Pancakes, baby bumps, and sibling bonding
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“Ilove you to pieces,” CeCe said through clenched teeth, “but if you don’t step away from the stove, I’m going to hit you with this whisk.” She brandished the utensil like a sword, jabbing it into the air.
Evan held his hands up in surrender, but he didn’t move out of the way. “Not gonna happen, babe. The doctor said you’re on bed rest. Don’t make me call Max.”
His wife shot daggers at him before turning her attention back to her batter. “The babies want pancakes, and I want to make them.”
With a huff, Evan placed his hands on CeCe’s hips and attempted to push her out of the way. A few months ago, this would not have been a challenge, but that was before she’d expanded to fit their growing family. Not only was Evan delighted at his wife’s transformation, but he was also jubilant to meet his children in the new year. CeCe was just as excited, but she was also the vehicle for their twins and didn’t like being told what to do.
“Need I remind you, I’m perfectly willing and able to make pancakes.”
CeCe poked Evan’s bicep. “I don’t want Bisquick.”
Evan covered his heart with his hand, jaw falling to the floor. “Woman, you wound me. When was the last time I made you anything from a box?”
CeCe cocked her head and tapped her temple. “That one time after we moved in together.” She winced. “I’m pretty sure you even used butter from a tub.”
“That was like eight years ago,” Evan deadpanned, already pulling out eggs and milk from the fridge. “Not to mention, we’ve won several food competitions and helped open a new restaurant since then. I’m pretty sure I can handle a little pancake batter.”
Quirking an eyebrow, CeCe relented and handed the bowl and whisk to her husband. “All right, tough guy. Show me what you’ve got.”
Evan slid the bowl away before flexing his hands and lowering his voice. “I intend to.” Cradling CeCe’s head, Evan pulled her close for a searing kiss. Their bickering ceased as they melted against each other, lost in the moment, breakfast forgotten.
“Eww, gross,” Mallory said as she entered the room, weighed down by a baby carrier, an exhausted expression on her face. Her brown hair was pulled into a messy braid, her cheeks rosy from the Ohio winter air.
Behind her, in the doorway, her husband, Beckett, shouted, “Yo! Lawless! A little help.”
Evan leaned in to kiss CeCe on the forehead and whispered, “To be continued on the pancakes and everything these hands can do.” Turning to his sister, he said, “You know that key was just for emergencies.” He was all talk though, and gladly welcomed his sister and best friend into their home.
Mallory handed the carrier to Evan and huffed. “This is an emergency. I’m about to pee my pants.”
CeCe frowned, rubbing her belly. “I thought those types of emergencies ended when the baby arrived.”
Mallory snorted but recovered quickly. “Oh, CeCe, we need to talk more.” She linked her arm through CeCe’s and yanked her in the direction of the bathroom. “Let me pee, and then I’ll fill you in on the wonders your body can do.”
As the women made their exit, Evan pulled his newest niece out of her carrier. “God, Foxy. She keeps getting cuter and cuter.” Evan carefully swiped a red lock of hair off Maybelle’s tiny forehead. His heart clenched as she let out a sigh and fell back to sleep. “She looks just like you, man.”
Beckett flinched and checked the hallway. “Don’t let Mal hear you say that. She’s still waiting for Maybelle’s hair to turn dark.” Lowering his voice, he added, “Which I don’t think is going to happen.” Walking over to the box he dropped by the door, Beckett kicked the side. “These are the decorations for the Christmas dinner. Please tell Max we’re willing to help with whatever he needs. It’s just nice they want to include Mal, me, and the baby.”
Evan sighed, a long exhale that was more theatrical than useful. “And how many times do I need to tell you to relax and let this town love you? You’re family, Foxy. Now cut the crap and help me make pancakes. The babies are hungry, and my wife is a little scary this morning.”
Beckett strode to the sink and washed his hands. “Yeah, but you like it.”
Evan cracked another egg into the batter and beamed. “No, I don’t. I freakingloveit.” His infectious smile grew tenfold when his wife and sister joined them. CeCe wasted no time pulling Maybelle into her arms.
“Look how big she’s getting.” She clasped the baby to her chest, her eyes misting over. “I just hope our kids and Maybelle are best friends. The thought is literally keeping me up at night.” She sniffled, bottom lip trembling. “I feel like they will be, right? Their fathers are best friends, Mal and I are best friends, and we’re family. It’s like the trifecta of love, right?”
Behind her shoulder, Evan mouthed “Trifecta of love?” before Beckett shook his head.
Mallory yanked a tissue from her pocket and handed it to CeCe, then glared at her brother. One of the biggest changes to the pastry chef was not the weight gain or newfound love of anything related to batter, but her quickness to cry. Whether it was a car insurance commercial or a sweet gesture from her husband, CeCe would be in tears within seconds if the wind blew the wrong way.
“Babe, you’re right,” Evan insisted from his side of the kitchen, “they’re going to be besties for life. They’re half Foxy and half Lawless. C’mon!”
Mallory balled up a napkin and tossed it at her brother. “Gross. Maybelle is clearly halfLawson,not yours,” she chided, referring to Beckett’s nickname for her very law-abiding little brother.
CeCe groaned and rubbed the small of her back. Beckett took Maybelle and hoisted her onto his hip. “You want to have a seat, CeCe? I’ll make sure Ev doesn’t burn breakfast.”
