Page 115 of Crazy Love

He nods. “It sounds like you’re finding your rhythm. Let me know if I can do anything to help.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“She’s a badass,” I say proudly, and Addy gives me a sweet smile.

Danielle reaches out and takes Addy’s hand. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart. Proud of both of you.” She looks at me fondly. I’ve always liked Danielle a lot. She’s been kind to me since Ifirst signed with the team. “Those kids are so happy. They’re absolutely thriving. It’s truly remarkable.”

“Thanks, Mama,” Addy says softly. “I didn’t know I could love them so much.”

Her eyes meet mine and I see the love shining there. I take her hand, needing to touch her desperately. This woman. How did she become my everything?

When we crawl into bed that night, she snuggles up against me, her hand resting on my chest.

“I think your dad might kind of like me now,” I say, chuckling.

“I think you’re right. His turnaround is actually shocking. I’m proud of him…and you.”

I kiss the top of her head. “Even though our little alien is about to become a single mom?”

She laughs. “Nobody’s perfect, Preacher Man.”

“No one but you.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

NOPE, NOT QUALIFIED

ADELINE

Jezebel is massive. It’s only been a few weeks since we found out she’s pregnant, but apparently each trimester in Sphynx life is twenty days. That’s one area where they’ve lucked out.

Her pink, stretched-out belly drags on the floor when she waddles across the room, looking both smug and fatigued at all times.

It’s a Wednesday and we have a game at Clarity Field tomorrow night, so we’re enjoying a quiet evening at home. My job is still in transition, but it’s gotten much more manageable now that Lorelai and I are sharing more responsibilities. I’d still like to be home even more, but I want to finish out the year as is and then Lorelai and I can reassess.

I’ve been watching the kids playing outside, but I run inside to check on Jezebel. I’m surprised to find Penn sitting cross-legged on the floor nearby, looking suspiciously focused on the cat. He’s been reading about feline labor for weeks, paranoid that she’ll give birth on the couch or somewhere equally awful.

“Here you are,” I say.

“Yeah, I came in to go to the bathroom and this arrived.” He holds a box up and my eyes narrow.

“What is that?”

“It’s a pet birthing kit. I bought it online.” He lines up the supplies, studying each item carefully.

I sit down next to him, while Jezebel lounges on her side, her stomach twitching occasionally.

“Could be any day now,” he says, his toneveryserious.

I press my lips together, trying not to giggle. He keeps me laughing about this cat, but now, instead of it being because he’s terrified of her, it’s how over the top he is with trying to prepare for the kittens. He won’t admit it, but I think he’s grown rather fond of her.

I’ve caught him practicing petting her, one finger at a time.

Jezebel flicks her tail and then flinches.

“Yep, you’ve been saying that every day this week.”

“But look at her.” He gestures at her belly, which is rippling like there’s a dance-off going on inside. “She’s ready.”

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