“I’ve just never had a family,” Avery whispers like it’s a confession, “not a real one.”
“You do now,” Amelia chirps.
When I glance at her, her hands are clasped together in front of her chest and she’s looking between us with a knowing glint in her eyes that makes me nervous. I narrow my eyes at her, but she just shoots me a look like I’m the slow one in the room. Whatever.
“Now,” Amelia claps her hands together, “on to the important things.”
“Finding out you’ve been inducted into some huge family like it’s a secret society is kind of important,” Avery sasses.
Amelia laughs and wraps an arm around Avery’s shoulders, not bothered that I’m still on my knees in front of her with my hands on her luscious thighs. “That it is,” she agrees, “but I was talking about this bun you’re cooking.”
“Oh,” Avery gasps, her cheeks turning a gorgeous shade of pink.
Memories of how her blush spreads across her skin assault me. It’s a damn good thing I’m already on my knees. It helps to hide the bulge in my jeans. Fuck, the way this woman gets to me.
I’ve never felt anything like it and I’m not entirely sure what to do with these feelings. I was able to reassure Avery earlier, and I meant every word, but a huge part of me still doubts that a relationship and a loving family are in the cards for me.
Maybe I have too much of my father’s blood running through my veins. The last thing in the world I want to do is abandon Avery and my child, but what if it is exactly what happens? What if I become the thing I hate the most—him?
“How far along are you?” Amelia’s question pulls me out of the mental spiral threatening to take me under.
“Five months.”
“Oh, all the fun stuff is about to happen,” Amelia sounds excited. “Like feeling the baby move around and not just for you, Avery. This bump will keep growing and you’ll get a little more energy back.” Her eyebrows pull together as she frowns slightly. “Have you had a lot of issues with morning sickness?”
“Thankfully no,” Avery sighs. “I’ve been nauseous here and there, but it hasn’t been like the horror stories I’ve heard or read about.”
“Good,” Amelia wipes her hand across her forehead like she’s relieved. “I’ve brought the book Wyatt called me about,” she points to the table, “and a pregnant lady welcome to the family packet of sorts.”
“You have a welcome to the family packet for pregnant women already put together?” Avery sounds curious with a side of dubiousness, “Does this kind of thing happen a lot?”
“Well,” Amelia scrunches up her face, “no, but I was able to pull some things together quickly. I grabbed a few more pregnancy and baby books the guys have passed around from one household to the next.” Amelia’s eyes find mine and she leans toward me like she’s about to tell me a secret, “There are lots of highlights already in there and notes in the margins.” She rolls her eyes and huffs out a small laugh, “The men of the family think they’re so slick by putting little notes in there like they’re state secrets or something.”
I’m intrigued by these notes. If they will help me be a better support person for Avery, I’ll take them. I could use any help I can get.
The fear I’ve been trying to ignore creeps back up but now is not the time to be consumed by it. Not in front of Amelia and definitely not in front of Avery; her day has been long enough and I’m not going to add to it.
Amelia leans forward to grab a folder which she places on Avery’s lap. “This is all of our numbers.” Avery opens it up and her eyes widen. “Yeah,” Amelia giggles, “it’s a lot, I know. Not only do you now have the phone numbers of everyone whowill drop what they’re doing to help you, but I also included the number to the OB/GYN we’ve all gone to, as well as the pediatrician we’ve been taking our kids to. We like and trust them. They’ve also had extensive background checks done on them and the people in their offices.”
“What? Why were background checks done?” Avery sounds baffled and a little hysterical.
Amelia taps on a name on the list. “This is Blake Higgins, he runs a security company in town. He takes keeping our family safe very seriously which includes background checks on anyone who comes in contact with his wife,” she taps another name, “and kids.”
Avery’s eyes widen even further, “Is this the actress Margot Reynolds?” Before Amelia can answer, Avery gasps, “Holy shit. These names are the same as the members of Suburban Outcasts.”
When Amelia doesn’t respond, Avery snaps her gaze to look at her. Amelia just shrugs. “They’re family.” She points in my direction and adds, oh so helpfully, “Bridger tattoos one of the guys from The Heart Beats.”
Avery’s head whips around so fast I wince for her. “What?” Her gasped one-word question is filled with disbelief, and I recall the conversation that happened in the shop the day I met Avery.
“Falcon is a good dude.”
“Holy shit,” Avery whispers, “I think I need to sit down.”
Amelia giggles and I can’t help but crack half a smile at how damn cute Avery is. “You’re already sitting down,” Amelia points out. Then her face goes serious. “I know this is a lot, but I didn’twant you to feel isolated and in this alone. You’re not.” She looks my way and adds, “Both of you.”
Gratitude swells up inside of me. Even though I’ve tried my hardest to stay on the fray of their giant family, they have embraced me wholeheartedly. Amelia showing up here when called and welcoming Avery with open arms just proves it.
“I’m going to get out of your hair. I’m sure you have a lot to talk about, but now, at least, you’re a little better prepared to face your situation. I hope. If you ever need anything, please call. I’ve heard talk of a movie night soon, you’ll be invited and expected to show up. Then these won’t just be numbers on a page, but people who you can connect with.”
