Taking Chances(151)

“How’s my birthday boy?” I scrunched my nose at him when he did the same with his somewhat toothy grin.

“Not taking a nap anytime soon, that’s for sure.” Brandon grumbled, but with his dimpled smile and bright eyes I knew he was anything but frustrated. He’d let Liam get away with no naps if he could.

Liam turned and dipped all the way to the side as he reached for someone else, making me almost lose my hold on him and I rolled my eyes as I gave him over to Carter. Of course Liam would be in love with Carter. Since he’d shown up this afternoon, it was the only person he wanted to be with. If I had any doubt that Carter wouldn’t give Kate a chance, that was quickly demolished when they each saw the other hold Liam. Kate had swooned and an hour later Carter’s eyes had taken on a dazed heat when Kate had scooped him up and kissed Liam resulting in a fit of laughter from my son. It wasn’t ten minutes later that Carter asked if he could take Kate on a date this evening.

Opening presents was the cutest, and longest process of the day. Each present took about three minutes to open and then we’d go through the process of getting him to stop eating the wrapping and tissue paper so he could start on the next present. By the end I was exhausted but blissfully happy, and getting more excited by the second now that the extended family was starting to head out. We’d been picking up and cleaning as the party went, so thankfully we were ready to relax with our family by the time Carter and Kate left together.

“What’d he say?” I asked Brandon as I watched Liam play with a big dump truck.

“He asked if I would be okay with him dating my cousin.”

My eyes widened, “He asked you that?”

“Right? I told him it wasn’t my place to say whether or not he could and that she could make her own decisions. So he says, ‘I know, but I know you’re not my biggest fan. And I don’t want to piss you off more than I already have.’”

“Oh. That’s thoughtful, I guess. What’d you say?”

Brandon shrugged and laughed when Liam didn’t understand how the truck had gotten away from him, “I said as long as he treats her well, I didn’t have a problem with it.”

Huh. Brandon really is too nice and forgiving of people.

“I may have also said that if it kept him from going after you...” he trailed off.

I hugged his waist and smiled into his chest. “That sounds more like you, but that’s why I love you. I’m all grimy and covered in cake, I’m going to change really quick.”

“Put on a tight shirt.”

“Is that how you want to tell them? Just show them?”

He smiled and looked back to make sure no one was near us, “Just act like nothing’s different, see how long it takes them. I think it’d be fun Mrs. Taylor, don’t you?”

“I have to agree with you Mr. Taylor. I’ll be right back.”

Changing into a bright blue racer-back stretchy tank, and a clean pair of jeans, I made my way back to the living room and tried to wipe the smile off my face.

“You look amazing Harper.” Brandon pulled me into his arms again and kissed my neck softly. “I’m sorry, I know you get self-conscious, but you pregnant is a breathtaking sight.”

I grabbed each side of his face, and pulled him down to me as I stood on my toes, “Thank you.” I kissed him quickly twice, barely pulling away to look in his eyes, “I love you.”

“And I love you.” Our next kiss was anything but quick.

“Okay you two, get a room.” Dad called from one of the couches.

Blushing, I leaned around Brandon’s side and grinned through my embarrassment at our audience. Liam had crawled over to us and pulled himself up on my leg, gripping my pants with one hand and reaching relentlessly with the other. I pulled him up and settled him on my hip before making my way to a chair. Mom, Dad and Carrie were making fun of me and Brandon so they didn’t even notice when I walked by them. I frowned but sat down, knowing it wouldn’t be much longer before someone noticed.

I was wrong.

It took another hour and a half.

Brandon had even taken Liam from me so he wouldn’t be blocking my stomach, I had gotten up numerous times to get and refill drinks, as well as to go to the bathroom. It took Bree commenting on the color of my shirt for Carrie to gasp and Mom to jump up and literally squeal.

“Oh my God! Oh my God, are you pregnant?! Please tell us you’re pregnant!” Mom rushed over and placed her hands on my rounding stomach.

“Well it’d sure be awkward right now if I weren’t.” I laughed and accepted her numerous hugs and kisses on the cheeks, only to be replaced by the same from Carrie and Dad. At least Dad was more controlled with only one gentle hug and kiss for me, and a big man hug for Brandon.