Page 96 of Wilde Abandon
Layla kissed Jax, then turned to her.“Yes.We’re having a baby.It’s early yet, but the doctor said everything looks great so far.We truly didn’t think it would happen this fast.”
“You guys are going to be the best parents,” Aria said, her words joyful, though a bit of sadness crept into her eyes.As the oldest, Aria had probably thought she’d be first to marry and start a family.Now, Lyric and Jax were both making plans and living them out with their partners.
Lyric and Mason shared a look, he nodded, and Lyric announced, “Looks like we’re getting a couple of new Wildes.”
Robin’s head turned so fast, Melody wondered if she’d hurt herself.Mom gasped, “What?”
Lyric’s joyful smile made Melody’s heart light up.“We’re pregnant, too.Though I suspect I’m further along than Layla.”
Robin burst into happy tears, jumped up, and hugged Lyric.
Wade smacked Mason on the back.
Mom made her way to Jax and Layla and hugged them both.
Dad gave Jax a look filled with pride and a firm nod.
Fox squeezed Melody’s shoulder.“You’re going to be an aunt.”
“The best one ever,” she proclaimed, delighted for her brother and sister and their family.
From that point on, everyone ate, drank, and talked about everything from wedding plans to baby shower ideas to updates on the ranch and bar.
The night felt like a celebration of family and life and the promise of the future.And Melody looked around the table at all the faces that made up her family, then looked at Fox, in deep with the conversation about the latest HBO series blowing up.
It was nice to see them bonding and Fox jumping right in with all of them.
He fit.
And that meant everything because her family was so important to her.
Melody and Fox were the first to leave.They had a long drive back to town and needed to be up early to catch their very early flight.They stood on the porch after her mom and dad hugged her goodbye.The others were still inside.
Mom hugged Fox, then stepped back, still holding his arms.“Take care of my girl in that big city.Don’t let her get lost.”
Fox held her mom’s gaze.“I want to take care of her for the rest of my life.And Melody will never be lost.She knows exactly who she is and where she’s meant to be.I just hope it’s always with me.”Fox held out his hand to her dad.“Thank you for everything, most especially making me feel like part of the family tonight.”
Her dad took Fox’s hand and used his free one to grasp Fox’s shoulder.“Not just tonight, Fox.You are family.Never forget that.Anytime you’re lost, you find your way home.We’ll be here waiting.”
Fox bear-hugged her dad, then took her hand and led her to their cars.He stood beside hers, holding her hand, quiet and contemplative.“Do you know how lucky you are?”
“Yes.And I often take it for granted.But tonight…I feel very blessed to be a part of that group of amazing people, to know I’m loved, and welcome, and that they’re all as excited for me to be with you and looking toward our future as they are about the two new Wildes coming into this world soon.”
“I don’t think your family is excited about you moving away.And maybe now that you’re going to be an aunt, you’re not as willing to leave.”He took a step back, his body going rigid, like he was bracing for a blow.
She tried to ease his mind.“I haven’t changed my mind about us.”
“Are you sure?Because I feel like I really fucked up.”Fear stamped his face with worry lines.
She put her hand on his chest, his heart racing against her palm.“You apologized.I’ve let it go.We’re even taking a trip together tomorrow.”
He let out a breath and his whole body seemed to ease.“I don’t want to lose you.”
“You need to stop looking for ways this could fall apart and instead enjoy being with me, because I’m committed to you, because I believe you’re committed to me.”
“I am.I want this to work.I want all those things I imagined in my head to be real.”
“Like kids?Because I want at least two.”