Maybe for You--A Whiskey and Weddings Novel

by Nicole McLaughlin

  “Oh, honey, you know we tease.” She looked at Alex and whispered loudly. “But I was truly worried.”

  Alex laughed as Sharon led her down the hallway. The kitchen and dining area was filled with people. She met Jake’s two brothers, one of their wives—the other was a doctor and was on call—several nieces and nephews, and then finally his father, Ken.

  “It’s nice to meet you,” he said in a soft voice. It was obvious that Ken was not the dominant partner in the relationship, and Alex liked him immediately.

  “You two sit down, I’ve got some things to show you.” Sharon said, shushing everyone.

  Glancing around the warm and slightly dated kitchen, Alex noted that Sharon had set out plenty of food, including a few pies, and had several wrapped gifts on the end of the counter.

  She instructed Alex and Jake to sit at the table, and everyone else found a seat.

  “Jake told me not to go crazy, but I just couldn’t help myself when he told me.” Sharon placed the presents in front of Alex. “But this is what Gammas do. You’ll have to get used to it.”

  Alex smiled at Jake. “Go ahead,” she said.

  “I think these are for you,” he said.

  “They’re for both of you,” Sharon said. “You’re the daddy, Jake. Why don’t you both open one?”

  Jake and Alex glanced at each other and then laughed awkwardly. They’d yet to call him Daddy or any fatherly endearment, but she liked the sound of it. She wondered if he did. They proceeded to open the gifts, which were several newborn outfits. All gender neutral, but all adorable. The sight of them sent a little tingle through her body. Even this far along, she hadn’t really let herself look at baby things. She wasn’t sure why. But holding these tiny onesies and itty-bitty socks made her feel excited. More so than she had up until this point.

  The final gift was a small bag, and the only thing inside was an envelope tucked inside the tissue paper. Alex opened it and pulled out the card.

  Dear Alexis, We are so excited to welcome you to our family. Love, Sharon and Ken

  There was a gift card to a local baby boutique for a thousand dollars.

  “Oh my goodness,” Alex said breathlessly.

  “Mom, wow,” Jake said, looking over her shoulder. “Thank you.”

  “Well, we bought your brothers each a baby bed set when they had their first kids. Bed and dresser. I wasn’t sure what you’d like so you two can go and pick it out.”

  Alex looked up at Jake, his gaze on her so intense, and so full of … something. It made her want to melt into him. They hadn’t even thought that far ahead or talked about where she would live when the baby was born. Had he been thinking about it? Right now, she was trying to take one day at a time.

  She turned back to everyone. “Thank you so much. This is so generous I don’t even know what to say.”

  “Oh, I’m so glad you like it. I can’t wait to see what you pick out. They have so much cute stuff in that shop. I could have bought it all. I can’t wait to find out if it’s a boy or a girl.”

  Grinning, Alex nodded at Jake. “Give her the box.”

  He reached down toward the floor, picked up the small box with a bow on it, and handed it to his mother. She took it, her mouth dropping open for a moment as she read the sticker that identified it was from a bakery. “Is this what I think it is?”

  Jake shrugged. “Open it and find out.”

  Sharon pulled off the ribbon and peeked inside. “Oh my God!” she squealed.

  “Well, what the heck is it?” Ken said in frustration.

  Alex loved their interactions.

  Sharon opened the box and pulled out a giant cupcake, big enough for three people. It immediately got the five children excited.

  “Kyle, get a plate and knife,” Sharon instructed one of Jake’s brothers. She shushed the children gathered around her and then took the offered utensils and sat the cake on the plate. “Okay, you all ready? I’m gonna cut it open.”

  Alex and Jake smiled at each other, and under the table he clasped his hand with hers.

  “Here we go,” Sharon held the knife up over the cupcake. It was loaded with an inch of frosting on top. She slid the knife down dramatically and then paused and let out a little scream, which made Alex laugh. She was quite a character. Slowly she pulled the knife back to reveal blue filling. “A boy!” she screamed, and everyone got excited.

  Alex and Jake had already found out that morning at their sonogram appointment. They’d then taken a cupcake over to Joel, Dean, and Charlotte, who had all been patiently waiting to find out.

  “I had a feeling it might be a boy,” Sharon said.

  “How?” Jake asked.

  “I dreamed about it.” She looked at Alex. “You know, after two boys, we wanted Jake to be a girl. I was so devastated when I saw that penis on the screen.”

  One of the kids let out a loud “Ewwww, Gamma.”

  “We know this story, Mom. You’ve told me a million times,” Jake said. Alex looked at him. Did that bother him? His mother clearly loved him—that much was obvious, especially when she leaned down and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Oh honey,” she said. “You’re perfect. Especially now that you finally gave me another grandbaby.”

  Alex grinned at him. A strapping, handsome man being kissed by his mommy was a special sight. It was hard to believe that she was going to have one of those one day.

  By the time they left the Coopers’ house two hours later, she was loaded with gifts, stuffed, and exhausted. But she felt happy and content. Something she hadn’t felt in a long time. This family was now, sort of, hers. No matter what happened between them, these would be her child’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

  In the car Alex buckled up and glanced over at Jake. His profile was strong and gorgeous, his shoulders broad. She couldn’t wait to see how handsome their son would be.

  “Your family is great,” she said as he started the car.

  He turned to her. “Yeah, they’re not bad.”

  “They’re clearly really proud of you.”

  “You think?” he asked.

  “What does that mean? Of course I think. Did you hear your dad showing me all your baseball trophies? Good grief, they must have a million anchors in the wall to hold those shelves up.”

  “Well, honestly, tonight was the first night in a long damn time that I’ve been with my family and felt … part of them. Not like the outsider.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m thirty-two, Alex. Single. I’ve never brought a woman home. Not once. And my family has loved to give me shit about it for a decade. I’ve been to a hundred birthday parties for my nieces and nephews, been here for countless holidays where everything is focused on the kids, the families. It got old being the bachelor uncle who would never settle down. But tonight … I had you.” He reached over and touched her belly. “And this guy. And for once it was about us. For the first time it was my baby that had my mom excited.”

  He looked into her eyes. “Thank you for that.”

  Alex leaned over and kissed him softly. “You’re welcome.”

  They stayed like that, leaned into each other, staring into each other’s eyes in the moonlight.

  “Can I come home with you?” she whispered.

  Jake reached up and touched her face. “Alex, my home is your home.”

  Twenty-Seven

  Alex knew this day was not about her, but she felt like a whale, standing near the officiant in her light blue bridesmaid dress in front of about thirty people set up in chairs in the upstairs of the Stag. Everything did look lovely though. One half of the large room was set up for the small ceremony, the other half held six round tables with white table cloths.

  She, Charlotte, and Jen had been busy the past couple of months getting everything ready. Making centerpieces, shopping for jewelry, going to dress fittings. It had kept Alex’s mind off the stress of her daily life. Where would she live, what would she name this baby, was
she in love with Jake?

  She glanced over at him, standing next to TJ opposite her and Jen. How did one human manage to be so handsome? Instead of tuxes, the guys were in dark gray three-piece suits, and the look made her want to pull Jake into a dark corner and eat him up from top to bottom. He’d even slicked back his hair a bit, something she’d never seen him do before, but damn, it was hot.

  As if he could feel her eyes on him, he glanced over and waggled his eyebrows at her. She bit back a laugh. His eyes ran down the length of her massive thirty-six-week-pregnant body and then back up to her face. He winked at her, that same look in his eyes that he gave frequently lately. Ever since she’d gotten pregnant. The one that made her feel so cherished and protected she wanted to cry.

  Suddenly Dean stepped out of Jen’s office, which was off to the side, and made his way toward them. He took his spot next to Jake and TJ and then looked over at Alex. Her brother looked so handsome today, and for a moment she was reminded of him as teenager. Her hero.

  “Love you,” she mouthed to him.

  He mouthed it back and smiled at her before turning to look down the aisle.

  Jake’s eyes caught hers again, just behind her brother. Part of her was tempted to mouth him the same words. She wanted to. Felt it. But they’d yet to say it to each other.

  She looked down the aisle as the music Charlotte had chosen began. Lauren, Charlotte’s good friend and photo assistant, stood in the small aisle with her camera ready to capture Charlotte’s approach. Alex stood up straight, but she was starting to feel the strain. Everything ached these days. Her back, her feet, her crotch.

  The first thing that trotted down the aisle was Fernando, sporting a bowtie. Everyone laughed as he walked up, then plopped down at Alex’s feet and rolled over on his back.

  “Good boy, Fernie,” Alex whispered. He sat up and gave her a panting smile, tongue hanging out. The loud intake of Dean’s breath across from her had Alex looking back up at the rear of the room.

  Tears pricked at her eyes as she took in the sight of a happy, smiling Charlotte walking slowly toward her brother. Her dress was a fitted but very simple satin number, and she wore her hair down with pin-curl waves. Her bouquet—as all the flowers adorning the room—was a visually striking collection of wisteria, blue hydrangea, and white peonies. Charlotte’s florist friend, Mark, had seriously outdone himself while also giving them a great deal. Everything, including Charlotte, looked so elegant and classic, Alex knew Dean had to be losing his mind at the sight of her. No one deserved this moment more than these two people.

  Instantly Alex’s gaze searched out John, the man who had once—many years ago—stood Charlotte up on their wedding day. Alex smirked as she found him in the crowd staring at Charlotte with wide eyes. Eat your heart out, sucker.

  Thankfully for Alex’s poor pelvic bone, the ceremony was short and sweet, and it wasn’t long before Dean was kissing his new bride along to the ABBA song “Honey, Honey” blasting out of the speakers. Everyone cheered as the two of them walked down the aisle grinning, followed by Alex and Jake, along with Fernando—aptly named after an ABBA song—and then TJ and Jen.

  The reception got started immediately with Stag cocktails. After rushing to the restroom to relieve herself for the twentieth time today, Alex was happy when she walked out to find Jake waiting for her. She smiled up at him, touching the vest under his jacket. This was really the first time they’d gotten to see each other. The ladies had gotten ready at Charlotte’s parents’ house while the guys had gotten ready here.

  “This vest is really doing it for me,” she said, running a finger down his torso.

  “Yeah?” he asked, fisting his lapels and looking down at himself. “I’m feeling pretty dapper. Not gonna lie.”

  “Not fair a man can be expecting a baby and still be so hot.”

  “Ah, babe,” he leaned down and put his arms around her. “You have no idea how sexy you look today.” His arms slid back until he was cupping her belly in his hands. “In fact, I’d like to drag you out of this place right now and down into my office. Nobody has to know.”

  She slapped him away. “Charlotte and Dean would never forgive us if we ditched their wedding. Besides, Jen has something totally amazing planned for later. It’s a surprise.”

  Jake’s brows went up. “She gonna sing?”

  Alex smiled. “Something like that.”

  “Hmm. Well, right now all I can think about, besides you naked, is eating. I’m starving, and you’re always starving so—”

  “Hey!” She said. “You better watch yourself.”

  He grabbed her hand and they headed for the buffet table. The next hour passed quickly as they ate and chatted with friends. Alex watched everyone dance. She just wasn’t really feeling up to getting out there, but watching Joel dance with Charlotte was proving to be plenty entertaining. When the band switched to a slow song, Jake came over from talking to someone across the room and held out a hand to Alex.

  “I’d love to dance with a beautiful pregnant woman,” he said.

  She placed her hand in his and let him pull her up out of her chair. “You’ll have to keep me steady. I’m front heavy,” she said as he drew her into his body on the dance floor.

  “Me too,” he whispered, pretending to adjust his crotch.

  “Oh my gosh, what’s gotten into you lately?” she asked, grinning.

  He shrugged as their bodies swayed to the music. Her large belly kept them from getting too close. “I guess I’m just really happy.”

  Alex tilted her head to the side and stared up at him, her fingers threading into his hair. She didn’t care if she messed up his perfectly styled do, she liked how the short strands felt against her skin. “I’m happy too, Jake. Happier than I’ve been … in so long. I didn’t think it was possible for me.”

  He leaned down and kissed her, although it was a little awkward. Just then she felt the baby roll over in her stomach. Jake pulled back, his mouth wide open with excitement. “Okay, I felt that one!”

  Alex laughed. The past several weeks he’d been obsessed with feeling the baby move. “I felt that one too. He’s now getting comfortable on my bladder.”

  Jake nodded toward the restroom. “You need to go?”

  She shook her head. “Nah, I’ve got a few more minutes to dance with you.”

  He angled his body around her stomach, so they could get closer, which required them to switch things up. They grasped hands on one side, and he pulled her tight with one of his hands around her waist on the other. Thankfully she still had one free arm to wrap around his shoulders and rest her fingers on his neck.

  After a few moments he let go of her hand so he could rub her belly softly back and forth as if he was dancing with it. Alex leaned her forehead into his temple. “What are you doing?”

  “Teaching my son how to dance.”

  She bit at her lip, suddenly emotional. It had been a while since Nate’s face had entered her mind. She’d been so busy, and it had been so long.

  And she just didn’t think about him as much.

  Taking a deep breath, she blew it out slowly against Jake’s neck. Feeling it, he lifted his head and looked down at her. “You okay?”

  She nodded. Could he tell she had tears in her eyes? She stared up at him, and his eyes didn’t leave hers. Since his hand was still rubbing her stomach, she took her free one and lifted it to palm his jaw. “I love you so much, Jake Cooper.”

  His eyes widened a bit and the corner of his mouth lifted. “I love you, Alexis Parker.”

  “You do?” she whispered.

  “I do.” He nodded. “I have for a long time.”

  “It scares me to love someone as much as I love you.”

  She could tell by the way his eyes lit up that he loved hearing that. “I know, babe. But you know better than anyone, no matter what happens, you’ll never regret loving someone.”

  Her heart nearly stopped beating. How did this man always know just what to say to make he
r feel reassured? Safe.

  The song came to an end and there was a commotion at the front of the room. Alex jerked her head around to see Jen and her friend Ant—the lead singer of the band—pick up microphones. They were quickly followed by about six kids who were amazing singers from Jen’s theater program.

  “What are they going to do?” Jake asked quietly.

  “Just watch. Charlotte’s going to flip her lid.”

  “Charlotte,” Jen said into her microphone.

  Charlotte was rushing up to the stage, the hugest smile on her face, Dean being dragged along behind her. “What are you doing?” Charlotte yelled in excitement.

  Everyone’s attention was on the stage and the kids who were lined up around a microphone.

  “This is a gift from your new husband,” Jen said before nodding at the kid choir. They immediately belted out the first couple of lines of ABBA’s Lay All Your Love on Me—the movie version—and Charlotte screamed and began jumping up and down.

  “What is this?” Jake asked, clearly confused.

  Alex turned to him. “Charlotte is obsessed with Mamma Mia.”

  They turned to see Ant singing the first verse. Jen would obviously kill it on the female verses. And Charlotte was singing along with all of it like it was the most amazing thing she’d ever seen. Alex couldn’t help laughing at the whole scene. This might be the happiest day of her life. She was in love, she was expecting a baby, and she was surrounded by the most amazing people.

  Twenty-Eight

  Alex rolled over in bed and let her head flop back down on her pillow when she found Jake’s side of the bed empty. She’d almost forgotten that he’d left the day before to attend an event in Nashville. It was the big grand opening of the newest Sip, Bite, Match. Peter Dunn had asked if they’d be willing to have the Stag Wagon parked outside. There would be bouncy houses for the kids, drinks for the parents, and a news crew for publicity.

  Jake, Dean, and TJ had all decided it would be best if they passed, but Charlotte and Alex had talked them into doing it. They’d only recently started working with the Sip, Bite, Match franchise, and it didn’t make sense to turn down this offer. Besides, Nashville wasn’t that far, it was only for two nights, and Alex still had a week until her due date. Dr. Mendoza had told her it was unlikely she would go into labor before then.