Page 74 of Blurry Little Lines
“Really, man? Congratulations.” Max nods toward Adam and they carry on with their previous task to entertain the kids.
Men.
“Timing is everything,” Lauren repeats in my father’s voice. “Your time will come, Kelsie.” She’s not telling me everything and I’m both excited and scared shitless.
The off-key screeching from my little songbird fills the landing as James and I make it up the stairs to my floor. Yes, I still take the stairs as much as possible. James holds his and Mallory’s happy meal boxes as I unlock the door with a bag full of groceries. My mother sits on the couch with a strained smile as Mallory strums her guitar along with Max, singing along. Dear lord, I would have been back sooner had I known Mallory would put them through this.
“Hey, guys, how about we put the music away and eat?” I hold up the food.
“I’m writing my own lullaby for my baby sister.” Mallory proudly smiles.
“How sweet of you, honey.” I smile and share the same feared eyes as Max and my mother.
“She is so proud of herself.” My mother walks up to me.
“I don’t even think extensive vocal lessons would be of any use,” I whisper.
“She definitely didn’t get your voice.” Max snickers, pulling out his sandwich. “Oh, your mom bought a few things for our daughter. I put them in your room.”
“Mom, I told you I don’t need anything,” I warn, since I’ve already protested against a baby shower.
“You can’t tell a grandma not to buy her new grandbaby anything. Cheryl from HR knitted something for you.” Great, I guess the secret is out. I sigh. “Look, Kelsie, people are going to put things together when they see you out and about with three children.”
“We should at least have one of those beer and diaper parties. Watch a game and hang out,” Max suggests with hope that makes it hard to refuse.
“I can afford diapers.” I wave my hands around the penthouse. “Look at what this child is being born into.”
“That’s not the point. The point is to celebrate a new life.” Max looks at my mother for desperate help.
“Yes! Max, you are a genius. I knew Kelsie’s choice in a man would sharpen eventually.” She cups his jaw and kisses his forehead.I’m right here, dammit.
“Emmett was asking the other day when we all planned to visit him. We could have a small party there,” Max pipes up.
“Emmett. My youngest brother, who has spent most of his life avoiding family occasions, now wants us to visit him?” I stare at my mother, waiting for her to clue into an ulterior motive.
“Honey, I think he is trying to have us become better acquainted with his new girlfriend. They’re getting serious,” my mother gloats, and I wonder how naïve she really is with him. “He is so sure that he foundthe one.” Like always, Emmett and his list of women he most likelypaysto play the part to distract my mother from whatever he is supposed to be doing work wise.
“Fine. We will go to Aspen, but no diaper party. We can enjoy family time.” I toss my hands up. “Can we at least wait until after the swim fundraiser happens?” I haven’t seen the new location in person yet, and I’ll admit I’m looking more forward to seeing it than my brother and hisgirlfriend, who looks like she is in high school.
“Yes!” Mallory gleams. “I love the private jet. We should name my sister Aspen.”
“No,” Max and I say at the same time.
Well, at least we agree on something.
“Aspen is cute,” my mother chimes as Mallory gives her a thumbs up. “What names have you thought of?”
“None that involve cities where we do business,” I finalize and begin to devour my steak sandwich. I can feel Max’s questions filter through my head as he silently stares my way. No, we haven’t discussed names yet, and I’m going into my seventh month of pregnancy.
The evening passes quickly, and after my shower, I find myself walking to the middle cushion of the couch, leaning on Max’s shoulder. A comfort I have deprived myself of for too long. He leans down and kisses the top of my head as I relax into him. I yawn, hoping sleep will grace me the entire night and I won’t be woken by kicks to empty my bladder. Max lifts his arm I’m leaning against, and I give in, resting my head against his chest. We stay silent as he continues to watch TV and I’m lost in thought.
“I’ve missed you.” My voice is barely above a whisper.
“Come here.” He pulls me onto his lap as my side and belly lean against his strong chest. “You’ve been through a lot. However long it takes you to forgive me, I’ll keep proving myself until you realize–”
“Realize that you’re not fucking Benson?” I cut him off with a small laugh.
“You will always be it for me, Kelsie.” His hand encompasses my jaw, but instead of leaning in for a kiss, my lips roll inward, and I give a small nod. Either way, if he’s hurt, he doesn’t show it.