Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 125866 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 629(@200wpm)___ 503(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125866 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 629(@200wpm)___ 503(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
Sebastian wrinkled his nose on cue. “Ewwww, mushrooms!”
“Here, you take Raven and I’ll—”
“I’m fine,” I assured Kyle, pushing on his shoulder before he could stand. I leaned down to press a kiss to his cheek.
Sebastian talked my ear off about the park while I made a grilled cheese, and I stood at the island with him while he ate it, smiling and listening intently. I wanted to make sure he knew that having a baby sister meant he’d have to share us, yes, but that we still had space and time and attention for him.
When he was finished eating, I had him run up to take a bath, promising he could watch Big Hero 6 for the thousandth time when he finished.
I rejoined Kyle and Braden in the living room just in time to see Braden frowning at his phone.
“Bad news?” I asked.
As if the sound of my voice was a cue that food was near, Raven stirred, crying a bit and making faces that told me she was hungry. Kyle passed her to me, and I set up the nursing pillow under my arm, pulled the nursing cover over my head long enough to free my boob and get Raven latched, and then re-emerged.
Braden didn’t skip a beat. “Not bad, just… interesting.”
“Do tell,” I urged.
“Our PR coordinator wants me to volunteer for the Tacoma Girls Flag Football Jamboree in May,” he said. “They’re looking for about ten players to go out, and apparently, I’m on their list.”
“That’s awesome,” Kyle offered. “Why do you look like they just asked you to do team laundry?”
“Yeah. Riley and Zeke would be so proud of you if you attended,” I added.
“I’m excited for the event,” Braden assured us. “I told them at the end of the season to let me know if there were ways I could get involved with the community. It’s just…”
“What?” Kyle probed when Braden’s voice faded.
“Nothing.”
“Nuh-uh,” I said, shaking my head as I adjusted Raven to make sure she was actually nursing, and not sliding into another nap with my nipple in her mouth. “No lies in this house. Spill.”
Braden let out a heavy sigh. “The cheerleaders will be there.”
Kyle and I shared a look, and then Kyle deadpanned, “What a travesty.”
Braden glared at him. “Don’t be an ass.”
“Did I miss something? Why is that a bad thing?” I asked.
“It’s not,” Braden said, dragging a hand through his hair. “It’s just… there’s a new cheerleader who just made the squad, and she’s kind of a pain in my ass.”
This time, the look Kyle and I shared was tinged with curiosity.
“How have you already met her?” Kyle asked.
“I volunteered to be there on finals day, when the squad was selected. I don’t know. I was bored,” he said instantly, like he knew Kyle would ask why. “Anyway, she just… she’s trouble. One of those girls who learns the rules only so she can figure out how to break them.”
“I like her already,” I mused.
“I have a feeling you like her, too,” Kyle added. “Which is why you’re all weird about the event.”
“I’m not weird about it,” Braden defended, standing and tucking his phone away. “I’m going. And I don’t like her. I’m annoyed by her.”
“I think you could use someone to ruffle your feathers a bit,” Kyle said. “Someone to get you off your yoga mat and out causing a ruckus.”
“Did you just say ruckus?” Braden asked.
“Don’t change the subject.”
“There’s nothing more to talk about,” Braden said, and he walked over to clap hands with Kyle before nodding at me. “I gotta run, but please don’t hesitate to call if you want me to get Sebastian out of the house or take him for a night or two. He’s always welcome at mine.”
“You’re the best,” I told him. “Thank you for today.”
“Can’t wait to hear about the flag football event,” Kyle added with a grin.
Braden flipped him off, and then he left, and it was just the three of us.
Kyle scooted closer to me on the couch, draping an arm around me. Raven was finished eating, so I removed the nursing cover and put my boob away — much to Kyle’s dismay — before we were both looking down at her like the doting, love-sick parents we were.
“How you doing, Mom?” Kyle asked me, kissing my shoulder.
“Tired,” I answered honestly. “But amazing. You?”
“Same.” He nuzzled into me. “You’re fucking incredible. You know that?”
“I think I’ve heard you say that a few times over the last week,” I mused on a smile.
“Well, it’s true. Watching you give birth…” Kyle shook his head. “I’ll never forget that experience, Mads. I didn’t think it was possible to love you more, but fuck, I was wrong.”
He captured my chin and brought my lips to his, kissing me with the full intent behind those words. I was still melting into that kiss when the security system notified us there was someone at the gate.