A Moment for Us

by Corinne Michaels

“I think you should move in with me,” I say with a grin.

  “I thought I already had.”

  I sit back up. “You have, but I want the reason to be different. Not because of some bullshit about a break-in but because we want to do this. To start a chapter in our lives where we are a couple and are having kids.”

  He slides his thumb against my lips. “I’d like that.”

  “Good.”

  It may seem small to someone else, but this is a huge deal. He didn’t flinch or shy away from taking that step. It’s a more permanent step in our relationship, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

  “You know this means I’m not leaving once the babies are born?”

  I nod. “Did you really have any intention to do it in the first place?”

  He grins. “No.”

  “I didn’t think so.”

  The tone in his voice grows serious. “I couldn’t imagine leaving you. I couldn’t picture a morning where I wasn’t getting up to get you coffee or seeing you in those tight shorts you call pajamas. I don’t ever want to.”

  I lean in, giving him a kiss. “Now you don’t have to.”

  Chapter 31

  Delia

  “This place is amazing!” I say as Josh leads me around the bare bones of the resort.

  “It will be. Right now, I don’t know how you can picture anything.”

  I grin. “I have imagination. More than that, I know you guys never do anything half-assed. I have no doubt that this will be the number-one destination in North Carolina.”

  “Your lips to God’s ears. We invested everything we have, so it needs to be.”

  “Have faith, Josh. You’ll see.”

  The Parkersons don’t fail. They’re like some weird anomaly, and I know they’ll do exactly what they hope.

  Josh walks me through the original building first, which has been torn down to the studs. “All the actual bedrooms will be in the old house. Grayson and Stella felt really strongly about it having the most character. We salvaged whatever we could during the demo, and Odette plans to reuse most of it when they start putting it back together.”

  “That’ll be really cool. The old meets the new.”

  “Exactly.”

  “What’s this going to be?” I ask as we move to the new construction. They expanded the original structure by almost three times, putting additions on each side and the back.

  “That’ll be the recreation room, and through there is the piano bar. Alex really wanted to set up the place so the families can enjoy their vacation.”

  Alex has always been impressive when it comes to these things. Between him and Stella, I’m pretty sure they could’ve run the world. They are driven and see problems as more of obstacles they have to find a way around. It’s not at all surprising that he was very involved in the planning of this place.

  “It’s really great.”

  “I think so too. I’m really pleased with the design and how authentic the additions are. We want it to be like this place has always been here, just hidden away from the world.”

  I like that. It’s romantic in some weird way.

  “And what about you, what are you working on?” I ask.

  “Mostly, playing referee between Alex and Odette for now,” he says with a hint of frustration.

  This isn’t the first time I’m hearing about their feud. “Why? What’s going on with them?”

  “Apparently, they slept together a long time ago, and it ended badly. Honestly, I think he wants to take that job in Egypt.”

  “He told you?”

  Josh grins. “He did, and it seems like he really wants to go.”

  “I think you guys need to push him. You know how he is. He wants to be like you, the protector, and do what’s right for the family.”

  “He has to find his own way.”

  “Yeah, but I don’t think he’ll take those steps if he thinks it will be detrimental to what you guys have going on here. I don’t think he’ll ever admit that this town isn’t where he wants to put down roots.”

  There is a slight disappointment in his eyes. “I don’t either. I hoped we would all do this together, but I think he’ll be miserable.”

  I nod, feeling a bit sad about it too. However, I would be even sadder if he stayed and ended up unhappy.

  Josh shakes his head. “I’ll talk to him, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll get Stella involved.”

  I grin. “I think your sister should run for office, she’s scary and gets shit done.”

  “She definitely does.”

  “Maybe she and I can get through to him.”

  Josh lets out a long sigh. “Don’t get involved, baby.”

  Yeah, like that’s going to happen. He should know better by now. “I make no promises.”

  He groans. “Enough about Alex, let me show you the rest so we can get home.”

  Home. That word. It’s shared between us, and I get a rush from it. I love that we have a home—together.

  He takes my hand and pulls me deeper in. All the walls aren’t up yet, but orange, blue, and red spray paint make lines all over. Josh explains each section, explaining more about the building and their hopes for the resort.

  “It’s so much bigger than I . . .” I start to say when I feel something, causing my words to stop. My hands fly to my stomach and Josh moves quickly.

  “What is it?”

  My eyes meet his and I grin. “I can feel it.”

  “Feel what? Delia, what’s wrong?”

  I shake my head, struggling to speak. “No. It’s the baby. Or both. One of them just moved.”

  His hand covers mine. “You felt the baby kick?”

  I nod. “Maybe. It was so strong. It wasn’t flutters it was—” There it is again. I take Josh’s hand, placing it on the spot. “Do you feel that?” I ask.

  Neither of us says a word as we wait. After what feels like forever, the baby moves again, and Josh’s eyes go wide. “Holy shit.”

  “You felt it?”

  His smile is so bright it could blind someone. “I did. That’s the baby?”

  “One of them.”

  He laughs, and then squats in front of me so he can press both hands to my stomach. “Hi, kids.” My fingers tangle in his light brown hair as he waits.

  My hand sits at the top of the swell, waiting and willing them to do it again. After a bit, I feel it again. Josh’s smile tells me he did as well, and I feel like things in my life couldn’t be any better.

  Today we are having a girls’ brunch. I love how my friends think they’re so sly. My birthday is in two days, and they’re not fooling me on why we’re doing this.

  “Why are you smiling like that?” Ronyelle asks.

  “Because life is a beautiful thing, my friend.”

  While I go to brunch with Jessica, Stella, Ronyelle, Winnie, and Kinsley, Josh and his brothers will be painting and assembling furniture. My mother, in all her impatience, went and bought an entire bedroom set for the babies.

  We had no idea until the boxes started showing up at the house.

  “And why is that?”

  “Because I am happy, having babies, and my boyfriend loves me. Which neither of us ever thought was possible.”

  She rolls her eyes. “That man has fried your brain.”

  “He has.”

  “I am so glad you can’t drink, if love impairs your judgment this much, imagine what some booze would do.”

  I stick my tongue out at her.

  “Where are we going to eat?”

  “Stella found some place a town over. She swears the food is great.”

  “I can’t wait until the Firefly is open. Josh was telling me about the two restaurant options they’ll have.”

  Ronyelle nods. “And with Stella deciding things, you know the food is going to be good.”

  “And the drinks even better.”

  On the ride over, we talk about work and how busy our production schedule is. There have been rumors that Ronyelle wi
ll be promoted again and additional rumors that I will get her position. A few months ago, I would be praying for that to happen because not only is it more money but also much better hours. Gone would be the shifts and rotating schedule.

  Now, though, I don’t know if I want that added stress. My life is about to be stressful enough.

  “It’s not going to happen,” she says again.

  “You don’t know that.”

  “Come on, we both know that I am never going to get the job because they’ve never once had a woman in that position.”

  She’s right. The owners are dicks that way, but Ronyelle is the most qualified.

  “It’s unlikely, but it’s possible.”

  She gives me a side-eye look. “Stop it.”

  “Fine, fine, but if it does happen, don’t put my name in to fill your spot.”

  “What?” she yells. “Are you insane?”

  “I know, but . . . I don’t know if I want to take over all that work with two newborns. Plus, Josh is busy with the resort and while I have no intention of working there when it opens, Josh will probably be putting in a ton of hours and our lives are going to be on overload.”

  Ronyelle blinks a few times. “You’ve always wanted that position.”

  “No, I always wanted someone other than Ray in that spot. He was horrible and rude. I couldn’t stand it.”

  “He was definitely a shitty boss. Still, I’m surprised you wouldn’t want it. It would be a good raise.”

  “Maybe. I don’t know.”

  We park at what looks like an old warehouse that has been renovated. “If it happens, I’m going to suggest you,” Ronyelle says softly. “If you choose not to take it, then that’s one thing, but my not putting your name in isn’t the right decision.”

  I reach over, taking her hand in mine. “You’re a good friend.”

  “Oh, I know.”

  We both laugh. “So, brunch?”

  “Let’s brunch.”

  We get inside where the girls are already seated. Everyone gives hugs and fawns over Ember, who is asleep in her mother’s arms. Throughout brunch, we laugh, talk about the current insanity of our lives, and then the topic turns to me.

  “So, how are things with Josh?” Winnie asks.

  “Fine.”

  “Just fine?” Stella questions.

  “No, we’re good. We’re really good.”

  “I heard that Josh made a rather grand gesture the other day,” Jess says conspiratorially.

  Stella gasps, grabbing for my hand, which I pull out of her reach. “He didn’t propose! We’ve been together a few weeks.”

  “Months,” Ronyelle corrects. “You’ve been screwing each other’s—”

  “Ears!” Stella says as she nudges her head toward Kinsley.

  Kinsley shakes her head. “Like I don’t know what the end of that was going to be?”

  Stella places her mimosa down. “You’re twelve. You shouldn’t.”

  “I’ve had sex ed.”

  “At twelve?” Stella’s voice goes up an octave.

  Jess laughs. “Would you rather her not know?”

  “Yes. Yes, I would.”

  “Well, I know about the birds and the bees. Also, three girls in my class have their periods already. I’m not that young.”

  Stella’s eyes widen, and it looks like she’s going to cry. “I’m not ready for this.”

  “Do you remember what you were doing at twelve?” Winnie unhelpfully adds.

  Now Stella turns green before turning to her daughter. “You are not allowed to talk to boys. Look at boys. Even thinking about boys is a bad idea. Do you know how I know this?”

  “You had a baby at eighteen out of wedlock and hid it?” Kinsley asks, and I have to bite my tongue to stop from laughing.

  However, two people around us aren’t able to control themselves and do laugh.

  “Well, yes, but that was my first time, and . . . we are not having this conversation other than to say that you should avoid boys. They are really horrible creatures.”

  “You love Jack,” Jess says with a smirk.

  “Jack is different.”

  “How is he different?” I ask, enjoying her discomfort far too much.

  “He just is!” Stella hisses.

  Kinsley picks apart her bread before popping a piece into her mouth. “I wonder if Braydon is different.”

  “Who is Braydon?” I ask.

  “Yes, Kinsley. Who is Braydon?” Winnie follows up with a smile.

  “He’s just a guy in school. He’s really nice to me.”

  Stella blinks a few times, moving her gaze to each of us before snapping out of it. “No, he’s not nice. He has a penis, which makes him completely not nice. Boys only want one thing. I know this because I grew up with four of them who . . . only wanted one thing.”

  “What did they want?” Kinsley asks, and I am ready to fall off my chair. She is her mother’s daughter, and I am here for it.

  Stella opens her mouth and closes it. “You know.”

  Kinsley bursts out laughing. “I totally do, but this was a lot of fun.”

  Jessica laughs, and then Ember starts to fuss. “Crap. Can you hold her while I get her bottle?” she asks me, already moving the baby into my arms.

  I take her just as she starts to fuss, so I pat her butt, cooing and trying to calm her. I have not had a lot of experience with babies. None of my other friends have kids, and I’m an only child.

  “How is the pregnancy going?”

  “It’s fine.”

  Jess smiles. “That good?”

  “Umm, is it normal?”

  “Is what normal?”

  I lean in. “This is so embarrassing, but I have really bad gas. All the time. No matter what I eat it’s just bad, but then I can’t . . . you know . . . go.”

  She snorts. “Oh, you don’t even know what you have ahead of you. It’s all normal and just part of the joy of bringing a baby into the world.”

  I drop my head back. “That’s what I was worried about.”

  “How’s Josh about the babies—and gas?” Jess asks as she puts some powder in water.

  “He doesn’t mention the farts, thank God. It’s all still surreal.”

  “That you’re pregnant with twins?”

  I snort. “That, and that we’re together.”

  Jess shakes the bottle and her brows knit. “Why is that so surprising?”

  I’m not sure what part of it confuses her. “Maybe because I’ve loved this guy forever and I never thought he’d ever choose me.”

  “You’re gorgeous, funny, and have a heart of gold. If Josh didn’t pick you, then he’d be stupid.”

  I know it’s stupid, but sometimes, I still feel like that fifteen-year-old girl.

  “I’m being silly. I know.”

  “Yes, you are because it’s very clear to everyone that Josh cares about you and the babies. He’s a totally different guy since being with you. The fact that he fails to mention your new flatulence is proof of that.”

  “I regret telling you about the gas.”

  “I’m sure, but just wait until you start pissing yourself. Also, fun fact, I don’t have a seven pound baby dancing on my bladder and I still pee myself. Forget sneezing or laughing, it’s a done deal.”

  This is the stuff that the baby book fails to mention, and I wish I never knew about.

  “Great, just great, Jess.”

  Her hand moves to my arm. “You’ll be fine and you’ll have two beautiful kids at the end. That is the good stuff. Anyway, I get what you’re feeling about Josh and you. I was the same with Grayson. It’s probably different for you since you’ve pined for the man . . .”

  “Forever.”

  She laughs. “You said it.” Ember’s fussing turns to more of a wail. I look to Jess with panic and she hands me the bottle. “Here, feed her for me, I have to pee.”

  “Jess!”

  “It’ll be good practice,” she says, getting up. “I told you this i
s the fun stuff.”

  I put the tip into her mouth, and she begins to drink, thank God. After about two minutes, Stella reaches out, pressing her hand to my forearm. “Burp her now so she doesn’t get too gassy.”

  Right. I should do that. I should also know this. I lift the bottle, which causes Ember to fuss again, but I move her up, patting her back until a loud belch comes out of her.

  Dear God. For something so tiny, she sure can let it rip.

  Jess returns to the table, but she doesn’t take Ember back, so I keep going. Once her bottle is done and she’s been burped again, I keep her in the crook of my arm, looking down at her as she starts to drift off again.

  When her eyes close and her mouth is a little “o,” I look up at Jess. “I did okay?”

  “You did great,” she assures me.

  One of the twins kicks as though they agree, and I smile softly. I don’t give Ember back until we’re ready to leave, thinking of little else other than the moment I’ll get to hold my own babies.

  Chapter 32

  Joshua

  My brothers and I busted our asses to finish the nursery in one day, and I can’t wait for Delia to see it.

  “She’s going to love this,” Alex says.

  “Yeah, I think she will.”

  Grayson sits on the couch with a grin. “I am a genius.”

  “You?”

  Oliver snorts. “You’re far from that.”

  He ignores us. “I’m the one who told you to do this, and she’s going to be over the moon.”

  “You didn’t tell me to do this, Gray. I called you and asked you to come help while the girls were at brunch.”

  “Whatever.” Gray leans his head back. “I like my version better.”

  Oliver turns to Alex. “So, are you going to tell everyone now?”

  “Tell everyone what?”

  “That he took the job in Egypt and leaves in two days.”

  I blink a few times, waiting for him to say something, and Alex slaps Oliver’s chest. “Asshole. You can’t keep your mouth shut.”

  “Two days?” I ask.

  “What job?” Grayson cuts me off. “You have a job, in case you forgot, we’re opening a resort.”

  “I’m aware of that, Gray.”