Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 90290 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90290 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
I nod slowly as tears form. “I’m going to be a mom.”
26
NOAH
The past twenty-four hours have been the hardest of our lives. Knowing what we’re having and having to wait to scream it from the rooftop. Of course, it’s our fault for the situation we’re in. We want to tell everyone at the same time and the only way to do it is to have everyone gather at the Jameses. In hindsight, I should’ve told my family to be there yesterday because waiting is killing me.
I don’t even want to imagine what it’s doing to Peyton.
Once I have everything in the back of the SUV, I help Peyton get in. Now that I’ve seen our precious cargo, I want to wrap her in bubble wrap and keep her locked in the house. She glares at me as I hand her the seatbelt. I can’t help it. I want to make sure she’s safe.
“You love me,” I tell her.
“I don’t know, Westbury. You’re driving me nuts.”
“I know,” I say and wink. “But you still love me.”
She rolls her eyes.
When I get in, I glance at her and smile. Up until yesterday I didn’t think I could be any happier, but the sheer elation I feel is indescribable. I can’t wait to be a dad.
“We need to make a list of names,” I tell her as I head toward her parents.
“Should we each make a list, pick the top three from each list and then draw one out of a hat?”
“We can, but who is going to draw?”
Peyton turns and looks at Stevie Nicks who is sitting in the back. “She doesn’t have opposable thumbs so she’s out. Unless we can teach her to reach into a bucket and pull something out.”
“I could do that. That would make a cute video.”
Without looking, I know my wife is rolling her eyes. She doesn’t give two shits about social media. I sort of like it, until I do something stupid on the field and people leave me ridiculous comments about how I should be better at my job. You know, because they’re freaking Heisman winners themselves.
“If you can train her, I think that would be fun.”
“I’m on it, babe.”
At the stoplight, I reach over and rub my hand on her belly. Dr. Ringman said Peyton will be able to feel some kicking soon, which I’m looking forward to. The fact I’ll be able to feel the life we’ve created growing inside of her blows my mind, and I know once it starts happening, it’ll take everything I have to stop myself from permanently keeping my hand there.
The drive to Harrison and Katelyn’s takes us no time, thanks to the minimal traffic. Thankfully, someone thought to leave a parking spot for us in the driveway. By the looks of it, everyone is here, which is perfect. The more the merrier. After helping Peyton out of the car and getting Stevie Nicks, I grab the necessities I need to pull off the ultimate gender reveal.
“We’re here,” Peyton yells as we walk inside. The pup takes off, knowing she has friends to play with. We walk toward the back of the condo, where most of the hanging out takes place, and find everyone outside.
As soon as we step out, Katelyn rushes to us. She pulls Peyton into her arms. “You can tell me now,” she says. “It’s my right as a grandma.”
“You get to wait, with everyone else.”
“I don’t even know,” Elle says as she gives Peyton a hug.
We make our rounds, hugging and shaking hands with our family. No one is missing from this event, even our world trotting grandparents are here. They’re back from their cruise and already planning their next one.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell Peyton as I head back inside to prepare my plan. Once I have everything ready, I summon all the men. When they’re all in the kitchen, I hand them white T-shirts.
“Here’s the deal,” I tell them and proceed to fill them in on what their job is. None of them seem thrilled other than the grandpas.
“Remind me not to have you plan any reveals for Elle and me,” Ben says as he does what I’ve asked. I tap him on the back and laugh.
As soon as everyone is ready, I lead them outside and yell for everyone to gather. I thought about dragging this out for hours, but I’m far too eager to hold the news in any longer.
“What on earth?” my mom asks.
I clap my hands to get everyone’s attention. “As you can see, the men in your family look pregnant. Each of them has a balloon under their shirt, filled with either blue or pink water.”
“Ooh, a wet T-shirt contest. Sign me up,” Elle says.
“I’m with you,” Yvie adds.
“My first adult time fun,” Paige says.
“Leave, now,” our dad points to the house, while everyone laughs.