Page 79 of Accidentally Falling
“Arden?”
“Yeah?”
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. Now take your sweetness and get out of here.”
“Anything for mybaby mama.”
“Out!”
“You’re really not goingto tell me anything that’s happening?” I ask Deacon as we head toward Ellison’s house and the apparent location of the shower.
“It’s low-key. There are no games, just socializing, and if you want to open gifts you can and if not, I’ll put everything in the back of the truck and you and Jude can open them later.”
“Thank you for doing this—all of it. I know I’m being ridiculous. It’s just that I only had my mom growing up and now, during the most important moments of my life, she’s not here and I can’t even call her because I’m still so mad.”
“First,” he says, glancing at me, “you never have to apologize to me for how you’re feeling. I’m sure Jude’s told you about our growin’ up and so I get it. The people that mean the most to you, you want to hold on to tight. But also,”—he wraps his hand around my fingers and squeezes—“we’re not perfect but we love you and you’ll never be alone.”
“What is with you two?” I croak out, hunching over and digging through my purse until I find the little packet of tissues I saw Jude slip in here before I left.
“It’s part of our charm.”
“Can you pick different days to be charming? This mascara is waterproof, but all things have their limits.”
“I’ll try,” he says, pulling into the driveway that’s already full of more cars than I recognize. “Jude will be over in a little while, but if you give me the look before then, I’ll haul you right out of here, all right?”
“You know,”—I turn in my seat to look at him—“I thought Jude was kidding when he said you might try to fistfightEllison to be my maid of honor, but I think he might be on to something.”
“Don’t worry, there’s plenty of me to go around.” He winks as he pushes open his door. “But if nothing else, I better get an invite to the bachelorette party.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“I’m a great time. Penis lollipops and crowns for everyone.”
“I can hardly wait.”
44
ARDEN
“Look how adorable you are!” Bea squeals as Deacon helps me out of the car, her arms wrapping me in a tight hug as she rocks us from side to side. “No games, I promise.”
“You’re an angel,” I tell her and Deacon grunts behind me.
“He’s so cranky,” she whispers and I chuckle.
“I am not. I’m just upset y’all didn’t want to wear matching shirts.” He sniffs and I turn to take a picture with my phone that I’ll probably show Tanner later. Couldn’t hurt, right?
“You look amazing, and I’m sure your niece will be thrilled for all the matching and coordinated outfits. Oh!” The baby kicks and I stop, whirling around to grab Deacon’s hand and place it on my belly as she moves again. “She likes the sound of that apparently.”
“Incredible. And anything you want, princess,” he says, bending down to talk to my belly, “your uncle will take care of it.”
“She’s going to be unbelievably spoiled.” I sigh as Ellison comes over and wraps her arm around my shoulder.
“Are you talking about me? Because IknowI’m spoiled.”
“No, just that Deacon is going to give my daughter everything she wants and the thought of it is already exhausting.”
