Page 77 of Christmas of Love

Nick was flying in today on his private jet and would be coming over with Brielle and Tate in the next hour sometime. The whole situation seemed like I was on the outside looking in.

There were so many emotions swirling around inside that I didn’t even know what to say to Daisy yet. I wouldn’t say I was in disbelief, but I kind of was. Not to mention, I was attempting to work through the anger and annoyance of just finding out about having a son.

I had to remind myself that I was lucky to find out at all. Brielle could have chosen not to tell me.

My phone buzzed, and I walked over to my cell to see another text from Daisy.

I don’t know what’s going on, but I know something is. I am here for you, no matter what or how you need it.

My heart raced when I realized she was second-guessing our relationship. She was preparing to put herself back in the friend zone.

I shook my head as I quickly typed a text back.

I hope to be up there tonight. I’ll explain more when I get there, but I can’t even begin to figure out a way to tell you everything that has happened in my life in the last twenty-four hours. Don’t believe the rumors, whatever they are.

I hitSend, and the doorbell chimed. For some reason, I felt nervous. I couldn’t wait to see Tate again, but it felt extremely strange to be inviting my ex and her fiancé into my place, knowing he’d originally thought the baby was his.

I reached the door and swung it open to see Brielle, Nick, Amy, and Tate in a buggy.

Nick’s eyes connected with mine, and I extended my hand for a sturdy handshake before inviting everyone in.

“Nice to meet you, Nick.”

“Likewise.”

“Come on in.”

Brielle glided in like she owned the place, and Nick followed closely behind. His dark suit fit snugly on his slender flame. Amy wheeled the buggy in, and I couldn’t help but peer in to see Tate. His eyes were wide as he took in his surroundings.

“He is a handsome fellow,” Nick said.

“I am in awe,” I confessed.

Nick nodded. “The moment I found out that I wasn’t the father, I knew we had to get in touch.”

“I know this isn’t the most traditional of circumstances, so I appreciate it.”

Brielle wandered to the tree as I stared at Tate.

Amy smiled at me. “Did you want to hold him? He just woke up.”

I nodded. “I’d love to. I need to get as much of this in as possible.”

Amy unbuckled him and lifted him out of the buggy. He was dressed in a dapper green sweater and black corduroys. I could picture him playing rugby in a blink of an eye.

His warm body snuggled right into me, and I let out a slow, relaxed breath.

“Who’s this?” Brielle asked, pointing at a picture of Daisy. “I feel like I’ve seen her before.”

I nodded. “She lives in Buttercup Lake and was at some of the festivities you attended with me.”

She snickered. “If that’s what you want to call them.”

Nick glanced at me apologetically, but I was accustomed to Brielle’s love affair with where I grew up. I honestly didn’t know how she was going to manage coming up to visit when I had Tate. She hated the place.

One step at a time.

“Are you dating?” She eyed me with lifted brows. Now, it was my turn to look at Nick apologetically.

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