31. Evie

Chapter 31

Evie

"Babe!" Jenner shouted as he came in from the garage. "I have a present for you!"

My eyes shifted to Emmy, our new nanny, seated on the opposite couch, where she was folding Hope's laundry during naptime.

Nervous laughter left my lips. In the past, that phrase was usually a lead-in to sex. "Jenner, Emmy's here."

Confusion filtered into his tone. "Yeah, I know." Coming into view, he held up a gift bag.

"Oh." Heat rose to my cheeks.

Coming closer, Jenner smirked. Leaning over the back of the couch, he kept his voice low, saying in my ear, "Aw, baby, did you think I was gonna give you my dick?"

I could have sworn Emmy's lips twitched with the effort to hold back a smile. Guess I should get used to people thinking we were sex maniacs; we were about to have three kids less than half a year apart.

Rolling my eyes, I smacked at his chest the best I could the way I was seated. "You said you have a present?"

"Yes!" His brown eyes sparkled, and he rounded the couch to plop down beside me. Thrusting the gift bag into my hands, he bounced in his seat. "Open it."

I eyed him carefully. What could he have gotten me that had him this excited?

Pulling the tissue paper out first, I frowned when the item inside the bag was uncovered. Gripping the attached handle, I pulled out the massive insulated tumbler I saw every woman at the park with.

"Do you like it?" Jenner leaned forward. "I got the purple one to match your eyes. And the best part is, it'll help you up your water intake. Eighty ounces a day sounds like a lot, but you only need to fill this twice to hit it. Isn't that great?"

It was such a thoughtful gesture; I almost felt like a brat for not matching his level of excitement.

His face fell when I remained silent for too long. "Oh shit. Did you want a different color? I can take it back. Or I don't and get you another one anyway. It's better to have more than one. Less washing."

"No. It's not that . . ."

"Then what?"

I took a cleansing breath. "Isn't it bad enough that we were forced to buy a minivan?"

Jenner cocked his head. "What's wrong with the minivan? That thing is kickass. It has more horsepower than my SUV!"

That had me laughing. He was fully locked in on dad mode.

"I feel like I'm one Pilates class away from being a complete suburban mom stereotype with this thing." I waved around the massive tumbler.

Jenner leaned in close, lowering his voice like he was sharing a secret. "Evie, you are a suburban mom."

Did he think I didn't know that?

Huffing out a sigh, I said, "What if I don't feel like announcing it to every stranger on the street?"

My husband, bless his soul, had the courage to snicker. "Pretty sure the three newborns will do that for you."

Emmy giggled, and that was all it took for me to laugh, too. Okay, maybe he had a point.

Patting his knee, I pursed my lips together, letting him know I wanted a kiss, but there was no way in hell I was moving my body to lean closer with this big ole belly in the way.

Taking the hint, he shifted closer and pressed a soft kiss to my lips.

"Thank you, Jenner."

His smile was blinding in response. "Now, was that so hard?"

I chucked a pillow at his head, and his laughter boomed so loud that Hope's cries sounded from upstairs. But how could I be mad about him waking her when he was hands down the most attentive husband and father I'd ever encountered?

We were damn lucky to have him.

"I know we planned this appointment for my afternoon off, but I can't get out of this mandatory team meeting," Jenner apologized the minute he made it through the door after practice.

I stared at him in disbelief. "Seriously? It just ‘came up' out of nowhere?"

He sighed. "I'm really sorry. I didn't know anything about it until I got to the rink this morning. I only had time to stop off at home and check on you before I went back."

"Why bother?" I huffed.

"Because Emmy couldn't make it in today, and I don't like you being at home alone for so long."

Even though I'd been initially resistant to bringing in help, Emmy had been an absolute godsend. She was an extra set of hands I hadn't realized I needed when Jenner wasn't around.

"I'm going to have to cancel the appointment." I gestured to my massive stomach. "I can't fit this thing behind the wheel anymore. As you well know." I narrowed my eyes, annoyance at this man and the wrench he'd thrown in my day rising by the minute.

"Actually . . ."

A knock sounded at the front door, and he walked toward it, tossing over his shoulder, "I got you a ride."

Before I could ask who he could have enlisted to drive me to my biweekly ultrasound and check-up, he opened the door to reveal a smiling Dakota.

She waved enthusiastically, not bothering to greet me before declaring, "We're gonna take your car, okay? It makes the most sense since it's all set up with Hope's car seat."

I raised an eyebrow at my husband.

Jenner pressed his hands together in a pleading gesture. "I know it's a last-minute change, and those can be upsetting . . ."

He was likely referencing my meltdown over toilet paper, but I couldn't be held responsible for the hormones turning me into a crazy person right now. That was my story, and I was sticking to it.

"But the second round of the playoffs starts tomorrow, and the coaching staff wants to make sure we are prepared to take on the Philadelphia Rebels. They took the second spot in the division this year, and we've seen enough of them over the season to know how tough they play."

My attempt at taking a deep breath was foiled by my limited lung capacity, with two little humans pressing on my diaphragm. Without the ability to center myself, agitation leaked into my voice. "Whatever. We can just reschedule."

Jenner and Dakota shared a look before my husband locked eyes with me. "I hate that I can't be there, babe, but I'd really like for you to go and check on our little munchkins. Please?"

Dakota chimed in, "You're actually doing me a favor. I could use this experience for research."

Outnumbered, I let out an aggravated sigh. "Fine." I hooked a thumb over my shoulder. "Van's in the garage."

Jenner helped get Hope buckled into her carrier before latching it into the base and letting the automatic door slide shut. He dropped a kiss on my cheek after he helped me into the passenger seat and said, "Text me with an update, okay? I'll have my phone on the whole time."

I nodded, keeping my lips firmly shut. I knew if I opened them, I would likely snap at him, and that wasn't fair. I had no right to be upset about him needing to go to work. If he worked a regular nine-to-five gig, I wouldn't be upset about him being unable to duck out in the middle of the day. I'd simply grown spoiled that he was free most afternoons, with the tradeoff being that some evenings he had games and other times he traveled.

Dakota smoothed her hands over the steering wheel. "Oooh. This thing is a tank, but it's kinda nice."

As she backed out of the garage, I peeked over at her and teased, "You in the market? I could be persuaded to sell."

Light laughter filled the enclosed space, and she pointed a finger at me. "Oh, no. I see what you're trying to do."

She'd made her feelings pretty clear at Bristol's bridal shower that she wasn't ready to start a family yet.

Assessing her as she drove the familiar route to the medical center, I asked, "Then what are you researching since you're not interested in a baby for yourself? Are you thinking of writing a pregnant heroine in one of your books?"

"Maybe." Dakota's head tilted from side to side as she kept her eyes on the road. "I've been toying with the idea for a while. It's something I've yet to add to my repertoire. Truth be told, I'm terrified."

I folded my lips, biting back a smile. "Because of the oh-so-lovely graphic description you got from Natalie?"

She snorted. "No, but you'd think that would be enough to scar a person for life." Dakota shot a pointed look at my belly. "People really hate a pregnancy trope. I mean, sure, I'm not ready to sacrifice my body in that pursuit yet, but I've never minded reading it. And while I can appreciate that not every book is for every reader, I just can't wrap my head around the vehement response some people have to seeing pregnancy on page. They go out of their way to attack it online while, in turn, making other readers who enjoy it feel ashamed when asking for recommendations. So, yeah, it's mildly terrifying to venture into those rough waters."

Humming, I countered, "Have you ever considered that those who can't or don't want to read such a storyline might be like me? That they've spent years struggling, so even seeing other women pregnant in fiction is a knife to the heart? When they pick up a book, they want to escape, not be reminded of the pain in their real life."

Dakota nodded slowly. "Yeah, I can see that. It's why content warnings are so very important. I'm always careful to lay out any minor thing that might be considered a trigger so readers can make the best choice for them when deciding to read my work."

"But while it might be something I steer clear of in my leisure reading, I don't know that I would go out of my way to attack it on a public forum. There's simply no need to incite a riot over a personal preference."

"I agree. There's nothing else out there that splits the reader community quite like a surprise pregnancy trope. I'm sure there's also the camp that feels like it's forcing a relationship. And I can understand that, too. Look at Jaxon and Natalie, for example. Sure, Jaxon always loved her, but if it weren't for Charlie, there's no telling if he'd have ever gotten the chance to work his way into her life. I'm not saying every couple who has been dealt an accidental pregnancy is meant to be—because not all of them are—but I'm in the business of writing fiction. It doesn't always have to be super realistic; it just has to give you the warm and fuzzies."

She made a good point, and it was interesting to hear an author's perspective. Dakota's peek behind the curtain of the romance industry made me want to scope out some of these "surprise" pregnancy stories.

After all, I was living it, even if my situation was different than most portrayed in print.

"See, it was good I tagged along," Dakota chirped as we got back into the car after my appointment. "I've never heard of pelvic rest before."

"Lucky you," I grumbled, not exactly in the best mood.

Pelvic rest meant all extracurricular activities down there were off-limits until after I delivered. At a touch over twenty-eight weeks, I was looking at another two months if the boys decided to stay put until my induction.

Jenner had just gotten over his fear of touching me, and now it was completely hopeless. Those orgasms were the only relief I had when pain pulled at my hips and back almost constantly. Lugging these two around daily was beginning to take a toll on my body.

"But, oh my God, was that ultrasound cool!" Dakota gushed. "Do you really get to see them like that all the time?"

I nodded. "Every other week."

"They're like, tiny people in there! And they were moving around so much!"

Her excitement was slowly pulling me from my sulking over losing sex. A smile tipped up on my lips, and when I dropped a hand to my protruding belly, I was promptly rewarded with a strong kick. "Yeah. They're little gymnasts in there."

"You mind if I stop off for coffee? I stayed up way too late last night writing and need a little kick."

"Sure." It wasn't like I had anywhere else to be. Outside of doctor's appointments, I usually didn't leave the house—the having a newborn and being pregnant combo was a killer.

Dakota turned off into a trendy little downtown area near my house. The sidewalks were bustling with stay-at-home moms pushing strollers, college kids hanging out between classes, and retirees enjoying an early dinner at outdoor patio seating. It was a beautiful spring day, and it seemed like the locals were enjoying it.

Lugging myself out of the van, I had to admit the fresh air felt good. Maybe we could open the pool soon, and I could get some pain relief by floating.

"Here, I've got her," Dakota offered before I could grab Hope's carrier from the backseat. She'd been super helpful at the appointment, handling the baby while I was otherwise occupied.

The coffee shop had a pink and brown striped canopy where a few patrons enjoyed their pastries and beverages outside. The big picture windows had been painted from the inside, showcasing stenciled outlines of various types of coffee—latte, Americano, iced.

When I pushed inside, a bell rang over the door, signaling our arrival, but before I could step even two feet inside, a chorus of voices shouted, "Surprise!"

Blinking, I stumbled back, bumping into Dakota behind me.

It took a moment, but I was finally able to piece together what was going on. Blue and white balloons filled the space, in addition to ones spelling out B-O-Y in baby block letters. And the women who had shouted were all ones I knew—the Speed WAGs.

Already highly emotional after my appointment, the idea of them throwing me a surprise baby shower was too much. But when one face in the crowd caught my eye, it threw me over the top.

Hand trembling, I brought it to my mouth as a sob escaped. "Oh my God, Tash?"

My long-lost best friend strode forward and pulled me into her arms the best she could with my belly in the way. She even smelled the same, and I breathed in deeply the scent of her, clutching her tighter, almost as if I were afraid she would disappear if I let go.

"I can't believe you're here," I managed to get out through the sniffles.

Pulling back, Natasha peeked down at my bump fondly. "Look at you."

"Yeah." I dropped my gaze.

"I only got a quick rundown about what's been going on, but I wish you'd reached out. I would have wanted to support you in any way you needed. You have to know that."

I swallowed, emotion making my voice thick. "It was too hard. The feeling of failure and the shame that accompanied it were suffocating, and I couldn't talk about it."

"Well, I'm ready to leave the past behind us because we have more pressing matters to discuss."

Curious, my head snapped up. "Oh, yeah?"

Leaning in close, she said, "Can we just talk about the hot young thing Maddox snagged?"

Surprised laughter bubbled up from my chest. "She's something."

"I am telling you, Evie, she shocked the hell out of me when she called. Didn't waste any time letting me know she knew I'd slept with her fiancé and then breezed right into the shower invite."

"Sounds about right." I peeked over Natasha's shoulder to find the redhead in question buzzing about the room.

Natasha gave a slight shake of her head. "Not sure I'd be so progressive and open with one of Frank's ex-lovers." Frank was the man who'd gotten her pregnant before we drifted apart, and it sounded like they were still together.

Damn, it felt good to slip back into our easy rapport. It was as if no time had passed when, in reality, it had been nearly seven years.

A smirk curved my lips. "Well, don't forget Maddox has probably slept with half the population of the Midwest by now."

Dreamily, she sighed. "Yeah, he was such a manwhore. But holy shit, his dick." Natasha held out her forearm. "Never seen one like it."

"So I've heard," I muttered dryly, reminded that I wouldn't be getting the D anytime soon.

Turning so we were both facing the women gathered, her gaze honed on Bristol. "He always did have good taste, though. Likes the stunningly beautiful ones with spunk."

I snickered. "You say that now, but you haven't heard her sing."

Humming, she replied, "All you've done is intrigue me. Now, it's like I have to hear her sing."

Shaking my head, I grimaced. "Trust me. You don't. Your ears will thank me."

Before Natasha could say anything more, a tiny, familiar voice cried, "VeeVee!"

I searched the room, and Ollie came into view, running toward me. Stopping short, his eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open. "Whoa, VeeVee. Big belly."

We hadn't had a chance to hang out in a while, so he was seeing me big and pregnant for the first time.

Not missing a beat, he gripped the hem of his shirt with both chubby hands and lifted. Pushing his soft little belly out, he declared, "Me big belly too!"

"Okay, this kid is adorable," Natasha declared. "Who does he belong to? Because I'm about to sneak him out of here in my purse."

Smiling fondly at the little boy, I ruffled his dark hair. "This is my buddy, Ollie. His dad, Asher, plays with Jenner."

"Believe it or not, I remember him. He was a rookie the last time we talked. And now he's got kids?" Tash shook her head. "Damn, time flies."

The soft whimper behind me had me turning to find Hope rousing from sleep.

Natasha tracked my gaze and gasped. "Oh, Evie. She's precious."

Fresh tears sprang to my eyes, thinking of how close we'd come to losing our chance at raising Hope. There was no question that she belonged in our life, in our home.

"Wanna help feed her?" I offered. "Her little brothers are not super fond of her using them as a resting place. They go berserk when her weight settles over them when she takes a bottle."

"Hells yes, Auntie Tash wants to bond with our sweet little ginger princess. I was born for this moment." She crouched down to speak to the baby in the carrier. "We are gonna spoil you rotten. Yes, we are!"

Seeing my best friend with my daughter warmed yet another frozen place in my heart.

The shower began winding down, and I was still in shock at the sheer generosity of the people in our lives. We wouldn't need to buy a single thing for the boys. They'd even secured us a triple stroller since Hope wasn't much older, and we'd need to cart all three around for a few years.

But the best gift of all was having the time to reconnect with Natasha. We filled each other in on our lives over the past seven years, and I'd learned that she'd finally agreed to marry Frank three years ago, and their son, Teddy, was about to turn eight. We made plans to get our families together once the dust settled on both the season and our new additions.

"Tash, holy shit! Is that you?" Jenner's voice sounded from near the door of the quaint coffee shop.

My best friend stood, striding toward my husband and pulling him in for a hug. When they broke apart, she beamed at him. "Hey, Red, looking good. Love the beard. Meshes well with the whole dad thing you've got going on."

His head tipped back in laughter, causing his Adam's apple to bob along his throat.

"Tell me, Jenner, how many of those pearly whites are fake these days?" she teased.

Jenner flashed her a dazzling grin. "Aw, come on, Tash. You know it's rude to ask a man his number."

Natasha looped an arm around his neck. "Fuck, I've missed you. Now, tell me how in the world you let my girl go, and then I need the deets on how the hell you found yourself here with a baby together and two more on the way."

"Long story," he mused. "How much time do you have?"

She pretended to check a non-existent watch. "Not much. Give it to me quick and dirty. That's just how I like it, right, Maddox?" Natasha winked at Jenner's best friend hovering near the door.

"Jesus." Maddox dragged a hand down his face. "How the fuck does this keep happening to me? Are you all hiding in a closet somewhere? The ghosts of Maddox Sterling's past conquests, ready to be paraded in front of my future wife?"

"Don't worry, big guy." She waggled her fingers at him, the diamond on her left hand catching the light. "I'm happily married. And your little firecracker called me , so you can take it up with her."

"Fucking unbelievable," he muttered, going in search of his spirited fiancée.

Jenner crossed the room, placing a kiss on my lips before taking a seat and snagging Hope from Dakota's arms.

"A meeting, huh?" I arched an eyebrow at him.

"Yup." The cocky bastard smirked, making sure to pop the P.

"Your sons are fine, by the way." Sarcasm seeped into my tone.

"I know." He winked. "You already texted me the update."

Even though I was giving him some attitude, I couldn't be upset by the extremely thoughtful gesture of those closest to us, wanting to shower our baby boys with love.

Cuddling our daughter, he addressed Natasha. "Let's see. Long story short, the biggest mistake of my life was not chasing after Evie when she left. We fell into this really bad place of blaming ourselves and thinking we weren't enough for the other. For the record"—he met my eye—"that was never true. So, when she blew back into my life with a crazy scheme to adopt a baby, I was a lovesick fool and couldn't turn her away. But you know Evie. She's nothing if not stubborn. She fought back at every turn, keeping me at arm's length, and for a while, I was content to let our frozen hearts face off. Until one night, she said the most ridiculous thing about me never wanting her to come back, and I decided to make it crystal clear just how much I wanted her." His giant palm came to rest on my belly. "Pretty sure that's the night these two rascals were conceived."

Natasha clicked her tongue. "No one can say the two of you have a boring story. That's for sure."

She had that right. Nothing about our lives was set to be boring ever again.