19. Ayla

19

AYLA

P iper’s delighted giggle fills the hallway as I twirl her around, peppering her chubby cheeks with kisses. The steady rhythm of hammers and the swish of paintbrushes form a lively symphony in the background.

“Who’s the cutest little munchkin? You are!” I coo, nuzzling Piper’s soft curls. She grabs my face with her tiny hands, babbling happily.

Kip glances up from where he’s expertly fitting the pale hardwood planks together, a boyish grin spreading across his face. “Careful, or this adorable scene might distract us from all the work we’re doing for the little princess.”

“I think some distraction is allowed, considering how hard you boys are working.” I shoot him a playful wink, bouncing Piper on my hip as I survey the nursery taking shape before my eyes. The soft buttercup walls Clay is painting bring a warm glow to the room, perfectly matching the serene atmosphere I envisioned.

As Piper starts to fuss, I gently rock her, inhaling her sweet baby scent. The tender moment fills my heart with a longing I dare not name.

A wistful sigh escapes Teller’s lips as he wipes sweat from his brow. “If I’d known I’d be working a second shift here, I might’ve called in sick.”

Kip playfully punches Teller’s shoulder. “Come on, man. A little extra elbow grease never hurt anyone. Besides, we’re almost done.” He surveys the room with a satisfied nod.

I can’t help but beam at their progress. The hardwood floors gleam, a perfect canvas for the plush rug and cozy furnishings to come. “It looks amazing, guys.” Pride swells in my chest, seeing my vision come to life.

An idea sparks. “You know, we should really think about replacing the carpet in the living room too. It would tie everything together so nicely.” I raise a hopeful eyebrow, testing the waters.

Clay chuckles, shaking his head. “Slow down there, Ayla. One room at a time.” He gestures to the paintbrush in his hand. “Let’s finish this project before we start planning the next one.”

I concede with a good-natured shrug. He’s right, of course. My enthusiasm tends to get ahead of me sometimes. “Fair enough. I just can’t help imagining how great it would look.”

Teller stretches, his back popping audibly. “Well, if we’re going to keep this renovation train rolling, I’m going to need some sustenance.” He looks at me expectantly.

Realization dawns. “I’ll make you all a snack.”

I carefully settle Piper into her crib for a nap. She fusses momentarily, but a gentle lullaby and a few soft strokes of her cheek soon lull her to sleep.

Leaving the living room that is doubling as her nursery for the time being, I make my way to the kitchen, determined to whip up a snack for the hardworking men. Rummaging through the fridge and cupboards, I gather ingredients for a simple yet satisfying treat.

I arrange the snacks on a platter, adding a few sprigs of fresh herbs for garnish. It’s a small gesture, but I hope it conveys the depth of my appreciation for all they’ve done.

“Hey, boys!” I call out, balancing the tray as I make my way to the living room. “I whipped up some sustenance. Come eat!”

Three heads peek out the door in my direction, eyes lighting up at the sight of food. Kip is the first to reach me, snagging a loaded cracker with a grin.

“You’re a lifesaver, Ayla,” he mumbles around a mouthful. “I was about ready to gnaw off my own arm.”

I roll my eyes playfully, setting the platter on the coffee table. “Glad I could spare you the indignity.”

I clear my throat, drawing their attention back to me. “So, what do you think of the progress so far?” I ask.

Kip grins, wiping his hands on his jeans. “Why don’t you come see for yourself?” He extends his hand, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief.

I take Kip’s hand, allowing him to pull me to forward. His touch is warm, sending a tingle up my arm as he leads me down the hallway.

As we step into the nursery, I’m greeted by a sight that takes my breath away. The newly installed hardwood floors gleam in the soft light, the pale yellow walls casting a gentle glow over the room. It’s a far cry from the dingy, cramped space it had been just a few short weeks ago.

“Oh, Kip,” I breathe, my eyes welling up with tears. “It’s perfect.”

He squeezes my hand, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I’m glad you like it. We wanted to make sure it was just right for our little princess.”

Our little princess. The words echo in my mind, filling me with a sense of belonging that I’ve never experienced before.

Suddenly, a sharp bark pierces the air, startling me out of my reverie. I turn to see Shadow bounding into the room, his tail wagging furiously as he takes in the new surroundings.

“Well, it looks like Shadow approves too,” I laugh, watching as he sniffs every corner and crevice. “I guess that means we did something right.”

Kip chuckles, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me close. “With you at the helm, Ayla, we couldn’t go wrong.”

Kip’s strong arms encircle my waist, and before I can react, he lifts me off the ground, spinning me around in a playful twirl. My laughter fills the room, mixing with the lingering scent of fresh paint and the warmth of the sunlight streaming through the windows.

“Put me down, you goof!” I demand, my words punctuated by giggles as I halfheartedly swat at his chest. But even as I protest, I can’t help but revel in the feeling of his body pressed against mine, the way his touch sends sparks of electricity dancing across my skin.

Kip grins down at me, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. “I can’t help it, Ayla.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch sight of Teller leaning against the doorframe, his dark gaze fixed on us with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine. Once our eyes meet, he slips out the door.

Clay, meanwhile, is making exaggerated gagging noises, his face scrunched up in mock disgust. “Ugh, get a room, you two!” he teases, a handful of chips in his hands. “Some of us are trying to eat here.”

I stick my tongue out at him, feeling a rush of affection for his good-natured ribbing. It’s moments like these, the easy banter and the laughter, that make me feel like I’ve finally found my place in the world. And as Kip sets me back down on my feet, his hand lingering on the small of my back, I know that I wouldn’t trade this feeling for anything in the world.

Kip’s eyes sparkle with mischief as he leans in close, his breath warm against my ear. “So, Ayla,” he murmurs, his voice low and intimate, “I think I’ve earned a reward for all my hard work today. How about that coffee date you keep promising me?”

I feel my cheeks flush, a flutter of excitement and nervousness dancing in my stomach. Kip’s flirtatious nature never fails to catch me off guard, but there’s a part of me that craves the attention, the feeling of being desired.

“Alright, fine,” I relent, feeling a thrill of excitement and trepidation. “One coffee date. But you better bring your A-game, Harlow.”

Kip’s grin is blinding, his eyes alight with triumph and anticipation. “Oh, I always do, sweetheart,” he winks. “Just you wait and see.”

As Kip saunters off to finish up the last of the renovations, I catch Clay watching me. His eyes are guarded and I wish they weren’t. I wish they were open as they were at the kitchen table when it was just the two of us. “You sure you know what you’re getting into?” he asks. Is that jealousy in his voice?

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant even as my heart hammers in my chest. “I think I can handle him,” I say, more confidently than I feel. “It’s just a little coffee, nothing special.”

“Then make me next in line.”

My eyes widen, but he doesn’t say anything else as he turns to go back to the living room. My heart is pounding so fast as I take a moment to collect myself before I go back to the kitchen area. I see Clay watching over Piper, who is not napping like she’s supposed to.

Clay scoops up Piper, his strong hands cradling her tiny frame with practiced ease. “Want to see your new room, little one?” he coos, his deep voice softening to a gentle lilt. Piper gurgles happily in response, her chubby fingers reaching up to grasp at Clay’s stubbled chin.

I watch as Clay carries her into the newly decorated nursery, something warm and tender unfurling in my chest at the sight. The way he holds her, the way he looks at her with such love and devotion - it tugs at my heartstrings in a way I never expected.

I follow behind them, wanting to see Piper’s reaction to her new room. I can hear her giggling as Clay talks quietly to her. Kip is back in the room as well , leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, a satisfied smile on his face. I stand next to him at the door. “What do you think, Ayla? Did we do Piper’s new digs justice?”

I nod, my throat suddenly tight with emotion. “It’s perfect,” I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper. “She’s going to love it.”

“And what about you?” Kip asks. “Do you love it here?”

The question catches me off guard, but I smile. “Yes. I do.”

I don’t want to be anywhere else.