Each of us let out a chuckle.
“How’s it going, Jonathon?”
“Very well, sir. Yourself?”
“Good and even better if someone hides the banana bread. Waylynn tells me the place is nearly done. Just a few touch-ups here and there, and you’re ready for the open house on Monday.”
“We are, indeed. The interior decorator had some problems getting all the chairs ready, but that won’t affect the open house.”
“I’ve been meaning to head down there and take a look. Are the floors still going in?”
“They should be completely finished by tomorrow.”
He nodded. “Good. Waylynn seems to be over the moon about it all.”
Glancing her way, she was holding Gage as she helped Chloe put decorations on the tree. I couldn’t help imagining having a baby together someday.
“I believe she is pretty excited about it.”
John hit the side of my arm. “I don’t think the dance studio is the only thing making her happy, son.”
“I reckon not, sir. She makes me just as happy.”
John flashed me the same smile all of his sons had. “Just remember, she looks all sweet on the outside, but that girl is just like her momma. There is a reason I don’t tell my wife I don’t like her banana nut bread. You’d do good to remember that.”
I chuckled. “Yes, sir. I will.”
Trevor walked into the room dressed in a cooking apron that read, “Real men aren’t afraid to bake.”
“I’ve got butter pecan cookies!”
Amelia and Steed nearly knocked each other over trying to get them.
“Holy crap, are they that good?” I asked as Cord made a beeline toward Trevor.
John laughed. “Trevor is the baker in the family, and he only makes these cookies on December 9, decoration day.”
“Huh, I’ll have to try one.”
“Jonathon, hold Gage!”
Waylynn placed the four-month-old baby in my arms and took off with the rest of the Parker siblings. The only one not heading for the tray was Mitchell.
“Man, Turner. You’re a natural at this whole baby thing.”
I stared at the baby in my arms. Gage’s eyes were everywhere, taking in all the colors and lights.
“I like kids. Seems like yesterday Rip Jr. was this age.” Glancing up, I smiled at Mitchell. “Are you excited about becoming a father?”
His face lit up brighter than the Christmas tree, and I couldn’t help but notice how he looked lovingly at Corina.
“I am excited. Seven months to go. She’s got the tiniest little belly bump. I can’t wait to watch the baby grow.”
“Are y’all going to find out if it’s a boy or a girl?”
“I think we will find out.”
Waylynn walked back over and reached for Gage. I turned away and her mouth dropped open. “Don’t be a baby hog, Jonathon!”
“Me? You’ve had him since we first walked in.”
She reached for the baby again, and I pulled away.
“Jonathon Turner, give me my nephew.”
Gage laughed, and I looked down at him. “That’s it, buddy. We guys need to stick together.”
Steed laughed as he walked up and kissed his son on the forehead. “Waylynn, you get to see Gage all the time. Let Jonathon hold him.”
When her hands went to her hips, I knew I had two options. One? Give her the baby and enjoy my evening. Two? Keep the baby and incur the wrath of Waylynn Parker.
Option one it was.
“Fine, you can take him back.”
I handed Gage back to Waylynn. She flashed me that gorgeous smile and leaned in to kiss me. “Thank you, babe.”
Heading back to the tree, she ate her cookie and held onto the baby like her life depended on it.
“How do you feel about kids, Jonathon?”
Not taking my eyes off of Waylynn, I answered Steed. “I love them.”
“Probably has something to do with having younger siblings, I would think,” Steed added.
“Yeah, you’re probably right.”
He bumped my shoulder, causing me to look at him.
“There isn’t anything more amazing than becoming a father. I know Waylynn’s ready to settle down. What about you?”
“Yes, I’d like to get settled and have a family.”
“Take it slow, get to know each other. I know y’all have known each other for a few months, but I know the path my sister wants to take and I don’t want to see her hurt.”
Placing my hand on his shoulder, I gave it a squeeze. “I hope I’m half as good of a brother to my sisters as y’all are to Waylynn and Amelia. It’s clear how much y’all love your sisters.”
He nodded, as did Mitchell. “Take care of her, Jonathon. That’s all we ask for.”
Facing the two brothers, I nodded. “I promise you I will. I have no intentions of ever hurting her or leaving her.”
A strong slap on my back caused me to stumble forward. I turned to see it was find Tripp.
“Good answer, Turner. Good answer.”
Cord walked up and handed me a beer. We sat on the sofa and watched the girls decorate the tree. Waylynn and Chloe were stringing popcorn, only they were eating more of it than they were stringing.