Page 75 of Crossed Up

Aww poor Aidan. Sounds like someone’s sad not to be the favorite anymore

Me

Y’all have an hour. Meet us at Ravens Run airstrip, I’m calling in a favor. And Cope? Can you pick up a few of those cupcakes Ly loves?

Detective Cope

Yes, Daddy ??

Lyla looks up from her phone with amusement and excitement brimming in her beautiful eyes. “We’re really doing this?”

I pull her in for a fierce kiss. “We’re really doing this, angel. Let’s go get our boy and get to the airport. Pack a bag while I make the arrangements.”

As my soon-to-be-wife races around the room, squealing excitedly, all I can do is watch her in awe. In less than twenty-four hours, this precious woman will be my wife, and as soon as she’s ready, I’ll have the adoption papers drawn up so she can legally adopt Crew.

Our lives have changed so much the last year, but I’ve never been happier. And I know without a doubt I’ll take any curveball life throws my way, as long as I get to do it with her by my side.

EPILOGUE: PART 1

LYLA

One year later

Please, for the love of all things holy, not now.

An intense wave of nausea falls like a thick veil over my mind as I enter Buttercream Dreams. The harsh scent of tequila fills my nostrils and nearly sends me to my knees. Kennedy notices and rushes to my side, concern etched all over her flushed face.

“Tiny! Are you okay?” The calm cadence of her words is soothing enough that I’m able to suck in several deep breaths and let the wave pass. I was so happy when Copeland met her last year, and now that they’re together, she’s become one of my best friends. She also owns Buttercream Dreams, so that makes my current situation slightly less awful.

Doing my best to breathe through my mouth, I manage a wobbly smile. “Sorry, I’m alright now. I had a stomach bug a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve had issues with strong scents ever since.”

Her mouth pulls into a grimace. “I’m testing out a margarita cupcake this week, and working tequila into the frosting is harder than I thought it would be.”

I snort and immediately regret it when I get a fresh waft of pungent liquor. Slapping a hand over my mouth, I sprint to the tiny bathroom at the back of the shop and make it just in time to heave over the toilet. The meager contents of my stomach make a reappearance just as a cold rag is placed against my forehead.

Kennedy’s lemon and sugar perfume fills the tiny room, masking the scent of alcohol and settling my stomach. “That’s it, let it all out. Poor tiny,” she coos, patting my head. I would laugh if I weren’t still trying to get my gag reflex under control.

Gathering the remaining shreds of my dignity, I sit up and offer my own grimace as I take the cloth from her outstretched hand to wipe my mouth. “I’m okay. God, I’m so embarrassed. This is like the third place I’ve thrown up that wasn’t home this week. Every time I think this damn bug is gone, I get hit with another round.”

My friend’s critical gaze tracks over my face before trailing pointedly down to my midsection. “Lyla… when was the last time you had your period?”

My brows furrow. “Well, that seems kind of invas… oh my god.”

Kennedy watches my eyes widen with barely contained excitement. She knows Aidan and I have been trying to have a baby for over a year now, but she also knows we haven’t been successful. Panic fills my chest where air should be, and it must be obvious because her gaze hardens on mine.

She points a stern finger in my direction as her lips set in a determined line. “You march your cute ass across the street and get a few pregnancy tests, and then go home and take them.” Her eyes soften as she helps me up off the floor. Without letting go of my hands, Kennedy holds my attention.

“I’m not good at the whole pep talk thing, so I don’t have any words of wisdom for you. But I do know you have a husband and a little boy at home who would be nothing short of thrilled if you turn out to be pregnant. And if you aren’t, then you’ll keep trying.”

I take a deep breath, holding it for a count of five, and release it, along with some of the tension in my shoulders.

“Okay. Okay, I’m going.”

“OH, wait!”

Kennedy runs back out, taking a left into the front of the bakery, and I follow. Curiosity eats at me as she digs around the fridge, sticking things into a box so fast I can’t make out what she’s found.

She turns around with a triumphant grin, thrusting the small yellow box in my direction. “I did cupcakes for a baby shower yesterday and had tons of leftover decorations. So just in case there’s a plus sign…”

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