Page 8 of Most Likely to Fear Love

I shook my head, trying to dismiss the image as ridiculous. He was a donor. Just a donor. Nothing else. I reached for my mouse as my mind went into overdrive.

What would our child be like? Would they be laid back and kind like him, or high strung and serious, like me? I caught myself smiling and snapped my expression back to neutral.What the fuck are you doing?This was ridiculous.

HARLE

Ipulled my truck up in front of my sister’s house in Raleigh and hopped out, stretching to work out the kinks from the long drive. The house looked great, as always, with its clean lines and warm, wood tones. It sat in the middle of rolling lawns and well-tended flower beds. I loved this for her.

The sound of the front door opening had me turning around, to see her leaning against the door jamb. Her dark blond hair was piled high on her head and her blue eyes were dancing. “Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in.”

“Hey, Ugly.”

She rolled her eyes, but I caught the smile tugging at her lips. “Get your butt up here and give me a hug.”

I bounded up the steps, sweeping her into a bear hug that lifted her clean off her feet. Sarah laughed, swatting at my shoulder.

“Put me down, you caveman!”

I set her down gently, chuckling. “What? Can’t a guy be happy to see his favorite sister?”

“I’m your only sister, but I’m happy to see you, too.”

I grinned as Sarah leaned back, her eyes scanning my face. That look was all too familiar – the big sister checkup.

“You good?” Her tone was casual but her gaze sharp.

I planted a quick kiss on her forehead. “You don’t have to do that anymore. I’m great.”

Before Sarah could launch into her usual follow-up questions, high-pitched squeals erupted from inside the house. I caught a glimpse of two small blurs racing down the hallway, their voices rising in excitement.

“Uncle Harle’s here! Uncle Harle’s here!”

My niece and nephew burst onto the porch, all flailing limbs and gap-toothed grins. I crouched down, bracing myself for impact as they launched themselves at me.

“Whoa there, munchkins!” I laughed, wrapping an arm around each of them. “You’re getting too big for this. You’ll knock me over one of these days.”

Lily, her blonde pigtails bouncing, beamed up at me. “Did you bring us presents?”

“Lily!” Sarah chided, but I waved her off.

“Now, what kind of uncle would I be if I didn’t come with presents?” I winked at the kids. “But first, I need to know what you’ve been up to. Any dragons slain lately?”

Jake puffed out his chest. “I fought off a whole army of them yesterday!”

“In the backyard,” Sarah added dryly.

I ruffled Jake’s hair. “Sounds amazing! You’ll have to give me all the details.”

I followed Sarah and the kids into the house and as we made our way through the living room, a piercing wail cut through the air.

Sarah tensed. “Shoot, that’s Gracie. I thought she’d sleep longer.” She turned to me, apologetic. “Make yourself at home in the kitchen. I’ll be right back.”

“No problem.” The kids followed me into the kitchen, where I turned on the coffee machine. “Alright, Jake. Tell me all about this dragon fight.”

That was enough to set him off and once he was done, Lily launched into her own story about a game she played at daycare. I loved every minute of it. Until Sarah reappeared, a red-faced bundle squirming in her arms.

She looked pretty stressed, so I said, “How about you kids go play in your rooms for a bit, while Mom and I talk?”

“Okay! Then can we get the presents?”

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