“He looks just like you.”

Noah grins, his newborn son settled contently on his chest. “He does, doesn’t he?”

I don’t have the heart to tell him his son, while cute, also looks like a bald little old man.

Finley catches my eye and smirks at me. Noah missed the joking tone in my voice, his wife did not.

My mom hovers between the bed and Noah. “Do you want me to hold him?”

Finley covers her mouth to keep from laughing at the territorial expression he shoots our mom.

Lifting her hands in surrender, she turns to Finley. “Can I get you anything?”

Finley shakes her head, with a sleepy, yet happy look. “I’m good.”

Mom pats her arm. “You must be exhausted, and with good reason.” Then she turns to the rest of us. “Finley needs her rest. Time to go.”

Abby pouts, holding her hands out toward the baby. “But I wanted to hold Joey again and Noah’s been hogging him.”

“It’s Joseph, not Joey,” Noah corrects.

Abby lowers her hands. “What’s wrong with Joey? Besides, Joseph is too formal.”

Mom claps her hands. “Wave goodbye to the baby and start moving.”

Abby waves and blows air kisses. “I’m going to hold you longer tomorrow.”

“We’ll see about that,” Noah says.

Our mom ushers us out of the room before Abby has a chance to argue. “They need their rest.”

Abby drags her feet. “He’s so cute. I want to kiss his little fingers and sniff his head.”

I squint at her. “Sniff his head?”

She whirls to face me. “You didn’t sniff his head?”

To be honest, I was so paranoid about dropping him I stood as still as a statue. “Was I supposed to?”

Mom laughs. “Once Lucy’s baby comes I’m sure you’ll have plenty of opportunities to.”

“We kissed tonight.”

Both Abby and Mom rock to a halt, frozen by my words.

Abby is the first to move, grabbing my arm. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”

I shake off her hand. “My new nephew was entering this world.”

Mom takes my other arm. “Does this mean you’re finally dating?”

Covering her hand with mine, I say, “I hope so. Before we had a chance to talk things out, I got the call that Finley was in labor.”

Abby grabs my arm again. “You kissed her and ran?”

Frowning, I blink at her. “What was I supposed to do? Besides, when she heard the news she all but pushed me out the door.”

Mom and Abby lock eyes, having some silent conversation right in front of me. “What? Did I screw up or something?”

They both nod.

Why are women so complicated? “What should I have done?”

Abby tilts her head and mom smiles.

Annoyed, I take a step back. “I’m going to need you to translate whatever that was.”

Mom smiles at me. “You should have brought her.”

Squinting between the both of them, I shake my head. “She was tired and wouldn’t have wanted to intrude.”

Abby’s eyes go big. “She wouldn’t have been intruding.”

“She’s practically family,” mom adds.

It’s pointless to argue with them. “What should I do now?”

Moving behind me, Abby starts pushing me. “You need to go to her.”

Shifting away from her, I glare. “Would you cut that out.”

A couple of nurses stop to look at us and I motion to them. “You’re making people stare.”

She starts pushing me again. “Like I care.”

Reaching behind me, I take both of her hands in mine and tug her to my side. “Stop that. I’ll go. I was heading to Lucy’s anyway.”

Abby and mom link arms and wave. “Let us know how it goes.”

My family is insane.

At least there’s no question on if they like Lucy or not. I don’t remember them ever pushing me physically or figuratively toward a woman this aggressively before.

Our kiss plays on repeat on my drive back to her house. My only fear is if she regrets it. My only regret is not kissing her sooner. Her living room light is on. I’ve been at the hospital for hours. I hope she didn’t wait up.

Using my key, I quietly let myself in. Not finding her in the living room, I make my way to her bedroom. Weeks of napping together have made this room feel like my own. Even now, a book I was reading waits for me on one of her bedside tables.

She’s asleep, straddling a body pillow, the covers kicked off her feet. Kneeling down beside the bed, I take off my shoes before I tug off my shirt. Then I slide in behind her. In her sleep she moves, discarding her pillow as she turns, curling into me.

I’ve become her favorite pillow, my chest the place she lays her head.

Pressing my lips to the top of her head, I say, “Sorry I took so long.”

Her hand slides up my chest. “Are Finley and the baby okay?”

Hugging her closer, I shut my eyes. “She had a little boy, and they’re both doing great.”

“Did they pick out a name yet?”

Pausing to inhale the peach scent of her hair, I close my eyes. “Joseph Maxwell Thompson.”

She sighs. “I like the name Max.”

“Abby wants to call him Joey but she got vetoed.”

Her weight shifts as she lifts up onto her elbow. “Are they going to call him Joseph?”

I squint up at her. “Maybe, they didn’t say for sure.”

Her brows come together and I sit up to kiss away the little line that forms there. “It’s late. Go back to sleep.”

She shakes her head. “Now I’m too amped up thinking about what it will be like for me. Did Finley seem okay? Did she say how bad it hurt? Did they give her any drugs?”

Taking her hands in mine, I kiss them, relieved she’s focused on Finley and not saying our kiss earlier was a mistake. “What can I do to help you sleep?”

Her lower lip pushes out. “I can’t sleep.”

With my hands on her shoulders, I guide her until her back is resting against my chest. “I’ll rub your shoulders. If you want, we can go over tomorrow so you can meet the baby.”

She turns her head. “Can l?”

My hands drift over her shoulders to the soft where they meet her neck. “I wouldn’t have offered otherwise.”

My body jumps when her hand moves to rest on my thigh. “Why me?”

Stopping, I ask, “Why you, what?”

Pulling away, she turns to face me. “You could have anyone. My life is one giant complication. In another month, I’m going to be neck high in bottles and diapers. Why me?”

I cup her face. “Where do I start? I guess with the obvious. I’ve never been as attracted to any woman as I am to you. But looks aside, I want to be around you. I like it when we go out and when we stay in. I can have actual conversations with you about anything. I also respect you and the way you’re handling any curveballs life throws at you. You’re sexy, funny, and smart. Lucy, you’re the perfect package and since you like me you also have excellent taste in men.”

She pushes at my chest with a laugh. “I’m being serious.”

Capturing her hands in mine, I fall back, taking her with me. “You think I’m joking.”

She lands partially across me, close, but not close enough to kiss.

I cup the back of her head and pull her down to my waiting lips. Settling more of her weight on me, she sinks into my kiss. It’s no surprise people might question why I picked Lucy over any other woman I’ve dated. Let them wonder.

Now Lucy on the other hand, I don’t want her feeling self-conscious about us. I don’t mind telling her over and over again until it sinks in that she’s the woman for me.

Hand still on the back of her head, I take my time kissing her. If words don’t work, maybe this will convince her.

She tastes even better than I remember and her lips are chasing away any drowsiness.

Not wanting her arms to tire out, I move us until we’re both on our sides and ask, “Why me?”

The dim light does nothing to hide her confusion. “Are you joking?”

I shake my head and say, “Here’s what you’ll probably say, I’m attractive, successful, and fun to be around. All of those traits apply to you as well. Don’t ask why I want to be with you and not expect me to wonder why you’d want me.”

“It’s not that simple.”

Pressing my lips to hers, I speak against them. “It is.”

Thankfully, she doesn’t argue.

A week has passed since Lucy and I kissed. Other than the kissing, which has been frequent, not much else has changed.

“Want to grab a drink?” Zach asks.

I smirk in response since I know he’s going straight home and I’m going to Lucy’s.

He decides to mess with me anyway. “Why not? You got plans?”

Folding my arms across my chest, I say, “I do. Lucy and I are bringing dinner over to Noah and Finley to give them a break and so we can see the baby.”

Clapping me on the back, he asks. “You ready to be a daddy?”

Yes, no, maybe. It depends on the day and who’s asking.

I stop in my tracks when I realize the words don’t make me go into a panic. “I’m as ready as I’m going to be.”

Lucy and I have gone over to Noah and Finley’s place a few times this week. Each of those visits has been an eye-opening experience. I’m considering it as training for when it will be our turn. She hasn’t said it, but Lucy might be doing the same thing.

“You’ll be fine.”

It’s funny how everyone thinks that, but how do they know? I’ve held Joseph more than once now and I’m still not sure if I’m doing it right.

“I hope so. Now, let’s finish loading up so we can get out of here.”

That shuts him up and we get back to work. An hour later, I’m parking in Lucy’s drive. It’s the place where I now spend most of my non-working hours. I’d tell everyone we’re living together if I didn’t think admitting it out loud would freak-out Lucy.

When I open the front door, I do my best Ricky Ricardo impression and say, “Lucy, I’m home.”

Her answering laughter tells me she’s in the kitchen. I find her leaned up against the counter, dipping a Nutty Buddy into a jar of peanut butter.

She shrugs. “Don’t ask.”

I hold up my hands. “I won’t, but I will kiss you before I hop in the shower.”

Setting down her interesting snack first, she puckers her lips in invitation. I’ve been working outside all day and must stink of dirt and sweat. None of that stops her from wrapping her arms around my neck for our kiss. Maybe I was the snack she truly wanted.

I lift my head. “Now I want to stay here and kiss you instead.”

She nods. “Same here, but we told Finley we were coming so we better stop so you can shower. I don’t mind you all sweaty but you should clean up for the baby.”

I can’t argue with that and press my lips to her forehead. “I’ll be fast.”

She’s packing up the food by the time I’m dressed and ready. “I could have gotten off early to help you cook.”

With a shake of her head, she offers me the handles of the bag. “It’s nothing fancy.”

Taking the bag in one hand, I offer her my other hand. “Fancy or not, I could have helped.”

Her hand slips into mine. “You get to be the chauffeur.”

It’s beside the point to mention I was going either way.

I glance into the backseat. We’ll need to put a car seat in here soon. On the drive over, Lucy looks over her shoulder to the backseat as well and I wonder if she’s thinking the same thing. We reach Noah and Finley’s before I can ask.

Noah meets us at the door. “They’re all in the den.”

My brow quirks up at his phrasing. We may not be the only visitors they have. The various voices coming from the back of the house confirms it.

Reaching out, I stop Noah. “If now isn’t a good time, we can come back later.”

He shakes his head. “Don’t worry about it. It’s Mom, Dad and Lucy’s grandfather. They all know you’re coming with dinner so they’ll take off soon.”

Lucy pales. “We don’t want to run them off.”

Noah puts his arm around us, propelling us forward. “No way. Finley’s been excited all day for Lucy to come see Joseph again.”

Neither of us resists and he leads us straight to the den.

Finley waves Lucy over to see a blanket bundled Joseph. “This is your Aunt Lucy.”

I’m the only one who notices the way Lucy’s eyes widen at her title. She recovers quickly and claims the spot on the sofa my dad makes for her.

Finley smiles brightly at her. “Want to hold him?”

Lucy nervously nods her head and Finley carefully shifts a sleeping Joseph into Lucy’s arms. Her expression as he quietly settles in her hold is a combination of astonishment and wonder.

My heart pounds in my chest, a primal reminder of how she calls out to me. Her due date is less than a month away. Once the baby is here, I’ll do everything to take care of both of them.

“Does any of that need to go in the fridge?” Noah asks, breaking whatever spell I was under.

“Yeah,” I say, passing it to him.

Finley stands. “Gideon, sit here.”

She doesn’t have to ask me twice. Lucy grins as I settle in beside her.

“See? You’re a natural,” I say.

“You two look so cute with the baby. Let me take a picture.”

For a beat, I worry Lucy will fight having our picture together. When she doesn’t, my already great mood lifts even higher.

As soon as my mom is done taking a dozen or so pictures, I say, “I’m going to want copies of those.”

“Me too,” Lucy’s grandfather says.

She pats him on the arm. “I’ll send them as soon as I get home.”

My dad takes that as a cue to stand. “Speaking of home, it’s Gid and Lucy’s time to visit with the baby. We should get going.”

Before I can agree with him, Lucy says, “Don’t leave on our account.”

My mom’s face softens as she moves closer to Lucy and kisses her cheek. “You are such a sweet girl. Gid ever gives you grief, let me know and his dad and I will set him straight.”

Lucy blushes at her words so I say, “I see how it is.”

Dad tries to suppress a chuckle but fails. “She’s only telling the truth son.”

Her grandfather stands as well. “I’ll walk out with you both.”

He leans over and pats Lucy on the head. “Are we still on for tomorrow kiddo?”

She nods and he smiles warmly.

“What’s tomorrow?” I ask.

He answers, “we’re having lunch together.”

They often get together during the day so it’s no surprise. “Can I invite myself? I’ll even treat.”

They share a glance, he taps his chin, while she purses her lips.

I try to look pitiful. “Do I need to beg?”

He’s the first to break. “No begging necessary, food is the way to my heart.”

She looks between us. “Good point. Where should we make him take us?”

These two should go on the road with their act. “Why don’t you decide tomorrow in case you have a craving?”

He nods approvingly. “Good thinking. Besides, I’m happy to eat anywhere.”

Lucy agrees to the plan, and Noah walks him to the door.

Finley watches everything with a sleepy expression, so I ask, “How’s the little man sleeping?”

She covers her mouth as she yawns. “I’m trying hard to sleep when he sleeps, but it’s hard during the day. Last night he was up every two hours. As soon as he’s done eating, he’s out. It takes me longer. I nursed him in bed a couple of times. I might stop doing it because I’m scared I’ll fall asleep with him still latched on.”

Noah walks back into the room and I motion to him. “Why not have Noah get the baby, bring him to you, and then put him back in his crib when Joseph’s done eating?”

Both Finley and Noah stare at me.

It’s Lucy who comes to my defense by explaining. “We’ve been binge-watching parenting shows.”

Noah’s eyes widen before a shit eating grin spreads across his face. “You’re the last brother I thought I’d ever get parenting advice from.”

The back of my neck gets hot. What does he mean by that?

Before I can ask, Finley says, “it’s a great idea. We should give it a shot.”

All conversation stops when Joseph starts yawning and stretching.

“He is so cute,” Lucy quietly coos.

Noah puffs out his chest. “Have you smelled his head yet?”

When we shake our heads, he throws his hands up in the air. “You guys gotta smell his head.”

Shrugging, I lean in and take a whiff, and then another.

When I look back at Noah he’s nodding proudly. “Smells good, doesn’t it?”

It’s crazy, but it does. “Is it his shampoo?”

“Nope, that right there is one hundred percent new baby scent.”

He probably won’t appreciate any comparison to a new car smell so I keep any jokes I have to myself.

Lucy is a goner. “I could hold him all day.”

Finley leans over and brushes her fingertips across his head. “I feel the same way.”

Joseph either hungry, or sensing his mom is close, starts to cry. Lucy quickly passes him to Finley.

Holding him close, Finley says, “I’ll be right back. I think he’s hungry.”

Lucy stands. “Is it okay if I come with?”

Tipping her head toward the doorway, Finley says, “Sure.”

Noah and I both watch them leave. If I had to guess, my expression is just as wistful as his.

After a moment, he turns to me. “Are you sure you’re ready to be a dad?”

Doesn’t matter if they’re good days or bad days, I want to spend them with Lucy. “I am.”