Page 38 of Dare to Live
Eleven pairs of eyes looked up as I walked in.
I found a spot behind Lacey at the head of the table and gripped the back of her chair. She pushed to her feet and came around to hold my hand.
Mom flashed her blue eyes wide as though she knew what we were about to say.
I blinked once, and Lacey squeezed my hand as if to say, “You got this.”
I swung my gaze around the room, stopping to look at each person for a brief second. The only one relaxing back in his chair was Kelton. He was watching and waiting to see the reactions on everyone’s faces.
Lizzie, Kelton’s girl, flipped her black hair over her shoulder before she angled her head toward Lacey and me. Ruby had a crease in between her bluish-green eyes.
“Why are you standing up, Uncle Kade?” Raven asked.
Kross kissed his eight-year-old daughter on the side of her head, moving her braid off her shoulder. “I think he and Aunt Lacey have some big news to tell us.”
Mom’s expression perked up.
Jessie and Kody, who were the closest to Lacey and me, sat quietly.
I draped my arm around Lacey and tugged her to me. Then I regarded my parents. “Lacey and I are having a baby.” A sigh poured out of me, taking with it all the pent-up tension from keeping that secret for over a month.
Tears filled Mom’s blue eyes. The women squealed, as did Raven and her sister, Reaghan, although Reaghan probably didn’t get the full meaning of what I’d just said.
Dad came over to give me a hug. “I’m so happy for you.” Then he wrapped his arms around Lacey.
Before I knew what was happening, my brothers got in line to congratulate us. Then Lizzie, Ruby, and Jessie followed suit. My nieces stayed at the table, munching on bread rolls. The last to hug me was Mom.
Her hug was tight as happy tears flowed down her beautiful skin. “I had an inkling something was up.” She regarded Lacey. “I can see a physical change in you.”
Her tits for sure.
She held out her arm to Lacey. “Come here.”
Lacey stepped into Mom’s arms as she prodded me with her eyes to tell them the rest.
“So when are you due?” Mom asked Lacey.
The low chatter that had ensued quickly died.
“Well…” I said.
Everyone was listening intently except the kids.
“Lacey will be delivering triplets in April.”
With the exception of my nieces, everyone’s jaws hit the wooden table. Mom, who was sandwiched in between Lacey and me, swayed a little before she threw her arms around me once again.
“Holy cow!” Kody said. “Way to go, bro.”
Mom released me then hugged Lacey.
I looked at my dad. He nodded as if to say, “You got this. You were born to raise triplets.”
In a way, I guess I was. I’d taken care of my brothers after Karen had died when my mom was living in a mental health facility for a couple of years.
“Do you know what the sex is?” Lizzie asked.
“How far along are you?” Ruby asked.
