Page 62 of Surprise Mother Pucker

“Storm… I'm not going to make any excuses for him.”

“He’s your pack mate, he’s your family.”

“Family can still be idiots.”

“I’m not going to deny that.”

“How’s your morning sickness? I’m worried about you being stressed out while pregnant. It’s the only reason I didn’t hurry down there immediately. I know you and Storm needed to talk, and having both of us in your apartment is probably going to be overwhelming.”

“Thank you. I know that must've been really difficult for you. I appreciate it.”

“I want you to know, this changes nothing between us. I'm still all in when it comes to you.”

“Are you sure?” I asked. “Because this feels like a big deal.”

Eli sighed, and I could picture him pinching the bridge of his nose. “It is and it isn't. In some ways, if Storm wasn't such an ass, this would be amazing. Kennedy, you’re part of our family now. The good and the bad.”

“I’ve never really had a family before,” I admitted. “At least, not one that paid any attention to me.”

“Well, that changed the moment I saw you at the library. You blew me away then and have continued to do so since.”

Tears gathered in my eyes, and I resisted the urge to ugly sob. I didn't know if I should vocalize my worries to Eli, or if I would just be piling a load of my stress on him.

“Do you mean that?” I asked. “Because, if I'm honest, part of me feels like the only reason all you guys are on board is because of the babies…not me.”

Eli was quiet for a moment. “I’m coming over.”

“Wait—what?” I said, but he had already hung up.

Staring at my phone, I tried to make sense of what had just happened.

Two minutes later, there was a knock on my front door. Frowning to myself, I got up, throwing the blanket off my legs and padding over to the doorway. Surely, Storm hadn't had time to go home and shower, get dry, and come back? Eli definitely wouldn’t have had time to get here.

The door swung open, revealing a very grumpy-looking Eli.

“Hey, what?—”

Eli gently grabbed my face, pushing us back into the apartment. “Clearly, I have fucking failed you, Kennedy, if you do not understand that I am obsessed with you. I need to say this to your face—I am pretty sure I am in love with you. The only reason I haven't been shouting it from the rooftops is because I wanted you to take time to adjust. Don't, for one second, think that the only reason I'm in this is because of the babies. They are amazing bonuses, but they aren't you.” His tone was firm, resolved as he looked me dead in the eye.

My brain short-circuited. What could I say in response to that? My heart was pounding so violently, I was sure Eli could see it through my sweater.

He loved me.

Me.

“Oh,” I said lamely.

Eli’s face broke out into a grin. “Oh, indeed, killer,” he said before leaning down to kiss me.

When we broke apart, his eyes went to something behind me. Turning, I saw Charlie standing in the doorway to the kitchen, leaning against the frame, a dish towel slung over his shoulder.

“He's been obsessed with you since your first date. I’m starting to think you're a bit oblivious, Kennedy. Never fear, that's what we're here for. Now, you haven’t eaten in over an hour and could use a snack. Any cravings?”

“Uh…apples and almond butter?” I was too dazed to even think before speaking.

“Coming right up!” Charlie declared before turning his gaze to Eli. “I was wondering when you would turn up.”

“I couldn't stay away,” Eli admitted. “I drove over here almost an hour ago, and I've been sitting outside, waiting.”

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