“Danni, that’s so exciting!” Everleigh gushed. “You’re having a boy and I’m having a girl…you know what this means, don’t you?”
I smiled at her and we both screamed in unison, “Future wedding!” and we laughed.
Beau snorted and Ryder said, “Oh Jesus. Our kids aren’t even born yet and they’re already marrying them off.”
“Danni, you and Beau aren’t even married yet, so maybe you should hold off planning a wedding that may or may not happen twenty years from now,” Sadie laughed, taking a drink of her beer.
I laughed at Sadie but she voiced something that had been concerning me the farther along I got in my pregnancy. I knew it sounded crazy, but I actually wanted to be married to Beau and wished every day that he would ask me. He wanted us to live together and I wanted to live with him so badly, but I wanted us to be married or at least engaged first. It may have been an old-fashioned idea, especially in the fast-paced and hard-rock life I was now living, but with my belly getting bigger and bigger every day reminding me of impending motherhood, I couldn’t help wanting to be married to the father of my child before she was born.
The way he had been looking at me all day was making me more and more nervous. I felt like he was going bolt at any time; that he was just waiting for the right moment to decide that a girlfriend and a kid would be too much for him to handle.
I looked at Dad and he had the biggest smile on his face. Shaking his head, he said, “You couldn’t just let me have my grandson, could you? You had to be stubborn like always.”
“Hey now, blame Beau. It was his ‘boys’ that determined the sex of the baby, not me,” I laughed.
“I’m just joking, princess. I am so happy for you and Beau and you both will make wonderful parents.”
He raised his beer and toasted us. “To my daughter and her wonderful boyfriend, congratulations on your baby girl. May you both go as gray worrying about your little girl as I have worrying about mine.”
Everyone laughed and we all toasted to the new baby and the promise of good things to come for all of us.
After dinner, the guys decided to take Dad out and show him around Cincinnati. Since Beau wasn’t a drinker anymore, and Dad was in his fifties, that pretty much meant they were going to show him the recording studio then go catch a movie before coming back here. That gave me plenty of time to get in some girl talk with Everleigh, Sadie, Jessie, and my mom.
“So, have you bought anything for the baby yet?” Mom asked as we finished cleaning up the kitchen.
I placed a container of leftover fried chicken in the refrigerator and said, “Actually after we found out what we were having today, Beau took me on a shopping spree and I think we have absolutely everything we need for her.”
“So no baby shower?” Everleigh asked, sticking her lip out in disappointment.
“Yes, I’d still love to have a baby shower! But instead of gifts maybe we can think of doing something else,” I suggested.
“Like what?” Sadie asked. “We can’t exactly go clubbing.”
Jessie laughed and said, “No, we can’t. We could just have a girl’s day at a spa or something. I bet a pedicure would feel great when your feet start to swell.”
“Something to look forward to,” Mom said as she patted Everleigh’s belly. Her stomach was much bigger than mine and not just because she was due a month before me. At her last appointment Dr. Mitchell told her that little Max was actually big for this point in the pregnancy and that he was on the fast track to being close to ten pounds by the time he was born.
“Shit, have you seen my feet, Brenda? They look like hams if I wear any sandals with tight straps and I’m not even due until November,” Everleigh pouted.
“Oh they do not, sweetie. You look absolutely gorgeous,” Mom said, hugging her. “I can’t believe both of my girls are having babies at the same time. You two always did like to do everything together.”
“Well I definitely didn’t plan it to go this way but I can’t lie and say I’m not super excited,” I answered.
“So, Jessie,” Mom asked, “when are you and your husband going to have a little one?”
Jessie smiled her beautiful smile and ran her fingers through her long light brown hair.
“Someday soon, hopefully. We’ve definitely been trying, that’s for sure.”
“Well, that’s the thing about babies. They come when they are ready,” Mom reassured her. “Although if I was married to someone as gorgeous as your husband I’d be practicing baby making all the time.”
We all busted out laughing at that comment. Sadie walked over and snaked her arm through Mom’s.
“Danni, your mom is the shit. Will you adopt me?”
Mom smiled at her and said, “Absolutely, doll. You and Jessie have been such great friends to Danni and Everleigh, especially through that awful situation in New York. I already love you both like daughters.”
I noticed both Sadie and Jessie suddenly had sad smiles on their faces.
“That’s so sweet, Brenda, thank you,” Jessie said. “I hope Danni realizes how lucky she is to have had a mom like you growing up.”
“I take it you didn’t have the best childhood either?” Mom asked as we all walked into the living room.
“No, sadly,” Jessie said, sitting down on the couch. “Ryder was the only one out of all of us that was lucky enough to have great parents. My mom was a nightmare.”
“I’m so sorry sweetheart,” Mom said to her. “You too, Sadie.”
“Don’t be sorry, Brenda. We both didn’t have it easy but we made it here now and that’s all that matters,” Jessie replied.
“Was it just you and your mom growing up?” Mom asked Jessie.
“For the most part, I guess. When I was ten child services stepped in and took me from her. It was one of the best and worst days of my life.”
“Why is that?” Mom asked, her eyes glistening with fresh tears.
“I was glad because I thought I was getting away from my mom for good, but it also meant I didn’t get to see Kris. That was something I’d gotten used to and I missed him. He was always my escape from home and I was away from him for a while.”
“So, I take it you had to go back home?”
“Yeah, after about six months of being bounced around from home to home the court decided that my mom had cleaned up her act well enough for me to go back to that hell hole with her. I didn’t want to go home obviously, but I was so happy that I’d be with Kris again. He always made me feel so safe even when logically I wasn’t.”
As if sensing things were getting too serious, Sadie sank down next to Jessie and changed the subject. “So, have you two thought of any names for the baby yet? Hint…Sadie has a nice ring to it.”
I chuckled and answered, “No, we haven’t really discussed names yet. To tell you the truth, we haven’t even really had the discussion of moving in together yet.”
“Girl, you’re halfway through the pregnancy. You’d better decide soon,” Everleigh said.
“She’s right, Danni. He asked you over a month ago. What are you waiting for?” Jessie asked.
I sighed and admitted, “To marry him.”
Everyone gasped and Sadie asked, “Did he propose to you?”
I shook my head sadly and answered, “No he hasn’t. I’m afraid he doesn’t want to and that he’s getting freaked.”
“Why do you think that?” asked Jessie. “Girl, Beau is in love with you. He’s so happy with you and we all see that. Why do you think he’s freaked?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know. He just…he’s seemed really nervous since we came back from Muncie. I feel like there is something off but I can’t exactly put my finger on it.”
My mom wrapped her arm around my shoulders and gave me a reassuring squeeze.
“Danni, anyone with eyes can see that man loves you and this baby girl. Men just sometimes get stressed over the little things. I wouldn’t worry honey. A new relationship that has been fa
st tracked into family life sometimes just takes you by surprise.”
My emotions were getting the better of me, and my bottom lip started to tremble.
“I just don’t want to lose him. I love him so much,” I whimpered, feeling the tears pooling in my eyes.
“Oh Danni,” Everleigh said, kneeling in front of me. “You aren’t going to lose Beau, I know it. Maybe he’s nervous for a good reason. Who knows? He might be planning a surprise for you or something and he’s just nervous about how you’re going to react.”
Her words gave me a lift. “You think so?”
“He could be. Just…don’t freak out yet. Talk to him when he gets home,” Ev reassured me.
Just then the front door opened and in walked Beau with my dad and the guys. When his eyes landed on me, he smiled and said, “Hey beautiful.” He walked toward me and when he reached the couch, he leaned down and kissed me, his tongue gently sweeping over my bottom lip.
“H-hey Beau,” I muttered, dazed from feeling his lips on mine. “You’re back early. Did you have a good time with the guys?”
“I did, but I couldn’t wait to get back home to you,” he answered, his tone full of lust.
A shiver trickled down my spine and my nipples instantly hardened as I looked into his deep brown eyes. I hoped like hell everyone was right…I loved this man so much and I would die without him.
“Ugh, keep it in your pants until we leave, man,” Jude grumbled.
I looked up at Jude and asked, “Aw, what’s the matter big guy?” I took in his appearance and fought back a laugh. His tee shirt looked wet and clung to his hard chest.
“Oh nothing,” he answered glumly.
Ryder walked to Everleigh, who was still kneeling in front of me, and helped her to her feet. He laughed and replied, “He ran into some chick he fu-, um, I mean slept with at the movie theater.”
“Why are you all wet then?” Sadie asked and I couldn’t help but pick up a bit of irritation in her voice.
“It was actually hilarious,” Ryder answered. “We were waiting to pay for our tickets when we saw this group of girls leaving the theater. This one chick recognized us and she came storming over and yelled at Jude, calling him an asshole and shit. Well, he didn’t even have time to say anything because as soon as she reached us she threw herself at him and stuck her tongue in his mouth.”
“Classy,” Sadie said, rolling her eyes.
Dad laughed. “Oh yeah, she was a gem. When Jude shoved her off of him she slapped him across the face before she threw her drink in his face.” He placed his hands on Jude’s shoulders and gave him a friendly shake. “I’m sorry to laugh son, but it was hilarious.”
Jude playfully elbowed my dad in the ribs. “You’re lucky I like you, old man,” he answered, and my dad laughed harder.
Sadie stood up off the couch, seeming to be in a better mood than she was a few minutes ago.
“Well, as much as I would love to have been there to see that, why don’t we go home so you can get changed?”
“Yeah, all right,” Jude answered, and wrapped his big muscular arm around Sadie’s neck. “Thanks for dinner, everyone, and Danni…congrats on your little girl. I’m really happy for you.”
I grinned brightly at him and replied, “Thanks Jude.”
Ryder, who was standing behind Everleigh with his arms wrapped around her waist, kissed the top of her head and said, “I think we’re going to head out too. I was only away from my gorgeous wife for an hour but I’m already pitching a tent in my pants.”
Everyone snickered and Everleigh blushed. “Easy, rock star. Dan and Brenda are like my parents.”
Mom smiled at them and said, “Oh, Ev honey, you are married and you’re pregnant. We know you have sex, sweetheart.”
When her face got even redder, Mom said, “Go ahead. Go home and get some.”
Ryder laughed and kissed Everleigh’s neck. Her eyes closed for a moment as he said, “That sounds good to me. Let’s go, gorgeous, I need to get you home.”
Just then Everleigh giggled and I saw Ryder’s eyes widen. His face broke into a handsome smile and they quickly looked at each other. She gasped and I asked, “Ev, what’s wrong?”
Her eyes were wide and suddenly glistened with tears. “Nothing, it’s just…oh my God!”
Ryder let go of her and walked around to face her. He knelt down on the floor and placed his large hands gently on her stomach. He was still grinning widely as he softly said, “Holy shit.”
“What is it, Ev?” Jessie asked, who I now noticed had gotten up and was tucked under Kris’ arm.
“He just kicked. Max just kicked me,” she said, a tear falling down her cheeks.
“Haven’t you felt it before?” Mom asked her.
“I have, but Ryder hadn’t until just now,” Everleigh answered.
I smiled, so happy to be in this moment with them. I suddenly couldn’t wait to feel our little girl kicking and playing in my belly. I looked at Ryder and I almost started to cry as I saw the expression of happiness on his face. He had tears glistening in his eyes too as he rubbed his hands reverently on her swollen stomach.
We all watched in amazement as Ryder got to feel his child kicking for the first time. Before anyone could blink, he kissed her stomach and quickly stood up. “Okay, we need to go. I have to get you home and naked in our bed now.”
Everleigh barely muttered a goodbye before Ryder took her hand and led her quickly out the door.
Kris snorted out a laugh and said, “Well, I guess that’s our cue to head out too. You ready to go, Jess?”
“Ready,” she said, kissing his cheek. She broke away from him and hugged both of my parents quickly before saying good night to everyone else and going home.
“Well, Princess, I think I’m going to have to call it a night. Trying to keep up with these young rockers tonight reminded me of how old I really am. Besides, tomorrow’s a big day,” my dad said, winking at me.
Beau shifted nervously next to me and I felt my worry start to rise again.
“Why is it a big day?” I asked.
My mom playfully elbowed Dad in the ribs and answered, “It’s the Fourth of July, Danni. We’re going to watch fireworks explode on the river! That’s really exciting!”
Something in her answer made me pause. “Mom, we used to watch fireworks at Prairie Creek Reservoir on our pontoon every year.”
“Well, this time it will be on a yacht. I would definitely say that’s an upgrade from a pontoon, don’t you think?” Mom asked.
Something still didn’t feel right but I decided not to push it tonight. I had to talk to Beau about what was bothering me and the longer I waited the more anxious I felt.
“Yeah, I guess so. Well, I’ll let you two get some rest,” I answered, hugging both of them. “I’m kind of tired myself.”
“You’ll let us know if you need anything, okay?” Beau asked.
“Oh, I’m sure we will be fine. Thanks for dragging my ass out tonight son,” Dad answered, giving Beau a quick shake around the shoulders. “You boys made an old man feel young again.”
Beau chuckled and smiled at Dad. “Old man my ass. You had it all over us and you know it.”
“I did, didn’t I?” he joked, and I laughed.
He pulled Beau into a quick hug and said quietly, “Good night, son.”
Beau blew out a nervous breath and answered, “Night, Dan. You too, Brenda.”
My stomach was really rolling now…the way everyone was acting had my suspicions on red alert. After my parents disappeared into one of the spare bedrooms, Beau took my hand in his.
“You ready to head to bed?”
“Yeah,” I said, my voice starting to crack. He led me to his bedroom and just as we walked inside, he turned on the light and I turned to face him. Before I could speak he pulled me into his arms and kissed me.
“Mm, I’ve been dying to kiss these lips all night,” he murmured against my lips.
My body tingled as his hands roamed do
wn my back to rest above my ass. I could already feel him getting harder by the second and as much as I wanted to give into him, I really needed to talk to him.
“B-Beau, wait,” I whispered, pushing against his chest.
“What’s wrong, Danni?”
“Listen, can we talk for a minute?”
His brows furrowed together and his eyes quickly filled with worry.
“Talk about what?”
I took a deep breath and pulled him to the bed. I sat down and he fell into place next to me.
“Beau…are we okay?”
“What do you mean? Of course we’re okay. At least I hope we are,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Why do you ask?”
I hesitated…I was afraid to ask what was really on my mind. I took several deep breaths before I opened my mouth to ask, “Are you…are you happy with me? I mean, really happy?”
“Oh Danni,” he replied, softly chuckling as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “There isn’t a bastard alive that’s happier than I am right now, baby.”
“But the past few days you’ve seemed off to me. Actually you’ve been acting differently since we came back from Muncie. I’m just…”
“Just what, Danni?” he asked me.
I felt my bottom lip start to quiver and I fought tears as I confessed, “I’m afraid that you are starting to get freaked out about me and the baby.”
Beau released me and knelt down on the floor in front of the bed.
“Are you serious right now? How can you think that?” he asked, hurt in his voice.
I felt my heart start to break at his tone. “Danni, haven’t you been happy with me?”
“I’ve been so happy,” I said, tears rolling down my cheeks. “It’s just been a crazy few months with everything that’s changed. I know we didn’t plan to have this baby, and even though I’m so thrilled about it, I have to admit it was a lot to take in after only a month being back together with you.”
Reckless Redemption: A Bad Blooded Rebel Novel (Bad Blooded Rebel Series) Page 16