Page 140 of Wicked Love

Poppy smiles, shifting slightly so Becca can see better. “Isn’t he? He’s your brother. You can say hi, if you want.”

Becca’s hand hovers near Jonas’s blanket. “Hi, baby Jonas,” she says gently. She glances up at me, eyes shining, and I nod, squeezing her shoulder.

“You’re a big sister now,” I remind her. “He’s going to love you so much. You can show him all your favorite things.”

At that, Becca’s face lights up. She leans in and whispers to Jonas, “I show you all my favorite things!”

Poppy lifts a corner of the blanket so Becca can see more of Jonas’s tiny fingers. One of them twitches and Becca gasps, turning to look at me in amazement.

“He moves!” she says, as if his small stretch is the best performance she’s ever seen.

I chuckle, pressing a kiss to her temple. “He’s going to move a lot, and he’ll grow really fast too.”

Becca beams at me and then at Poppy. “I like him,” she says proudly. “He’s perfect.”

We laugh. I have to admit I’m relieved. I was certain she’d learn to like him but not sure how she’d feel to have our attention divided. We’ll see how it goes when we’re home and he’s more demanding, but this is such a great start.

“He’s perfect just like you, Becca,” I tell her.

She can’t possibly smile any wider at that, and my heart quadruples in size.

We take him home the next day and it’s surreal. I’m still in disbelief that I’m living this life. The McGregors greet us at the door, voices hushed as if the baby might wake with theslightest sound. So far, he seems to be able to sleep through anything. Mrs. McGregor, usually so brisk and no-nonsense, gazes at Jonas with melty eyes.

“Just look at those fingers,” she murmurs, completely charmed, and Mr. McGregor grunts his agreement.

Martha reluctantly comes over and sniffs the baby and then nuzzles my hand when I pet her.

Becca waits impatiently, bouncing on her toes. “I show him my pictures!”

I smile at her excitement. “Lead the way,” I tell her.

We follow her to her room and she points to the new one: a small silver frame holding a photo taken just yesterday of Becca and Jonas.

“Me and my baby brother,” she says proudly.

“It’s perfect,” Poppy says, blinking back tears. She points at her eyes. “Happy tears,” she tells Becca.

After a nap, the crew arrives. Rhodes, Elle, and Levi sweep in carrying food and flowers. Weston, Sadie, and Caleb follow, whispering praises about Jonas’s hair and discussing who he resembles most—my hair and eyes, and Poppy’s lips. Henley and Tru with baby Avery peek over Poppy’s shoulder and coo. Penn lurks at the edge, looking nervous.

“All right, Penn, come on, your turn to hold the baby,” I say.

“What? No…that’s okay.”

I ease Jonas into his arms and he holds him like a precious artifact, eyes wide, mouth slightly open.

“He’s so tiny,” Penn whispers. “Oh my God. How do you not break him?” He looks over at Weston, then at me, panic flaring. “I mean…I kind of want one now, but I see what you mean about needing a playbook, Weston. Where to even begin?”

We all laugh.

“You’ll be fine when the time comes, Penn,” Poppy says. “You learn as you go. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.” She laughs.

Our friends only stay long enough to leave their gifts and to stare at Jonas for a few minutes.

“Call us when you need to sleep and want an extra set of hands,” Rhodes says as he hugs me.

Things get a little stressful for Poppy when she tries to feed the baby and he fusses, rooting but not quite latching. Terms I never thought I’d know or be using, but hello, fatherhood up close and personal.

Poppy’s forehead furrows and she gets more and more concerned when it’s not working. I hover uselessly near her, adjusting the pillow where she wants it but feeling generally helpless.

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