Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“Yeah,” I agree. “But she needs to see that too. She needs to have a say in this, Knox.”
He holds his hands up in the air and grins. “You handle your girl. Let me know what you need from me.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to correct him. To remind him she’s not my girl, but he stands to join them, and I clamp my mouth shut. Instead, I take a calming breath and move to the dance party. It’s been ages since we last did this. In fact, it was right before Corie left for college.
Tonight, I’m certain our parents are looking down on us and smiling.
Chapter Eight
Rowan
Stepping back, I take in the balloon arch I just assembled. Not bad if I do say so myself. Corie, Sloane, and I are at Landry’s house setting up for the baby shower that we have planned for Baker. The guys are out playing a round of golf while we set up. Baker has no idea that he’s coming back to Landry’s for a baby shower.
His baby momma, Natasha, wanted the gender to be a surprise, so we’re decorating in a soft yellow and pale green.
“That looks amazing,” Corie gushes as she comes to stand next to me. “I’m so excited.”
“Do you think Baker’s going to be?” I ask.
“Honestly, I’m not sure. Regardless, he needs things, and we’re going to make sure he has everything he requires for the baby. It’s a very unusual situation, but he’s making the best of it.”
“I found the cutest book online,” I tell her. “It’s full of vouchers: babysitting, naps for the parents, and other similar services. I don’t know if he’ll actually call me and use them, but I hope he does. I wrote a little note inside letting him know that I’m happy to help out anytime that I can.”
“He’s going to need it. Sloane and I have told him the same thing. Especially once the season starts and the team begins to travel during the weeks when he has the baby. I think they’re doing week to week, but I know that can change.”
“Is that a court-mandated thing?”
“No, they’ve been able to work it out between them. Natasha has made a name for herself, and so has her boyfriend, so they don’t want child support from Baker, which is surprising. It’s all been very civil, actually. I’m glad because that’s what’s best for the baby.”
“It’s great that they’re able to do that. I wish more families took into consideration what was best for the kids.”
“Yeah, I mean, they weren’t dating, and Baker was pretty much a rebound for her, and then she got back with her on-again, off-again ex right after their night together.”
“And the boyfriend, he’s on board with raising another man’s baby?” I know that’s the case, but it’s hard for me to wrap my head around because that’s definitely not the norm.
“That’s what Baker said.” Corie shrugs.
“Okay, how long until the guys are back? I’m starving, and those green-and-yellow whipped icing cupcakes are calling my name,” Sloane says, joining us.
“They’re on their way here, and you have to eat your lunch first,” Corie says, pointing at Sloane, making us all laugh.
“Trust me, I plan to tear that pulled pork up. The house smells so good, but there’s a ton of food in your brother’s kitchen, Corie Beckett. We’re not feeding an army.”
“Um, Landry and Reid eat for three.” Corie laughs. “Besides, we can send leftovers home with everyone, and there will still be some for Landry too.”
“Look at you, taking care of all of us,” I tease.
“I mean, Knox and I get leftovers, too, so you could call me selfish.” Corie giggles.
“Not a selfish bone in your body, sis,” Sloane quips.
We’re all laughing, and that’s how the guys find us. “What’s going on?” Baker asks.
“Damn, I wanted to yell ‘surprise.’” Corie pouts as Knox pulls her into his arms and presses a kiss to her temple. “Surprise!” She grins.
“This is your baby shower,” Sloane explains.
“My what?” Baker asks, lifting his hat off his head and running his hands through his hair.
“It's your baby shower. Usually, it’s for the mom and often both parents. I’m sure Natasha will be having one. You’re going to need lots of items for baby Sinclair, and that’s what this is.”
“What smells so good?” Landry asks.
“That’s lunch.” Corie grins at her brother. “Baker, you go first. That’s the rules of the baby shower. Daddy first.”
“Daddy Sin.” Landry smiles. “Get your ass in there and make a plate. I’m starving.”
“Did you all know about that?”
The guys nod, and Baker just shakes his head. “Thank you. Really. I’m so out of my element, and I know the baby will be here in just a couple of months, and I have no idea where to start.”
“When you asked me to go shopping with you, I talked with the girls, and we thought this was a good idea to get you started. You and I will still need to go shopping for the nursery furniture, but—” Corie looks over at the pile of gifts “—we all might have gone a little wild with our purchases.”