by Lori Ryan
“Max,” she gasped, “I want you.”
He pulled back, his face just inches from hers. “I told you nothing until after the wedding.”
“But the doctor said it was fine. We can have sex, you won’t hurt the babies.”
He studied her as if not believing her before leaning forward and pressing a soft kiss against her lips. “Let me love you now, Devlin.”
Good Lord, how could she refuse that offer. “Okay,” she said quietly. Relaxing back into the warm water, feeling decadent and treasured, she opened herself, body and soul, and let Max Sumner love her.
Chapter Two
“Need another club soda?” Shawn asked, standing behind Max.
“Nah,” he shook his head, “better not. I’m driving tonight.”
Shawn laughed, as did Max’s brothers, Ben and Emmett. They all knew Max didn’t drink. He’d had a problem with painkillers a year ago and his head coach had threatened him with rehab if he didn’t clean up his act. In an unusual display of humility, he’d obeyed, quit the painkillers and retired from the game he loved at the end of the season.
At first he’d feared what his life would look like without football. He’d never imagined any life that didn’t involve the game in some way. But life had another plan for him—thankfully, one he couldn’t wait to begin with Devlin.
“Looks like Larry, Mo, and Curly are going to burn down the house,” Emmett said, nodding to their brothers as he sat perched on a bar stool.
“Screw you,” Aaron said from his post at the stove.
Grant shot them the middle finger as he continued chopping on some poor vegetable.
Max had invited his five brothers and Shawn over to his mother’s house. The women were having their own gathering at the house he shared with Devlin. It was one last night with the boys before he tied the knot.
Max had never pictured his life turning out this way, married with twins on the way. Now, sitting in the middle of it all, he couldn’t think of anywhere he’d rather be.
His oldest brother Ben stared across the bar at their three brothers, Aaron, Jake and Grant.. “I don’t get it, Ma taught us all to cook.”
Emmett shrugged and drew on his beer. “Apparently your lessons were the only ones that took,” he said, pointing toward Ben.
“I cook,” Max said.
Ben quirked a brow.
“Some.” Max nodded toward Aaron, Grant and Jake, who were all staring dumbfounded at the stove. “Better than those knuckleheads.”
They all laughed.
“I can’t believe you’re going to be a dad,” Emmett said.
“I know.” Max sank back on his stool, scrubbing a hand down his face.
“You’re going to be an amazing father,” Shawn said, patting his shoulder.
Max stared at his good friend. They’d met only a few months before when Max had moved back to Canyon Creek. He only planned to be here until his mother got the buildout of her lodge and wedding barn completed. Instead, he’d knocked-up his one-night stand and figured out home was home. He and Shawn had hit it off and hung out more than he and his brothers did sometimes.
“What’s so funny?” Shawn asked.
“Never pictured my road to fatherhood would look like this,” Max said.
“A little different than our childhood, huh?” Ben said.
“Hey, don’t knock it,” Jake said, rounding the counter and sitting next to him. “Any way you get to fatherhood is a good way.”
Jake had recently discovered he had a five-year old daughter. The girl’s mother had never told Jake she was pregnant. She’d been killed in a drunk driving accident a year ago and the girl’s grandparents had tracked him down.
It had been a rough time for Jake and his daughter, Becca, but now they were living in Canyon Creek permanently, along with Becca’s grandparents. They all seemed to be adjusting well. And Becca was one of Max’s favorite people.
“So, we playing poker or what?” Grant asked, turning to stare at them, chili splattered all over his shirt.
Ben wrinkled his nose “Not until you change clothes.”
“How you were voted the world’s hottest guy of the year, I’ll never know,” Aaron said, shaking his head.
“Not once,” Grant grinned the smile that had won him awards, and hearts, around the world. “Twice, my brother. I was voted the hottest dude in the universe. Twice!” He held up two fingers as if no one had understood the word twice.
“Is Sophie still coming in for the film festival?” Aaron asked.
Sophie Day was Grant’s estranged wife, and one of the most popular pop stars in the world. Even Becca had several of her songs saved on Jake’s phone.
By Max’s calculations, the couple had spent more time apart than together during their tumultuous three-year marriage but he wasn’t going to bring that up. Just the fact they’d been estranged nearly a year with no sign of divorce was telling.
“I have a plan,” Grant said, pulling poker chips and cards from an aluminum case in one of the kitchen cabinets.
“Care to share?” Aaron asked.
“I will.” He smiled. “After the wedding. I’ll definitely need your help.” And that was Grant’s way. He wasn’t cocky, just secure and determined. If he had a mind to win his wife back, Max was pretty sure he would. Or at least die trying.
The guys made their way to the dining room table but Max’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and stared down at the text from “Minx”—his pet name for Devlin.
“Holy fuck,” he whispered.
“What is it?” Jake asked, butting up next to him.
Devlin had sent a picture of her sitting in the rocking chair in the nursery, staring down at her exposed belly. She must have been getting ready for the party because she was wearing a robe, the side opened, exposing her stomach and the swell of one breast. She probably had no idea how sexy that image was to him.
His brothers rushed behind him but Max shoved them with one hand while he brought the phone to his chest to cover it. It might only be her naked belly that was showing but it was his and his alone.
“What the hell does WYWH mean?” Max asked.
“Wish you were here,” Grant and Jake answered in unison.
Max stared down at the image, a slow smile on his face. He didn’t know if she’d meant it as an invitation or not, but he was taking it that way.
“I don’t think we’re playing poker tonight,” Jake said.
Max studied the group of men. “We’re crashing a party.”
The men laughed as they all made their way to the front door.
“I’ll drive,” Ben said.
“Shotgun!” Aaron called.
Their words trailed off in Max’s head as he typed off a response.
MAX: Your wish is my command Minx
And he had a feeling those words would come out of his mouth every day for the rest of his life. The thought made him smile.
Chapter Three
“All right, sweetie,” Lauren Avery said, bending over Devlin’s toes and giving them one more blow. “You’re all done. Don’t they look pretty?”
Lauren was the owner of Salon 101, the local spa. Maggie had called her in to give Devlin a manicure and pedicure.
Devlin bent over to examine her toes, barely able to see them.
“Here,” Lauren said, scooting an ottoman over and propping up her feet. “There, now you can see them.” Lauren smiled, a sweet genuine expression but Devlin could see the sympathy in her eyes.
“Have you ever been pregnant, Lauren?” she asked.
“Not yet.”
“Well, take my advice. If you ever want to see your toes again, don’t.”
Lauren laughed as she gathered up her things. “You come into the salon anytime, Devlin, and I’ll do your toes, even if I have to show you them in a mirror after.”
Devlin glanced down at her toenails. They were painted a dark mauve burgundy to match the dainty floral appliqués on her dress. In the corn
ers of her big toes, Leslie had painted delicate white poppies with black centers to match the bouquet Max’s cousin Daisy had designed for her.
Her toes, which she’d once felt looked like sausages, were now beautiful works of art. She seriously thought about walking down the aisle barefoot. Hadn’t Max said he wouldn’t mind?
“Thank you so much, Lauren. They’re beautiful.”
“Anytime, sugar,” Lauren said with a twang. Devlin wasn’t sure if she was from the south, but her accent brought a soothing calm to Devlin’s racing heart. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
Devlin nodded, unable to look away from her toenails. She wiggled them, laughing. “They’re so pretty.”
“Like you,” Lauren said.
Devlin glanced up.
Lauren was smiling but Devlin could see a longing in her eyes. Was she trying to get pregnant? She wasn’t with anyone, or at least Devlin hadn’t heard anything.
She reached out and grabbed Lauren’s hand, squeezing. “Thank you,” she said softly.
Lauren pulled away and gently sat Devlin’s hand on the arm of the chair. “Now, now, we don’t want you messing up that manicure,” she said, smiling, her look of yearning from earlier gone. “Have a good night sleep, eight hours at least to keep the bags away.” She pointed under her eyes.
Devlin laughed. “Eight hours.” She saluted her. “Yes, ma’am. Thanks again, Lauren.”
“Anytime, darlin’.” She bent down and kissed Devlin on the cheek. “Bye, y’all,” she shouted as she gathered up her things and walked toward the door.
“Stay,” her friend Kayleigh shouted. “We’re just about to open the presents.”
“And Lina just made another batch of her grandmother’s famous Bellinis,” Max’s cousin Lily yelled.
Devlin surveyed the large living room now packed with women. She’d never been part of a large family before but slowly she was getting used to Max’s extended family, which included six female cousins all present, along with her own girlfriends.
“Well, in that case…” Lauren laughed, setting down her things and making her way toward the kitchen bar.
Max’s mother Valerie approached and Devlin scooted her legs to the side, allowing her almost mother-in-law to sit by her. “How you holding up sweetie?” she asked.
Devlin shrugged. “Okay, for a pregnant chick.”
Valerie smiled, a warm genuine smile that always put Devlin at ease. She wondered if her soon-to-be mother-in-law would mind coming into the labor room with her. She was an expert on mothering and Devlin wanted her there from minute one with these babies.
“It’s getting late. Are you sure you don’t want me to shoo these girls out of here?” she asked.
Devlin studied the room again. Although Maggie had said the party was for Devlin, she’d slowly realized it was more for the girls. “Maggie promised strippers so I have to stay up for that.”
Valerie laughed but then her face went solemn. “He really loves you, Devlin.”
Devlin dropped her head to stare at her beautifully manicured fingers, reminding herself not to pick at them. “I really love him too,” she whispered.
“Then what is it?” Valerie asked.
The deafening noise of the girls in the room faded away and it felt like it was just her and Valerie.
“I’m scared.”
“Max won’t leave you and the babies,” Valerie reassured her.
“I know,” she said quietly, unsure of her own words.
“Devlin,” Valerie prompted.
Devlin raised her head, tears pricking her eyes.
Valerie moved closer. “What is it?”
“I just,” she swallowed hard, “I didn’t have the best role models growing up, you know.”
Devlin had grown up with a domineering father and a mother with no back bone. Yes, recently her mother had finally stood up to her father and left him and for that she was grateful. But during her formative years, Devlin had learned a valuable lesson from her father’s infidelities and her mother’s lack of courage—trust no one, rely on no one.
In her teens and twenties the mantra had served her well, gotten her through tough times and protected her heart. But now, her early life lessons were screwing with her head.
Valerie smiled, that same expression that always eased Devlin’s troubles. “I guess you’ve heard that my father was an alcoholic,” Valerie said.
Devlin nodded. Maggie had shared the information but not any details.
“I’ll be honest, Devlin, it wasn’t easy those first few years with John. I had to learn an entirely different way of thinking about men and relationships.”
“How did you do it?” she asked, wanting to get as much wisdom from Valerie as she could.
“One day at a time,” she said. “I was fortunate to have a man who understood I had issues. John was patient and kind with me, reminding me always that he wasn’t my father. It sank in, thankfully. But I think if I hadn’t been open to believing that, I could have sabotaged it all instead of letting myself be happy.”
Devlin saw tears well in Valerie’s eyes and she scooted closer. How much must Valerie still be hurting after losing her husband less than a year ago? Devlin had only known Max a short time but already she knew she would be devastated if something happened to him.
“I’m sorry,” Devlin said. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“No, no,” Valerie waved her off. “I’m fine. I just…” she paused and stared off, probably picturing her husband. “Sometimes I miss him so much. Especially on days like today, with Max and you getting married.”
Devlin watched as Valerie swallowed and wiped away tears. She reached over and handed Valerie a box of tissues. “I had Max start buying tissues in bulk, I’m so emotional.”
Valerie laughed as she plucked one from the box and wiped her eyes. “I remember those days. And I think carrying two makes it even worse.”
Sometimes Devlin forgot that Valerie herself had carried twins…while having four other boys underfoot. She honestly had no idea how she did it.
“Max is patient,” Valerie said. “I know he doesn’t always seem that way, but he is. He’s patient and focused. That’s what made him such a wonderful football player. He never rushed a play, he always waited on his quarterback, but when it came time for him to catch the ball, he did.”
“And he ran,” Devlin smiled. Max had been a wide-receiver and had won so many awards they had to build an extra shelf to house them all.
Valerie laughed. “He came out of the womb running, and never stopped.” She paused and stared into Devlin’s eyes. “Until you.”
Devlin’s chin quivered but she mustered a smile.
“You’ll be an amazing wife to my son, trust me, I wouldn’t have let him marry you if I thought otherwise. I’m quite protective of my boys.” She smiled.
Devlin nodded and took a deep breath.
“It will be hard, Devlin, I’m not going to lie, but you’re strong, your tenacity will serve your family well. And it’s okay to ask for help, especially from Max.” She patted Devlin’s leg. “Lean on him, Devlin, let him share your burdens. He’s quite a large fellow if you haven’t noticed.”
Devlin laughed out loud. Max was an ox compared to most men.
Without allowing Devlin time to answer, Valerie stood and kissed the top of her head before walking off.
It had never occurred to her that she could break Max’s heart too. She’d forgotten that he needed to be cared for as well.
Looking back, she remembered all the times she’d helped him. Caring for him when his knees were acting up—even though he never asked. And talking with him for hours when he felt useless, unsure of where he was going after being forced to retire from the NFL.
Lately, she’d felt like she’d been doing all the taking, emotionally and physically, but that wasn’t true. He needed her just as much as she needed him now. She was growing their babies. They would share their burdens, one day at a time.
A m
oment of peace enveloped her as she thought about sharing her burdens with Max, and carrying his as well. Her parents’ marriage had been one of unequal load bearing and one-sided compromise but hers would be different. She no longer had to outrun her past, she just had to embrace it and learn from it. With Max’s help.
“Gift time!” Kayleigh shouted, jolting her from her thoughts.
“Oh, yay,” Sally said. “We’ve got to pick up Becca from Phoebe’s soon and I want to see you open my present.”
All the women moved into the living room, surrounding Devlin. She tried to sit up but Lily pushed her back down. “Relax honey. Here.” She held out a pink and red concoction in a champagne glass. “Don’t worry, it’s a virgin.”
“Unlike you,” Sally said, glancing down at Devlin’s ever-expanding belly. The group burst into laughter and she held out a wrapped box toward her.
“No,” Devlin’s mom said, “I’d like her to open mine first.” She smiled, handing her a beautiful bag tied with a satin ribbon.
“Mom,” she said softly, more than a little nervous at what might be inside. The girls had all hinted it was a bridal/baby shower so she wasn’t sure what to expect. Especially from own mom.
“Go ahead,” her mom said, “open it.”
Devlin pulled on the ribbon and untied the knot. As she separated the tissue and reached inside, a jittery feeling washed over her. She felt material, smooth material, with lace. Oh, shit. “Mom!”
Her mother shrugged. “The damage is already done,” she said, staring at Devlin’s huge belly as Sally had. “May as well have some fun.”
“Amen, sister.” Sally reached over and high-fived Devlin’s mother.
Holy hell.
Against her better judgment she pulled the gift all the way out of the bag. It was beautiful, a negligee made of pure silk and the softest lace she’d ever felt. As much as she wanted to curl up and die from the sheer fact her mother was giving her sexy nighties, she just couldn’t. The gift was genuine, and extremely expensive according to the designer label.
Mom knew her lingerie.
“It’s maternity,” her mother said, taking the top from her. “See.” She held up the nightie to herself and showed the room how the panels covered, then opened in the front. “It’ll grow with you,” her mom said, beaming.