It wouldn’t be right for everybody, but it was right for me.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE
AVERY
It’s New Year’s Eve and another storm was coming in. The last week had been a rollercoaster but I’m trying with Jefferson and offered to be on call for the lodge tonight so he could be home with Polly. It would be their last one alone.
I smiled when it would be the same way for me.
Even when I made the offer, my brother was short with me. He hadn’t been the same since he found out about the baby and Charlie, and I just hoped that time would heal all wounds.
I got a cabin for the night and brought some sparkling cider to bring in the new year. I planned for it to just be a quiet night in with a fire and my laptop but once I was on the couch sipping my sweet drink and researching all things baby, there was a knock at the door.
I made my way there and smiled when I saw Charlie. The guys knew where I’d be for the night, but I expected they might have plans so it was great to see one of them. “Hi,” I greeted him as I stepped aside to let him pass.
“I bought you your favorite chocolate ice cream, beer for me and some cards. How does that sound?” Charlie asked as I laughed.
“I love it. I thought you might have something to do tonight.” I told him, walking back to the couch to sit down.
“There was a time when Jefferson might invite me over, but this year isn’t it.” I frowned and sighed. “Either way, it’s his last year with Polly so they should be alone. I’m good being here with you.” Charlie held up the ice cream and a plastic spoon. “Did you eat dinner before you came here? Are you ready for this?”
“Mom made me something before I headed out here.” When I told my mom about Charlie and the baby, she was surprised but supportive. She thought the world of him and once it set in, she got happy about another grandchild. “I planned to get some breakfast tomorrow at the lodge, but I brought snacks.”
“Now, you’ll have company.” Charlie brought the carton to me and I took it.
“Thank you.” I opened it and took a bite, closing my eyes with a smile. “I am going to be eating a lot of this over the next few months.”
“I’ll buy you as much as you want.” Charlie promised me, leaning down for a kiss. “How do you feel tonight?”
There was a knock at the door, and I glanced towards it with a frown. “Do you think it might be Jack or Ben?”
“Let’s find out,” Charlie announced, moving to open the door.
“Is this where the party is?” Jack asked as he walked through the door, followed by Ben.
“You’re here!” I greeted them, smiling as they hugged and kissed me.
“Of course. We’re not going to let you spend tonight alone, Avery.” Jack grinned at the ice cream and shook his head. “Mama is taken care of so now it’s time for a beer for the boys.”
I’d been in touch with all of them through this difficult time and we all agreed not to tell anyone about Jack and Ben. We’d just go with the focus being on me and Charlie as a couple and keep things going as they were. Everyone felt the same way about the baby as Ben did so I knew how much love would be in this child’s life.
There was a small table with chairs, and we gathered around with drinks and snacks to play cards. Jack had his phone playing music and I tried to pay attention to the rules.
I wasn’t too familiar with poker, so I observed them and sipped my cider since I finished the ice cream for now. Ben put it outside in the snow for me along with the rest of the beer to keep everything cold.
“Be careful there, Avery. We don’t want you getting all wild again,” Jack teased me as I blushed and rolled my eyes. One of their favorite parts about this pregnancy was my hormones when I didn’t feel sick and I didn’t want for much sex these days.
“Wild? What do you mean?” Ben asked as Jack glanced at him.
Grinning sheepishly, Jack shrugged. “There was one night when we were hanging out and drinking that we ended up spending the night together in one of the hotel rooms, meaning all three of us.” Charlie laughed and I thought back to how hot that night had been. “I know that might be weird with all of us here. I don’t think you’re that experimental, Ben.”
I knew Jack was kidding and laughed but watched as Ben’s face turned almost feral. “You guys don’t know how far I’m willing to go, obviously.” His eyes were dark as he took me in, followed by the others.
I knew they’d all been drinking and were feeling buzzed since nobody planned to leave this cabin tonight. I might be stone cold sober but the way all my men looked at me made my body ache in all the right places and adrenaline run through my veins.
“You game, Avery?” Charlie asked as I nodded, unable to speak.
They dropped their cards and Jack pulled me up first, kissing me as he fondled my ass and started to slide my leggings down. I returned it, feeling other hands on me and soon, someone else’s mouth on mine.