Page 23 of Tempting Miles
That’s the thing about us—sometimes words aren’t necessary.
“Who would’ve thought? The GOAT. One of the top scorers in the league crying his eyes out because he’s gonna be a dad,” Gio says.
Perfect timing. Snaps both of us right out of it.
“Papa, tío Xander sad,” little Indigo says, and just like that, Xander’s eyes well up again.
But then Indigo reaches for him and wraps his tiny arms around his neck, and yeah… there’s not a dry eye in the room.
After what feels like the hundredth round of congratulations, we all settle back into our seats and dig into the chicken tarragon Rain made.
Xander helps her set out pies and ice cream for dessert, while River and I start loading the dishwasher.
This time, I make sure I’m first in line, and Mama shoots me a look.
“What?” I shrug. “Sage and Indigo can wait. Their bellies are full anyway.”
I grab a slice of pecan pie just as—
Rain screams so loud I jerk, my plate nearly slipping from my hands.
“What the fuck happened?” I ask, instantly on alert.
“Ruin is pregnant too. We’re pregnant at the same time!”
It catches me off guard for a second, but once it settles in, I’m not surprised. Those two have always been in sync.
“Shit, Rain. I bit my tongue. Damn near had a heart attack,” River mutters, rubbing his chest.
“I’m sorry, big brother. But how freaking cool is this? We didn’t even plan it.”
Rain and Ruin get swallowed up by Mama and Granny, the four of them already talking baby showers, nursery colors, and every other baby-related thing imaginable.
I head back into the kitchen and grab my abandoned plate, then take a seat next to Gio, who’s working on a slice of cranberry pie by himself at the table.
“Congrats, man,” I say, digging into mine. “Not your first rodeo, though. You kept that quiet.”
He grins. “I wasn’t a hundred percent sure when Xander told us, but I had a feeling.” He shrugs, then adds, “I’ll have as many kids as she wants.”
I snort under my breath, already thinking these two are going to give me a dozen nieces and nephews—or, like Gio says, an entire soccer team.
When the doorbell rings, I barely register it.
“Everyone, we have one more guest,” Xander announces from the door.
I know who it is before I even turn around. The sharp click of her heels gives her away.
“Hello everyone, I’m sorry I’m late,” Penny says as she walks into the family room.
I try like hell not to look at her. She never replied to my text after missing work, and yeah, maybe it’s stupid, but I meant it when I asked if she was okay.
My willpower lasts all of two seconds.
The moment my eyes land on her, a rush of electricity shoots down my spine.
She hugs Granny, and something about the sight stops me in my tracks. As much as Granny loves people, she doesn’t give her affection freely unless someone earns it. They speak quietly, but I catch enough of their conversation.
“Penny, dear. I finally got my medication the other day. I’m sorry I didn’t call to thank you sooner, but I’m so grateful you took it upon yourself to deal with the insurance company. I would’ve lost my last marble if I had to keep arguing with them over the phone.”
