Page 69 of Second Chance Baby
“Yeah, she had a rough home sitch too, right?” He held up a hand. “Not trying to pry, just help.”
I appreciated the help since I felt so out of my depth on so many levels. “Yeah, her mom had mental health issues. Her sister is a bit older, and I don’t think they were that close when they were younger, And she had friends, but no one super close, and people need that. Especially women. I mean, seems like everyone has a bestie. Theyneedbesties.” I cleared my throat.“I mean, not only them. You have a best friend too. And you’re super tight. I just don’t. I never made time for friends when I was caring for Carrington on my own. I don’t regret putting her first, but yeah, I wish I had someone closer friend-wise. I mean, John is a friend, but…”
“Do you need a bestie, Trav?”
“I wouldn’t turn one down, no.” I grinned. “Got any lines on some available ones?”
“No, but I can stand in here and there.”
“But you’re not even local.”
One of his hawkish dark eyebrows rose. “Like you are?”
“I may be sticking closer to home for a while.”
“If you want to make a go of things with Bridget, you probably need to stay planted long enough to grow some roots. And there are plenty of guys around here that miss you. Dads by the dozen around here too.” He rolled his shoulders. “I don’t know what I’d do without Larsen.” He let out a shuddering breath. “Don’t want to find out, either.”
“I envy how close you two are. Just having someone who will listen to whatever is spinning in your head makes such a difference. And who always has your back. It’s worth so much.”
“Yeah.” He seemed to be mulling something over. Did he share it? Of course not, because he was Penn.
But then, I wasn’t exactly an emotional open book, either, so I had no room to talk.
“But I’m so grateful for all of you. You keep me sane. Sure, you all can be judgmental as hell, but I never doubt you all have my back and want what’s best for me. And I fucking appreciate it. I won out in the sibling lottery. No doubt.”
His eyes crinkled as he smiled and he held out an arm, indicating for me to step forward. We did our manly clapped back hug thing and then he stepped back.
“So, are you doing it with Rita yet?”
He tipped back his head. “And we’re back.”
I had to laugh. “C’mon, I’m still me. But I won’t press you for more than you’re ready to give. Just want you to know I care. And I will talk about anything you need to work through with you. Don’t even have to ask. Just give me a teensy tiny opening.”
His mouth lifted on one side. “Teensy tiny is a kid phrase. Or a phrase you’d use with kids. Dad speak is its own language.”
“So, help me out here with some adult conversation. Save a brother.”
“I’m still figuring things out. And hell, I definitely don’t get the kid thing. And you want more? Like plural?”
“I fucking love being a father. Can’t hold me back there. Though I don’t want to push Bridget.”
She stepped up beside me and slid her arm around my waist. “You’re not pushing me. I’m on the same page of our book. Hi again, Penn.”
“Hi, Bridget. Sorry to steal your guy for a few. Guess we needed a brotherly heart-to-heart.”
“All good. Take your time.” She leaned up to nip my earlobe as she whispered, “Some of the clothes did not fit, as predicted. But I stole one of your shirts to go with my jeans post-shower.”
“Looks good. Steal anything you want, babe.” I nuzzled my face in her fragrantly-scented wet hair. She’d used my ocean-scented shampoo, and it smelled far better on her.
“Did I overhear you mention Rita?”
“Women have bat ears, I swear. Yes, Rita. She lives down there.” Penn motioned blindly over his shoulder, but Bridget hurried forward.
“Oh, really? That cute little cottage? She lives here now?” Then she was off rushing down the hill, the steep incline be damned.
Slowly, Penn shook his head. “She doesn’t live here. She’s staying here. And Bridget is long gone.”
I patted his back. “Freudian slip, bro.”