Series: The Laws of Opposite Attract Series by Vi Keeland
Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 105253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
“Holden’s? Why? What’s going on?”
“Just something I want to show you.”
“Okay. I’ll be right there.”
The door to Holden’s and Lala’s apartment was open a crack when I arrived. As I entered, I nearly melted at the sight before me.
“What’s going on here?” I asked.
Owen turned to look at me and flashed a gorgeous smile. In his arms was baby Hope. He rocked her gently, still wearing his work clothes, his sleeves rolled up. Holden and Lala didn’t seem to be home.
“Look at you.” I took a few steps forward. “Pretty sure if I wasn’t already pregnant, this sight alone might’ve done it.” I rubbed my thumb along Hope’s hairline. She looked so comfortable in his arms. I couldn’t blame her. “Are you babysitting, Dawson?”
“Well, I stopped in to say hello, and Holden and Lala happened to be talking about how they hadn’t been out to eat—just the two of them—in a while. So I offered to stay. Hope pooped before they left, so I should be good. They said they’d be back in an hour. They only went to the Indian place right around the corner—you know, just in case I needed them to come back.” He laughed.
“Is this your first time ever watching a baby?”
“It is, actually.” He shrugged. “But maybe I need to get used to it?”
Maybe.
I hated his choice of words. I’d planted that seed of insecurity.
“Can I hold her?” I asked.
“Of course.” Owen placed baby Hope in my arms. While I’d held babies before, I wasn’t entirely comfortable. Looking down at her sleepy eyes, reality began to set in.
“It’s hard to believe this is gonna be my life soon.”
“You’re gonna be such a good mother, Devyn.”
Rocking the baby, I looked up at him. “Because I had such a great example?”
“Well, because you had such a great example of what not to do.” He paused. “And because you’re a genuinely good person with a huge heart. Your brother and sister are lucky to have you.” He kissed me softly on the side of my forehead. “And this baby inside of you? She’s really lucky you’re her mom.”
“Her?” I arched my brow. “A girl, huh?”
“Yeah.” He smiled. “That was weird, right? It just sort of came out.” He winked. “Maybe I know something you don’t.”
A shiver ran down my spine. “You think it’s a girl?”
“I kind of do.” He smiled.
“Well, I guess we’ll have to decide whether to find out.”
“One big reveal at a time, though, right?” Owen sighed.
“Yeah.” I exhaled, looking down at Hope.
“As cocky as Robert is, he does care about you.”
My eyes shifted up, wide with surprise. “What makes you say that?”
“After you left us standing there yesterday, he and I had a talk. He gave me a ride home, and we chatted on the way.”
I squinted. “That sounds dangerous.”
“Don’t get me wrong. It’s not a bromance or anything. Far from it. But after you were out of sight, he dropped the act a little. Gradually the smug expression on his face changed. I could see real fear in his eyes. He admitted that he’s scared. And I told him I was, too. He might not know how to be a good partner, but I could tell he cares about you.”
“Wow, I’m surprised you guys didn’t continue the pissing match. That’s impressive.”
“In the end, hating one another doesn’t serve us. He knows that. We both want what’s best for you. We both think we’re the one who’s best for you. The difference is, I know I’m the best for you.” He ran his hand along my back. “But none of that matters unless you feel that way.”
I stared down at Hope for a while. “I told my mom and the kids tonight, Owen.”
“What?” His eyes widened. “I thought you were going to wait until—”
“I know. I wasn’t going to say anything until after the test results came in. But unfortunately, Hannah walked in during my phone call with Mia. She heard me talking about being pregnant. Then I was forced to tell Vera and Heath, including the paternity-test part.”
“Well, shit.” He cringed. “What was their reaction?”
“The kids were relatively unfazed about the DNA test. They’re mainly paranoid that this means I’ll be too busy for them.”
“I can’t blame them for worrying, but we both know that’s never going to happen.”
Owen and I moved over to the couch with the baby. We sat together for a while until she was almost out cold.
I watched as Hope’s eyes finally closed. “She’s asleep.”
“She’s so relaxed in your arms. You have the magic touch with her.”
“Watch me have a baby who never sleeps.” I chuckled. “That would be my luck.”
Owen leaned over and placed his cheek on my belly. My heart fluttered as he spoke to the baby. “You’re gonna sleep for your mama, right? You have no idea how lucky you are, little one. And I can’t wait to meet you.”