Page 51 of CurVy Baby

Handshake.

Then Dexter. “So am I."

Handshake.

Oh. My. God.

Colin’s smile freezes. "Oh."

Embarrassment like I’ve never felt before floods me from head to toe, building my olive skin to an unmistakable scarlet hue. This is not happening. I gaze around the room filled with normal couples. Couples. Two.Not four and a non-related older lady Donnie held hostage and fed pears to.

Behind Colin, Ruth swallows nervously, lightly patting her husband on the arm. "It's 2024, Col, please." Each pat of her slim, manicured hand offers him a clear message.

I cringe internally but try to bring us back to a path that might not condemn Molly. "Ryan was amazing up there. Very skilled. We are a family that loves music, too.”

"Yes, well.” Colin is still bouncing his gaze between the four of us. I can see the cogs in his mind processing and questioning this information. “He, ah, he practises most nights. Ah, every night.”

Awkward.

I sigh. "That's good."

"Come on, Ryan.” Colin waves his son over, and I can hear the “quickly” grit through his tone. “Nice to meet you, Vallie, Donald, and, um, Kathleen."

Donnie straightens. “Hm."

“Well, that was embarrassing.” I look at Tyler and Dexter, who didn’t have to come on so strong. “We could get to know people before we decide to throw this in their faces.”

“Oh, dear, she is jealous.” Kathleen loops her arm with Tyler’s and coos at Bowie. “And he is too, probably. I would wager. I’m quite the catch. Come along.”

Gazing at Donnie with his frown, eyes fixed on Molly, then to Tyler with Bowie strapped to his chest, to Dexter as he places his hand on my lower stomach, cradling the unborn baby inside, to the top of Molly’s head, the little girl who taught me how to be a mum, I smile.

Then I laugh.

I have no idea how I got here.

The past three years with the Vaughn brothers were like a tidal wave that picked me up and washed me around. I never want to jump off.

I hope we are old and wrinkly and fucking each other like fiends. I hope they stay together—brothers. I hope Molly becomes the most impressive individual who isn’t afraid of her talent or being vulnerable, or being tough. Hope Bowie grows up to be just like his dads… Well, perhaps I’ll improve his sense of right and wrong.

No breaking and entering.

No holding anyone hostage.

Unless she is a dark romance girlie…

THE END