questions.”
“I do not do that! I just call to talk.” Molly looked flustered.
I figured Emily would kill me if I got Molly mad at her. It was good they got along. “Emily likes that you ask her for advice. She likes to feel useful. None of her friends have kids yet.”
“Okay, that’s what I thought.” Molly visibly relaxed.
“So what are you two up to this afternoon? Plotting a takeover?”
“Very funny. We’re going Christmas shopping. Emily and Noah are coming.”
“Wait, she didn’t tell me that.”
“That’s because we just set it up an hour ago.”
“Are you meeting her in Wilmington?” They were coming up in a few days, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to see them sooner. I remembered Emily telling me she’d switched shifts and had the afternoon off.
“You’re not coming shopping with us. Don’t even ask.” Molly crossed her arms.
“Fine. I’ll watch Noah so Emily can actually enjoy herself.”
“Wow. That’s incredibly thoughtful of you. I’m impressed.” Becca grinned.
“It’s called being a good boyfriend. Maybe yours should try it.”
She laughed. “He’s my fiancé now, you know.”
“Whatever. What time are you leaving?”
“At two thirty. Can you get out?”
“Yeah, if Ben ever shows up.”
Molly rolled her eyes. “He’ll be here. We’ll pick you up.”
“See ya then.” I waved as they walked away.
I finished up the work that had to get done and was getting ready to head into the office when Ben showed up. “I’m your ride to Wilmington now.”
“Do I want to know why?”
“Molly wants me to babysit Noah with you.”
“She does realize I watch him by myself a lot, right?”
“This isn’t about you. She thinks I need more experience with kids.”
I laughed. “You do know your baby isn’t going to be a walking, talking toddler, don’t you?”
He shook his head. “All I know is Molly told me to do it. I figured it couldn’t hurt.”
“This might be interesting.”
“Go get your stuff. We can stop by your place so you can get cleaned up.”
“I don’t know, maybe Emily would like the grease.”
“Shut up and go.” He walked back toward the parking lot.
“Nice, long day of work you’re putting in,” I called after him.
He turned and gave me the finger. “I got here at five for a fishing tour.”
“Likely story.”
***
“Thanks for watching Noah.” Emily kissed me on the cheek after I took five huge shopping bags from her hands. Since Becca and Molly’s hands were empty, I assumed they left their bags in the car.
I put her bags down on the counter, the one spot Noah couldn’t reach. “Not a problem, we had a good time.