Page 29 of Labor of Love

“Thanks.” Karli shoots me a wink.

“Congrats, man.” Stetson hugs Parker. “But damn, you surprised?”

“Well, it’s not like we were celibate, so there’s always a chance.” Parker shrugs nervously. “But I can’t wait to meet her.”

“Her?” My eyes grow with my tone.

Can you find out what it is this early?

“Just a feeling.” He chuckles.

“Mom sent us on our way with chicken pot pies.” Stetson motions to the bag.

“Do you mind if I skip out?” Karli holds Parker’s arm. “I’ve been wanting to nap all day.”

“Go rest.” Stetson walks to the door to bring Karli her shoes. “You’re growing my favorite tiny human.” The thought of him being this excited about ours one day puts me a little at ease.

Stetson closes the door once Parker and Karli head out, shooting me a smile. “Uncle Stetson.” He tests the name out.

“How does the new title feel?” He thinks, then relaxes.

“A lot better than Daddy, right now.” I join his laughter.

“Good, because I need some you and me time before we completely settle down.” Wrapping my arms around his neck, he leans down to kiss me.

“At least a few years.” He picks me up and carries me to my bed. “But I’m all for practicing.”

14

STETSON

“The flooring is all set, and everything is primed,” I reply to Layla as we lay in bed––the bed I’ve woken up in every morning the last two weeks. “Now’s the part where dating a painter comes in hand.”

“Wall colors?” Excitement fills her voice. She shifts and rests her leg across my waist.

“You’ll have to help me choose.” I kiss her head. “Or you can paint murals on all the walls.”

Layla’s eyebrows scrunch together as she looks up. “That might be a bit much indoors.”

“I want to think of you every second you’re not by my side.” I’ve already looked into plans for building her a studio steps from our front door.

“You can hang a photo of us.” She pats my chest. “I'm already your phone lock screen.”

“When the place is ready, how would you feel about moving in?” She stills. So does my heart when her cheeks suck in. This was not the reaction I was anticipating.

“That’s thoughtful, Stetson.” Her eyes meet mine with apology. “And I love all the time we’ve been spending together. I know my apartment isn’t much to others, but it’s changed my life for the better.” Her voice wavers. “It’s not that I don’t want to move in, but I worked hard to get here and I’m not ready to let it completely go.” I smile gently.

“No rush, baby.” My phone dings on the nightstand closest to Layla. “Whatever makes you most comfortable.” Another ding. “Do you mind handing me my phone?”

“Oh, it’s Karli…” she chirps.

“What’s she need?” Layla swipes the screen. Her face falls before turning the screen for me to read. “Is she okay?” I sit up. “The baby?”

Karli: Why does social media have your name as an ATTENDEE for the upcoming western event THIS WEEKEND!?

Shit. I need to cancel that. I agreed a while back thinking maybe Layla would join me, then her gallery got pushed to the same weekend. My manager will have to figure this out.

Karli: I may have spent the past hour vomiting, but I’ll find strength to twist your balls off.