Page 57 of Fumbled Beginning

We all piled into the dining room while Zander was sleeping peacefully in the den.

“Mrs. Cross,” JP said from across the table. “How is it possible that you are such an amazing cook, yet your daughter can’t cook anything fit for a dog?”

I put my knife and fork down on my plate and kicked him under the table. “I’d be careful if I were you,” I quipped back.

“I’m sorry, JP, but I think my culinary skills got passed down to my son. Cooking has never been Rylee’s thing.”

I grimaced. “Thanks, Mom.”

“You’re welcome, honey.”

The entire table shared a laugh until Zander started wailing from his spot in the living room.

My brother jumped up, putting his hand on Kinley’s shoulder. “I’ll get him.”

He kissed her temple, making us all swoon. “He’s really good with him.” My mom smiled.

“Better than me.” Kinley watched my brother walk out of the room. They were so madly in love that it was ridiculous. It was hard to believe that he was once a strong, intense, intimidating athlete who could stare down men twice his size, but one look at his wife and he turned to mush.

Maverick came back in a minute later, cradling Zander’s head. The poor kid let out a high-pitched cry. Maverick rocked him back and forth, whispering soothing words into his ear, but nothing was calming him down.

“He’s got a set of pipes on him, huh?” JP laughed while my brother continued to rub Zander’s back, but it was no use.

“Do you think he’s hungry?” my mom asked.

Maverick eyed his wife like he wasn’t sure what to do. “Nah, he ate before his nap, and his diaper is clean. We think he’s cutting his first tooth.”

“I used to put a little whiskey on your gums when you and your sister were teething. It calmed you right down. Want me to give it a try?” my dad asked.

Maverick and Kinley both shouted, “No!” at the same time.

Dad threw his hands up in surrender. “All right, it was just a suggestion.”

JP was still laughing when he stood up. “Why don’t you let me give it a shot?”

My head snapped to his in surprise. Zander’s wails grew louder, so Maverick rolled his eyes and handed his son over to JP. “As much as it pains me to do this, he doesn’t seem to be calming down.”

I wasn’t sure why I was so surprised when JP rested Zander on his chest and laid his head on his shoulder. He kissed his temple softly and bounced him up and down. My ovaries were hyper-aware of my hot boyfriend being the only one who seemed to get my nephew to relax.

Don’t go getting any ideas, I told myself.

JP shot me a wink as Zander’s cries turned into soft sighs.

“You’re a natural, JP.” My mom beamed at him from across the table. “Have you ever thought of having kids of your own someday?”

JP stiffened, and I wasn’t the only one who noticed it. Kinley’s eyes cut to mine, and I shrugged my shoulders. JP and I haven’t been dating long enough to discuss kids or marriage. I had no idea where he stood, but judging by the sleeping baby on his chest, he would make a wonderful father someday. However, he looked terrified by the thought.

My mind started to wander. What would I do if we wanted different things? Could I handle a relationship if we weren’t on the same page? Could I sacrifice a future of the things I desired most just to have one with him? The fear of it all gripped me so tightly that it felt like I was losing it.

I was freaking myself out for no reason and allowing my insecurities to get in my head.

“Mom.” I stood and started clearing the dishes. “Why don’t we get the cake ready?”

Kinley and I brought the food to the kitchen while Zander was conked out on JP’s chest. I started scrubbing a pan a little harder than I needed to.

“Hey, are you okay?” Kinley asked, setting a few plates off to the side.

“I’m trying not to overthink things right now,” I said, putting the salad dressing back in the fridge and sitting on one of the kitchen stools.

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