When my sister clears out, I turn to Maggie and tug her dress to cover an adventurous nipple that wants to pop out.
I’m very curious about that nipple.
She shakes her head as she checks herself out in the mirror mounted above my bureau. “I’m a mess.” Tugging, she does something mysterious to her bra that plumps those beauties.
“I just want to make something clear. You should always feel free to get dressed around me.”
Rolling her eyes, she elbows me playfully. “Same goes for you, Mr. Oliver. If you expect me to prance around naked, turnabout is fair play.”
Does she think this is a deterrent?
“Michael Oliver!” Kayla shouts from the other room. “Get your ass in here!”
I grab Maggie’s hand, and we book it to the living room. Today is the get-together for Kayla’s birthday, but more family is coming tomorrow for the July Fourth barbecue. I don’t know how we’re gonna squeeze in additional guests, but that’s not my problem.
The living room is crowded. Gramps is camped out in the recliner. When he sees us, he motions to Maggie and gives me a thumbs-up.
I never realized how important it would be to have my family love the woman I was with, but it’s a huge relief to have everyone be supportive.
My mom brings out a huge cake, and we sing “Happy Birthday” to Kayla, who’s sitting in the middle of the living room on Joe’s lap.
When we’re done singing, Kayla smiles. “I know this is the part where I’m supposed to make a wish, but mine is already coming true. Joe and I are having a baby! Our little spud is due in November!”
Holy shit. My sister is having a kid the month before we have ours. That’s really fucking cool.
Everyone’s clapping and hugging my sister and congratulating Joe. Kayla lifts her baggy shirt to show us her growing baby bump. Kayla’s tall like me, so she hides it well. It makes me wonder what Maggie’s bump looks like. All I seem to notice these days is her boobs. I really need to pay attention better.
Kayla explains how she held off telling people because she and Joe wanted to wait for a family get-together, and this one was the first opportunity since her wedding.
I hang back with Maggie and drop my arm over her shoulders. That’s when I realize she’s crying.
“I’m just so happy for them!” She can’t wipe the tears fast enough.
I kiss the top of her head and whisper, “You’ll get your turn. My mom’s gonna want to throw you a huge bash. Get ready.”
Her face is red and blotchy, but I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman.
When it’s our turn to congratulate my sister, she takes one look at Maggie and lifts an eyebrow. “Are you okay?”
Maggie nods and pulls her into a tight hug. “I cry at Hallmark commercials these days, so yeah. I’m fine. Just really psyched for you guys!”
My sister gives her a funny look, but I break in before Kayla starts connecting the dots. “Does this mean I get to be an official uncle? Finally!” I give Kayla a noogie and shake Joe’s hand. “Hell of an aim, brother. Did this happen on your wedding night?”
“Olly!” Maggie looks mortified. “You can’t ask things like that.”
“Can I embarrass my sister, who sat on my head and farted on me when I was a child? Why, yes, yes, I can.”
My sister pinches me, and I yelp, which makes her snicker. “Actually, we got a little ahead of ourselves, and I found out I was preggers right before the wedding, but I was headed for the altar, so who cares? As long as I had this man locked down tight before I pushed out his kid, we’re good.”
Her words give me pause.
Because Maggie wanted to go slow, I hadn’t thought much beyond getting us to the point where we were officially together.
Now I wonder if Maggie wants to get married. She’s having my babies, so I think we should at least discuss it.
Or will asking her freak her out again?
Right now, it’s a toss-up.
