“How is this even possible?” I groan.

“What’s the matter baby?”

“All my clothes are tight, it makes no sense. It’s not like I’ve been packing on the pounds or have a baby bump yet. What gives”

“We can go get you some maternity clothes tomorrow.” Grant wraps his arms around my waist and rests his head on my shoulder.”

“Ugh, maternity clothes. Didn’t think I’d need those for a while. I probably don’t, my leggings will fit my whole pregnancy.”

We hear a gasp and turn in unison towards the bedroom door where a very pretty blonde is standing.

“Cally…”

“Oh my god!” She runs into the room. “You’re having a baby?” She latches onto Grant with a huge smile on her face. “You know how badly I want to be an auntie!”

Once the hug ends Grant ushers Cally to me which is completely awkward because I’m hiding my upper half by holding a shirt in front of me. Thank god, I still had my pants on.

“Cally, this is my baby mama Aggie.”

I roll my eyes because really? Baby mama? “Nice to meet you Cally. Although I’m not a baby mama.” I glare at Grant.

“It’s nice to finally meet you Aggie. I’ve heard so much about you from most of my brothers.”

I smile looking into her warm eyes knowing we’re going to be great friends. It’s the vibe she shoots off. Nothing fake about her for being from Hollywood.

“Does everyone else know?”

“Nope and we’d like it to stay that way. Our first doctor’s appointment is Monday and then we’re going to tell everyone.”

“No problem. I promise I won’t even tell Woody.”

Grant groans. “I think I need to have a little chat with Woody.”

“No, you don’t. He’s really a nice guy and I love him Grant.” She points her finger at him. “Do not start anything or I’ll start singing like a canary.”

“You think I’m scared?”

“Aggie, this one time behind the school, Grant was found by the cops…”

Grant quickly covers Cally’s mouth and I can tell she’s smiling when her eyes light up in victory.

“Point taken, I won’t cause any problems with Woody.”

“I wanna know this freaking story. Girl, you’re going clothes shopping with me tomorrow!” I seriously need this story if the cops are involved. It’ll level our playing field.

“I’m taking you, I should be there.”

“No, you shouldn’t. We’re gonna have some girl time and maybe you can hang out with my boyfriend and get to know him.”

The horror written across Grant’s face says it all and I feel a little bad for feeding him to the wolves tomorrow. Just a little.

“This still poses the problem that I have nothing to wear tonight. I can’t wear my leggings and Twilight shirt to dinner.”

“I’ve got you covered.” Cally winks then leaves the room.

“Twilight huh?”

“Of course. Who can resist Edward’s charm? Not me!”

“I learn something new about you every day Aggie. How have I not caught on to this over the past nine months? Next you’re going to tell me you have a vampire fetish and want me to suck your blood.”

At the word suck I’m instantly wet. Damn hormones! And before I can restrain myself “you can suck something” leaves my mouth.

“Even after the shower we just took?” Grant asks in disbelief.

I walk up to him and palm his dick through his jeans. “You have no clue. I’ve been holding back.”

He gets a dark look in his eyes that promises one hell of a time as the door flies open again and I quickly pull my hand off his now rock-hard junk.

“Here, this should fit. It’s super flowy.”

I hold the maxi dress up and it should do the trick. It’s very boho chic. “This is awesome! Thank you!”

“Woody buy that for ya?”

“Grant, stop it. I bought it.”

He holds his hands up showing he’s not starting any problems.

“Alright, I’ll see you guys downstairs in…” She looks at her phone. “Twenty minutes! Liam and Brent are already downstairs. Surprise, surprise, Liam has a date.” She fake gags before leaving the room.

“What’s wrong with Liam having a date?”

“Liam always has a date. He goes through women faster than…” He thinks on it for a second before I jump in.

“You did when you were a slut?” I look up at him with as innocent a look as I can muster.

“You’re gonna get it for that one.” He picks me up and drops me to the bed. Then he proceeds to tickle me until I’m begging for him to stop.

“I’m gonna pee, I’m gonna pee!” Grant stops as I run for the bathroom. When I’m done I exit and find Grant in just his boxer briefs. What I would give right now to whip those bad boys off and stay in bed all night.

“You can’t look at me like that Aggie. You’re making leaving for dinner extremely difficult.”

“Can’t I just lock you in a basement and have my way with you whenever I want for the rest of this pregnancy?” I pout.

He sits and pulls me on his lap. “Baby, you wouldn’t have to lock me away to have your way with me. Now let’s get you dressed. We have five minutes.”

“Oh no!” I run into the bathroom and quickly work a brush through my hair and throw on some lip gloss. When I turn Grant’s waiting in the doorway with the dress. He helps me into it and it fits perfectly.

“I’m gonna be a hippie this pregnancy.”

Grant laughs. “This looks gorgeous on you, but we’re still going shopping tomorrow.”

“You mean you’re going out with Woody while I go shopping with your sister.”

“Not happening baby.”

“Don’t you want us to bond?”

“You aren’t fooling me, I know you want to ask her about my run-in with the cops.”

“I forgot about that already.” I lie. “Maybe I want to get to know your sister.”

“Fine. But if this guy tries to tell me toilet papers bad for the environment I can’t be held accountable for my actions.”

“Don’t be silly. He’d lecture you about using one square a day being more than enough.” I laugh.

“I’ll deal with that tomorrow. Tonight, I have a very eager family waiting to meet my girlfriend. Don’t say I didn’t warn you about Liam’s girl. He always dates… interesting women.”

“Sounds fun!”

Grant looks at me with soft eyes before rubbing my flat stomach with his hand. It’s little things like this that let me know he’s going to be an excellent daddy. Sometimes I think he’s more excited than I am and let me tell you. That’s no small feat.

 

 

***

 

We’re walking down the staircase when I hear it. I wish I foresaw this happening because I would have brought ear plugs with me.

“You’re so funny Liam.” Then the laughter… my ears are bleeding. I haven’t seen this girl yet but I already despise her.

“Wipe that look from your face.” Grant laughs. “I’ve become immune over the years.”

“How the hell can you get used to that? Sounds like a dying donkey.”

When we reach the landing, I look around at everyone. I know which ones Liam immediately from the porn star on his arm. And don’t think I’m putting her down. She most likely is in pornos with tits like that. I understand getting a boob job if you have a small chest, hell, I have a modest amount up top. But we’re talking watermelons. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating. They’re more like honey dew’s… and now I want some fruit salad.

Introductions are made and Malibu Barbie looks me over with distaste once Grant says my name. I look behind me making sure she isn’t openly disapproving of Cally’s boyfriend, but nobody’s behind me. Well, this night should be interesting.

“How long have you and Liam been together?” I need to give her a chance, maybe she makes a bad first impression.

“We met last night. Then got reacquainted this morning and this afternoon.”

“Oh… that’s nice.”

“It is, so keep your eyes off him. He’s mine.”

Now call me crazy, but I was just introduced as Grant’s girlfriend yet she thinks I’m eyeing Liam. When I look behind her I find Cally’s hippie boyfriend eyeing me in the complete opposite way. He’s staring me up and down with appreciation which is creeping me out. I look over to Grant and he doesn’t seem to notice.

The Donovan children have horrible taste in companions. Not Grant though, no. I’ve said it before, I’m a good time.

This chick wouldn’t be bad if I weren’t getting double teamed by her and Woody the whole ride to the restaurant. Grant’s parents had two blacked out SUV’s take us to dinner. Technically I could have DD’ed so everyone could drink. It’s depressing thinking I can’t have anything to drink for the next however many months. Although, it’s probably for the best. The last time I really drank I ended up drunk tanked with my best friend.

It started when I got in the car as Candy and Woody simultaneously go in on either side effectively sandwiching me in the middle. Cally and Liam were looking on trying to figure out where they should go.

“Earth mother, why don’t you go in the other one and we’ll meet up there.” Cally nods and goes for the other SUV. Earth mother?

Grant put up a fight but they wouldn’t budge. Candy wouldn’t climb into the back in her teeny tiny dress and when she tried to get out Grant ran for the front door. I’m assuming she expertly spread her legs and wasn’t wearing any panties. I wonder if you can tell a vagina’s loosey goosey from a spread-eagle view?

Woody said he needed an open window to feel the wind in his hair.

“You’re glowing tonight.” Woody whispers to me after we’ve been driving for several minutes. “Positively radiant.”

“Thanks.” I smile at him as he smiles back.

Then his legs widen so his thighs pressed against mine. I chalk it up to a bad case of ball sweat. He does live in a tent and they can be like a sauna in the sun. So, I’d assume. Then he reaches his arm and rests it along the seat effectively around me as well. The odor coming off him could put out a zebra and I’m trying to suppress the vomit building its way up my throat. I’m sure it has absolutely nothing to do with morning sickness and everything to do with Woody’s ripe odor.

When I look over at Candy she’s looking at me thoughtfully. “You know, I can give you the number to my spa. They do facials that would work miracles on your pores.”

I try not to be offended, maybe she’s helping me out. “Thanks.” I smile then look forward.

A few minutes later I feel a breeze on my neck and when I turn I’m literally an inch away from Woody’s face. I pull my whole body back completely creeped out. He leans in and I can hear him sniff me.

“You smell wonderful, it must be your pheromones. It’s like they’re calling to me.”

“Um… I don’t think that’s it. Must be my soap.”

Are we ever going to get to this restaurant?

“Has your milk come in yet?”

I gasp and stare dumbfounded at him. “That is none of your business sir. Who told you?” I whisper even though I know exactly who told him.

“Cally and I don’t keep things from each other. Secrets don’t make friends.” I feel my hair move and see he has a tendril of my hair twirling in his fingers. I whip my head and hear Candy curse after I’ve nailed her in the face. Two for one!

Then I have five blissful minutes of silence until Candy decides I need advice on how to wear my hair. I mean god, I must be a hideous shrew because by the time we pull up to the restaurant she’s handed me cards for her personal stylist, hair salon and plastic surgeon along with the initial spa suggestion.

“Thanks.” I grit through my teeth as she gets out. I’m about to slide out myself when Woody grabs just above my elbow.

“I’d love it if you sat next to me during dinner Agatha. Your aura is captivating me.”

“It’s Agnes.”

“You look more like an Agatha. It suits you.” He smiles and brushes a stray hair from my face again. Abort, Abort!

Pheromones and aura’s. What the hell? I nod my head to appease him but have zero plans on sitting next to him in this lifetime or the next. I seriously wanna know how I got stuck in a car with them when their dates were in the other car. Cally and Liam could have put up a little bit of a fight to sit with them. I’ll have to let Grant know we should ride back with his parents on the way home.

I grab Grant’s hand to get out of the car and throw myself into his arms. “Please, I beg you. Do not leave me alone with them again.

He immediately glares at Woody who’s completely oblivious getting out of the car. “What’d he do?”

“Don’t worry about that. Just don’t make me sit next to him again.”

“Consider it done baby.” He bends down and kisses my forehead. Then I remember his comments about the pregnancy.

“Hey, he knows I’m pregnant. Don’t get mad and cause a scene. I just want you to know in case he starts talking about it.”

“I’m gonna kill Cally.” He growls before looking towards her. They lock eyes but she looks away almost instantly with guilt written all over her face. How the hell is someone sweet like her with such a creep? It must be her pheromones.

As we’re walking towards the entrance of the restaurant Grant stops walking and stares at an empty building next door.

“What’s wrong?”

“That’s one of my restaurants she ran into the ground. I guess another one went out of business.” He seems sad and its killing me.

“Have you thought about getting the space and reopening?”

“Nope, it’s tainted now. I’m moving forward.” He smiles down at me and kisses me on the lips.

We all file into the restaurant sans photographers which surprises the hell outta me. We have some very notorious people with us that usually have the pap’s chasing them down. I see Eli slip a wad of cash to the hostess and it all clicks. Privacy can be paid for apparently.

Thankfully, when we all take our seats I’m not near Candy or Woody. Not for Woody’s lack of trying. He declared we’d be dinner buddies and Grant declared he’d punch him in the ball sack. But subtly, no one heard him but me and Cally.

This may actually be pretty great. Brent is hilarious and the youngest of the Donovan clan at 21. I found out he’s been with the same girl since high school but right now they’re doing the long distant thing because she’s in her last year of college in North Carolina. He’s also in his last year of college and he lets me in on his little secret. He plans to propose at her graduation in a few months.

My romantic heart can’t take the overload. How freaking sweet? Grant overhears the whole thing and grunts.

“Aggie, if they get engaged before we do… it’s not happening. As the oldest I’ll be getting married first.” He puffs out his chest like it’s a competition.

“Oh please, take me to the nearest chapel. I’m not marrying you because of some stupid sibling rivalry.”

“You know it’s not about that.” He mumbles as our food arrives.

My plate has nothing I ordered on it. I went for the surf n’ turf but what’s in front of me is a garden salad. Grant flags down the waitress when I tell him.

“Excuse me Miss, she didn’t order this. She wanted the surf n’ turf.”

“That gentleman at the other side of the table told me you changed your mind and wanted a basic salad, dressing on the side.”

“Well, he was mistaken. If you could bring me what I ordered that’d be great.” Once the waitress leaves I turn back to Grant. “Crunch wrap supreme is going down! Can you believe that? Who the hell changes someone’s food order?”

“Calm down baby. Your food will be out soon and you’ll feel better once you eat.”

“I’m freaking starving! A salad? What a joke!”

I look over towards Woody who must have been watching me because he’s already looking my way. The death glare should scare the hell outta him but all he does is smile then look at my cleavage.

“If that motherfucker looks at your tits one more time…”

“He thinks I’m lactating already. He asked me in the car.”

“He what?” Grant yells as I try to shush him.

“Grant honey, what’s got you so upset?” His mom questions.

“Please.” I beg. “Don’t ruin my first dinner meeting your family.”

“Not like it already hasn’t bombed with that asshole.” He looks towards Vicki. “Nothing mom. They got Aggie’s order wrong, not as big a deal as I thought.”

Everything goes back to normal once again and I’m waiting for another bomb to drop. It comes when the waitress finally brings me my damn food.

“Excuse me, waitress!” Woody yells and has all our heads turning. “I told you that she wasn’t allowed to eat that garbage. Your tips in jeopardy here.”

“Woody, she can eat whatever the hell she wants and it’s not like you’re planning to pay for everyone’s dinner. I suggest you keep your mouth shut.”

“Grant!” Cally yells as Woody announces to the table, “Pregnant women shouldn’t be eating red meat or shell fish.”

And that’s when all hell breaks loose. Grant launches himself across the table and takes Woody to the ground. He didn’t stand a chance. It takes both his brothers plus his father to get him off the scared shitless hippie.

While all this is going on and I’m looking on helplessly and silently hoping Grant gets a good shot in. What? He just outed my pregnancy to the whole table! A table full of people I was planning on impressing before we announced my pregnancy and they thought I was trying to trap him.

I see movement in my peripherals and see Vicki taking a seat next to me with tears in her eyes and I’m not sure what’s coming my way. I’m either going to get a you homewrecking slut speech or a welcome to the family we’re so thrilled speech.

“A baby?” She covers her mouth with her hands. When she gets a hold of her emotions she pulls me in for a hug and cries on my shoulder. I don’t think I cried that much when I found out and I’m the one who’s pregnant.

“We didn’t want to say anything until we went to our first appointment on Monday. We don’t know much beyond the fact that all my tests were positive.”

“My goodness. I’m gonna be a grandma.” She’s silent for a beat. “A cool grandma.”  She’s still holding me tightly when I look across the table and see Grant trying to rip through the men in his family to get to Woody.

“I need to go help.”

“Let that weirdo get what’s coming to him. Maybe now Cally will realize what a douchebag he is. I mean honestly, hitting on a pregnant woman in front of his girlfriend’s family. The nerve!”

Cally leaves with her boyfriend and Grant finally calms down. Then the whole evening turns towards our bun in the oven. To say the family’s thrilled is an understatement. Being here with Grant’s family nearly brings me to tears because I never had this growing up. No siblings, no loving parents. It’s been me and my Mimi for so long I’ve never had the chance to be around a family in their element.

When we’re walking to the cars after the bills been paid, we all take the one car back because Cally took the other one.

“Eli, we’ll have to take some time off around when the baby’s due. There will be a baby shower to plan, delivery and lots and lots of shopping. Oh, do you have any ideas for the nursery? If it’s a girl we should do a French theme. We could fly out to Paris and look at the décor. My interior decorator would be over the moon to help you.”

“Mom, ease up would you. We just found out we’re pregnant and she’s skittish when it comes to money. You will be involved in everything, I promise. Just chill a little.” He chuckles.

“You ruin all the fun.” She pouts.

“I’d be thrilled for you to help me with the nursery. I don’t have that much family though so a baby shower isn’t necessary.”

She gasps about to say something but Grant stops her. “Slow.”

I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn around to see Eli smiling at me. “Congratulations. We’re thrilled to be grandparents if you couldn’t tell from my better half.”

“Thank you. This baby’s going to be truly loved.”

I place my hand on my stomach meaning every word. I’m thankful, so thankful that me and this baby are going to be welcomed into this family with open arms.