45. Layne

Chapter forty-five

Layne

“ Ma Petite Mort ?“ Wes’s voice echoes in the loft. I can just see the concerned expression on his face as he realizes I’m no longer in bed.

His bare feet patter across the hardwood floor as he makes his way into the bathroom, where I sit haunched over the toilet. My head hurts from throwing up so much and my throat is raw. Wes crouches down beside me, grabs my hair and braids it. He takes the hair tie that I remove from my wrist and hold it out to him. “Thank you,” I mutter, ripping off a piece of toilet paper and wiping my mouth.

“I hate seeing you feel like shit. I wish I could take on all the bad parts of being pregnant.” Wes rubs up and down my back, comforting me.

Wes’s touch soothes me as I lean against him, my body still weak from the relentless nausea. His words bring a mix of gratitude and guilt. I know he would do anything to ease my suffering, and yet, I can’t help but feel responsible for putting us both through this .

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, my voice barely audible. “I didn’t expect it to be this hard.”

Wes’s grip on my back tightens, providing me with a sense of security and strength. “Don’t apologize, baby,” he reassures me. “We’re in this together, remember? I’ll be here for you every step of the way.”

I close my eyes, willing the nausea to subside, and focus on the warmth of Wes’s touch. The waves of sickness subside. I slowly straighten up, feeling the cool bathroom tiles against my bare feet. Wes stands up, still holding onto my hair, and gently pulls me towards him. We make our way back to the bed, where he tucks me in. He leans down, placing a tender kiss to my forehead.

“I’ll go make you some tea,” he offers, his eyes filled with concern. “Maybe it’ll help settle your stomach.”

I manage a weak smile, appreciating his thoughtfulness. “Thank you, Wes. You’re going to be the best father. I just know it.”

He kisses my forehead again, his love clear in every gesture. “It’s the least I can do. Despite whatever feelings you have, I know you’re going to be an amazing mother.”

You sure you won’t be a piece of shit parent like yours were? What good can you bring to a child’s life?

Wes walks over to the kitchen getting started on some tea. I roll over, facing away, and let the tears fall down my cheeks.

What if it’s true? What if I end up a horrible mother?

“Who are we meeting again?” I ask as we climb out of the truck after parking in the restaurant’s parking lot .

“My cousin, Gavin. He’s uncle Robert’s son.” Wes pulls his sunglasses off and tucks them into his flannels breast pocket.

“I thought he had a bunch of daughters?” I question, remembering meeting all of them at the wedding reception.

“Gavin lives in Scotland with his Ma. Gavin’s Ma was uncle Robert’s high school sweetheart. They got divorced two years after Gavin was born.” Wes looks over at the front of the building and a young man dressed in a pain of blue jeans, a black hoodie and a backwards hat waits by the door. “And he’s here. Holy shit, we won’t be waiting forever.”

Wes grabs my hand and laces his fingers with mine, and we walk toward the man. “Gavin?” Wes says as we get closer.

“Well, look at this fuhckin’ Eejit!” Gavin says stubbing out a cigarette against the wall. “Wessy, it’s good to see ya. And who might this bonnie lass be?”

“ My wife , Layne.“ Wes says in a near growl.

“Still possessive as fuck, I see.” Gavin turns to me. “If you’re bein’ held against your will, love, just blink three times and I’ll get ya out.”

I chuckle at Gavin’s remark, feeling instantly at ease with his playful banter. “No need to worry, Gavin. I’m here willingly,” I assure him, giving Wes a playful nudge. “I’ve heard hardly anything about you. So it’s nice to meet you,” I say, extending my hand for a handshake.

Gavin takes my hand, giving it a firm shake. “Likewise, Layne . Wes here hasn’t said fuck all about ya,“ he says with a grin. “So, you’re officially stuck with this Eejit, eh?” he adds, teasing Wes.

Wes rolls his eyes but can’t hide the smile that creeps onto his face. “Yeah, she’s stuck with me. Lucky girl, I know,” he replies, pulling me closer to him.

Gavin laughs and gestures towards the restaurant’s entrance. “Well, let’s not waste any more time. I’m starvin’. Plus, I’ve got some stories about this one that ya need to hear,” he says, pointing a thumb at Wes .

“Oh, more Wessy tales. You may have just become my new best friend, Gavin.“ I smirk, pulling away from Wes and looping my arm through Gavin’s crooked arm.

“I am so telling Atlas.” Wes taunts as he gives Gavin a death glare. “You may be my blood, but don’t fuck with my wife.”

“Temper, temper that one.” Gavin slaps his hand to his chest. “Come now, let’s eat.”

We walk towards the restaurant doors and I feel a sense of belonging with these two. This family is everything I could have ever asked for as a young girl. As we enter the restaurant, the aroma of freshly cooked food fills the air, making my stomach growl even louder. We find a table near the window, with Gavin sitting on one side and Wes and I on the other. The conversation seems to flow effortlessly as we order our meals and catch up on each other’s lives.

Gavin regales us with stories from his and Wes’s childhood summers in Scotland, his thick accent adding charm to each word. Wes and I exchange knowing glances, enjoying the banter and camaraderie between him and Gavin.

“Wait…wait…wait, say that again.” I laugh as Gavin takes a drink from his beer. “Wes, you never told me about a Catriona.” I eye him playfully.

Wes gives his cousin a menacing look.

“Aw, you two never swapped stories about losin’ yer virginity? How sweet.” Gavin laughs, wiping the beer that drips from his lip into his stubble.

“I didn’t think it was necessary.” Wes grumbles, looking uncomfortable.

“It’s not.” I wrap my arm through his. “All that matters is us, now. Well, and the baby.”

“Hold the fuuuhck up! Wes, you’re gonna be a Da?” Gavin says, eyes wide.

Wes smirks. “Yeah, we found out a week ago. ”

Gavin stands up. “Come here, ya cheeky bastard.” He motions for Wes to come hug him.

Wes gets up and hugs his cousin, whispering something I can’t hear. When they sit back down, the mood is lighter. Our food gets brought over, and we dig into our meals. The laughter and warmth of the moment envelops us. It’s clear that this family, despite their quirks and occasional disagreements, is a tight-knit group that values love and connection above all else. I feel grateful to have found my place among them.

I raise my glass in a toast, expressing my gratitude for this newfound family and the love they have shown me. “To the Larimore’s, we’re a crazy bunch, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Wes and Gavin join in, clinking their glasses against mine, and we share a moment of pure joy.

Wes and I leave the restaurant hand in hand and are greeted by the bustling sounds of the city. Gavin walks on the other side of me. I can’t help but break into a smile, my heart filled with happiness. With this loving family by my side, I know that I am never alone.