Page 36 of Anderson's Reinvention
“She’s just past the twelve-week mark. Now, things can still go wrong.” This was her third pregnancy. But the first with these particular circumstances.
“And?” Still, my daughter was clearly impatient, but clearly trying to rein herself in.
“Twins. We don’t know the gender—” I didn’t get any further as Adele launched herself at Jarrod.
I wasn’t the least bit offended. This was going to be his first shot at parenthood—a dream come true for him.
And, honestly, for myself as well. Somehow diapers and late-night feedings and all that other stuff sounded great. We’d raise the twins on the farm—with a loving older sister, the adoring twin cousins, and the uncles we planned to ask to be godparents. Thus far, Shaw had avoided infants. I fully intended to teach him how to diaper a baby.
He pulled me into a hug. “I’ve never seen you so happy.”
I met his gaze, blinking back the moisture. “I don’t know what that says.”
“That you’re where you’re meant to be. It’s all good. I’ll figure out the rest.”
“I’m just a phone call away.”
He rolled his eyes. “I know.” He’d used that lifeline and called me about a dozen times over the last seven months. Some habits died hard, and I was always willing to help.
“I want cider.” Yvonne rose. “I’ll heat some.” She headed to the kitchen.
“I’ll help.” Sedona followed her.
Adele pulled me into a big hug. “I’m so freaking happy for you.”
“Yeah?” I met her gaze. “Really?”
“Didn’t I say as much?”
“Yes. But saying you’re okay with me having a baby—well, two babies—and the reality are two very different things.”
She waved me off. “All good. Truly. I’m excited. Not many nineteen-year-olds will have baby brothers or sisters.” She squinted. “You really don’t know?”
I shook my head.
“You’d better call me first.”
“Count on it.” Jarrod wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “This is very much a family thing.”
“Cool. I want hot chocolate.” She grabbed Paget’s hand. “We’d better get in there.”
Given the size of the kitchen, we’d all fit easily.
Damien grabbed Shaw’s hand. “We’ll give you guys a minute.” He whistled.
Rufus and Russell happily followed the couple into the kitchen.
“He’s going to give them carrots.” Both dogs were obedient pups when it came to their carrots. Jarrod smiled.
I laughed. “I can think of worse things to feed them.”
He pulled me into his side.
I fit perfectly.
“You ready for this?”
My eyes widened. “Hell, fucking, no.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought. I love you.” He kissed my nose.
I hugged him tightly. “Best second chance ever.”
“For keeps this time.”
And so it was.
