Page 85 of Castaway Whirlwind
I pull him up for a kiss. “You’re going to be a daddy again,” I say, looking up at truly the kindest, gentlest, most patient and wonderful man I’ve ever known. “The best daddy there is. Thank you for making my dreams come true.”
“You’re my dream, darlin’,” he whispers hoarsely, bracing one elbow beside me so he can slip a hand between us to span my belly that’s soft yet flat but will soon fill out. “You and our family. You’re my everything. My dream come true.”
I kiss him, widening my legs and encouraging him to lift his hips so I can push his sweatpants down, and his already half-hard cock lengthens in my hand.
“Now?”
“I just want to feel you.”
Russell nods, slipping his hand lower to massage my clit with the pad of his thumb until I’m wet enough for him to push inside me. He rolls us over onto our sides, pulling me closer as I hike my top knee higher over his hip.
Within the cradle of his arms, his lips pressed to my forehead, we rest, dreaming of the day we get to meet our baby and what their name will be—something short and easy for them to write. We’ll raise them better than I was raised, witha father who won’t browbeat them into submission and a mother who will always protect them above all others. They’ll learn they can speak up for themselves and won’t be scared of their parents or of what’s expected of them.
This baby will be one lucky kid, and we’ll be the lucky ones who get to love them.
* * *
Jared’s arm drops from around Violet’s shoulders when she rises from the couch. She passes little Jeremy to her husband, her eyes swollen and red around the rims, as I’m sure mine are.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, crossing an arm over my stomach, waiting for the day my unborn child kicks my hand.
Taking my hands in hers, Violet swallows hard, her chin quivering. “Russell called Jared earlier this morning to let us know you were going to take a test. He thought you might want me here for support in case…” Her shoulders shake as she tries not to cry. “And since you didn’t call me afterward, I figured…I’m so sorry.”
I give Russell the signal over my shoulder, and he unlocks his phone. Violet and Jared’s phones both chime seconds later. “Check your messages,” I tell her.
She pulls her phone from the pocket of her jean shorts, and I listen as she plays the video, hearing myself and Russell sob with joy.
Violet’s phone clatters to the floor, and she tugs me into her hold, laughing through her tears, yelling in my ear, “You’re going to be a mom!” We almost fall when she starts jumping excitedly. “You’re going to be the best mom, and our kids aregoing to be best friends, too. I know it.”
“Congratulations, brother,” Jared says with a wide grin, giving him a one-armed hug, both of them beating each other’s backs.
“Oh my god!” Footsteps pound across the upper floor, and Cora leans over the balcony with her face lit up, holding her phone and playing the video Russell sent to all our friends and family. “You’re pregnant!”
I laugh when Cora flies down the stairs, throwing her arms around Violet and me in a group hug. “I’m going to be an auntie!”
Trace is much more careful coming down the stairs with Gauge. He asks Russell, “So is the kid going to call you ‘Dad’ or ‘Granddad’?”
Russell tickles Gauge’s cheek while eyeballing Trace with concern. “You know I’m not actually Layla’s father, right?”
Trace snorts. “Duh. I’m just playing with you.” He chucks Russell on the arm, then scratches his temple beneath his hat. “Though it does get confusing.” He shrugs. “Anyway, congrats. That kid won the lottery having you as a dad. I would know.”
“Dagnabbit.” Russell curls Trace under his arm. “You’re gonna make me cry all over again.”
Russell, Trace, and Jared nearly jump out of their skins when Violet, Cora, and I all scream after Elliott appears out of the blue over Russell’s shoulder.
With his hands in his pockets, Elliott clears his throat. “Saw the video,” he says in an uncharacteristically soft voice, staring at his boots. “Came by to offer my congratulations.” He’s already out the back door, crossing the lawn toward the woods before my heartbeat has returned to its normal rhythm.
“Is he ok?” I ask Russell, watching Elliott’s form slip into the trees.
“I don’t think so,” Russell says, staring off into the distance.
“Go get dressed,” I say, pushing him away. “I’m sure the girls will be here soon, and you boys might want to clear out so they don’t blow out your eardrums.”
“Copy that,” Trace says, bounding up the stairs.
We’ve been more than happy to let him and Cora continue living with us so they can save up for the house they want to build on the parcel of land Russell gifted them at the edge of our property. It’s not only because I love getting to see Gauge every day but also…we simply love having Cora and Trace around, even if they sure do make a lot of noise at night. It takes some serious effort, even with the nearly soundproof doors, to block them out when Trace moans forLittle Mamawhile they’re having sex.
Violet bends to kiss Jeremy’s cheek before Jared waves goodbye, taking him home. She pulls me down onto the couch, settling back with her laptop taken from her bag. Cora drops onto the couch on my other side and scoots in close.
