He swarms Kaitlyn in his arms, and I swear I hear his voice crack. “You’re gonna be an amazing mom.”
Then he turns to me. “I guess if there were anyone my daughter was having a baby with, I’d want it to be you.”
“Thank you, sir. We’re excited.” He shakes my hand, and I’m relieved he isn’t punching me in the face with it instead.
“I still think y’all should just go get hitched already,” Knox says.
“Or at least take her out on a proper date,” Kane adds.
Jesus fuck.
“Alright, boys, that’s enough. This is what Kaitlyn wants. She didn’t interject her opinions into your relationships and what you should be doin’.”
“Like hell she didn’t,” Knox argues. “But fine. Still think there should be a ring on that finger, but what do I know?”
“You don’t know shit,” Kaitlyn tells him. “Just mind your business and be happy for me.”
“Well, since we’re putting it all out there, I guess it’s a good time to tell y’all Hadleigh is pregnant again, too. We just found out and were gonna wait to tell everyone this weekend. So act surprised when she announces it.”
The hugs and handshakes commence again. Geez, this family populates like bunnies.
Kiera and Jackson look so damn happy to be having more grandkids, and it warms my heart to know that my baby will have amazing grandparents.
“Now all of our kids will be close in age.” Kaitlyn grins.
“Were y’all trying?” Kiera genuinely asks Knox.
He shakes his head and chuckles. “Hell no. But we weren’t preventin’ either.” He waggles his brows, and memories of him stealing my Brazilian nuts come to mind.
“Looks like we might need a triple baby shower between Ivy, Hadleigh, and me,” Kaitlyn admits, and I can tell she’s calmer.
“This is very true. Imma be a busy grandma next year. Can’t wait.” Kiera beams, happier than I’ve ever seen her.
“Might be time for us to retire, babe,” Jackson says. “We’ll have our kids and grandkids to run the place.”
“Maybe so.” Kiera laughs.
Kane’s cell phone rings. “Shit, we need to get to the barn. Looks like Old Man Wheeler is there to drop off his mare.”
“He’s early,” Knox grits out. “Sometimes I can’t stand punctual people.”
I chuckle, and we say our goodbyes. As I turn to follow Kaitlyn to the truck, Jackson calls me back.
“I’m going to respect Kaitlyn’s and your wishes, but if you hurt my daughter—”
“I’d never. Kaitlyn’s my best friend, and I only want the absolute best for her. I won’t say it was a mistake because I believe everything happens for a reason. But this is what she wants—what she’s always wanted.”
“You’re right. I know y’all said you’d raise the baby as friends and all that, but I can’t seem to understand why. You can’t tell me you aren’t in love with her.”
I blow out a breath, neither confirming nor denying. “Kaitlyn’s calling all the shots, sir. I’m just giving her what she wants.”
“Ahh.” He nods, then pats my shoulder. “She’ll come around.”
The horn blares, and we look toward my truck. Kaitlyn opens the door. “It’s hot!”
“Guess that’s my cue,” I tell Jackson, and he gives me a smile.
“Don’t mess with a mad pregnant woman. Take my advice on that one.” He snickers.