We work on the crib first. I bought Leo the nicest mattress the store had and organic cotton sheets. He might not be my son, but I still want the best for him.
Once we get it assembled, I position it against one wall. “Think Bay will like the crib?” I hold up the instructions and then squint at the slats. “Is that on backwards?”
Jace yawns. “If Leo doesn’t roll out onto the floor, it’s fine.”
“Fucker, don’t joke.”
Chuckling, my brother holds up his hands. “Why are you so serious about this?”
“I’m fine.” I catch my reflection in the mirror we hung. Behind me are a pile of stuffed animals and a baby rocker. Can I have this future? One with my peach and little Leo? Or will I screw this up again?
Beau hammers a nail into the wall to hang some art. “He’s all intense because he’s in love with Baylee, and it’s messing with his head.”
I freeze, a little freaked out to hear that out loud.
Except I realize he’s right. I do love her. I mean, I’ve always loved her. This is Baylee we’re talking about.
Only now I’m certifiablyinlove with her.
My eyes widen. I’m in love with Baylee.
Jace, the idiot, laughs. “Shit, bro. You freaked out Mav.”
I test out the words in my mind, and I nod. “Yes, I love her. Are you happy?” Jace and Beau stare at me. “What?”
Jace shrugs. “I’m just shocked you admitted it. You’ve been playing games with yourself for years.”
Scrubbing my face, I groan. “Because a part of me always knew it would come down to this. She’s staying in Wild Heart. I’m supposed to go back to New York, assuming I’m allowed to play. I’m just lucky I got her to agree to live with me and not move to the ranch.” But I meant what I said. I’m not giving up on us.
Because that’s what I did in high school. I didn’t see how we could work, so I ruled us out, and a part of me has regretted that decision ever since.
Beau turns my directions the other way around, and I realize I’ve had them upside down. “Thanks.”
“Baylee’s right about one thing. You need to give everything to your rehab. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. If you two are meant to be, it’ll work out.”
Jace snorts. “You sound like a Hallmark card.”
Annoyed, I study the directions. “I have an appointment with a physical therapist in Austin tomorrow morning, and I started swimming this morning. It’s on my approved list of activities.”
Beau places a framed photo of an airplane on the wall. “You don’t sound excited about the PT.”
“I should just be happy my dick works again.”
My brothers laugh, and Jace guzzles his water. “Football’s all fine and good, but if you don’t go back, you can always help us at the ranch rodeo this spring. The McAllisters are due a good ass-whooping.”
“I can get on board with that. Damn, I miss competing in those.”
As we reminisce, we finish assembling the furniture. I put the changing pad with a soft blue cover on top of the dresser and wheel over a small cart that has the diaper stuff Paige said Leo might need. In the corner is a fluffy rocking chair and several stuffed animals.
I stand back and take in everything. “Think she’ll like it?”
Beau holds out his fist, and I bump it. “She’s gonna love it. Ya done good, Mav.”
While I wait for Bay to come home, I ice my neck and shoulder and confirm my PT appointment. Then I order some groceries because Bay is right. I need to eat better.
As I lie on the couch, I close my eyes and replay what happened between us last night. The way Bay came apart in myarms. The sexy little sounds she made. That fucking killer blow job.
Fuck, now I’m hard again.
