Page 29 of Falling for Love

“Relax. They’re good people and they’re going to love you. Besides, once the baby is born, they’re going to be your family, too.”

I stare at him, wide-eyed. His words should make me happy but the more I think about getting close with his parents and siblings, I realize it gives Chandler more people to hold over me. Maybe I’m giving the man too much power, but I just don’t trust him not to hurt other people to keep me in line.

“Relax. It’s going to be okay.”

“Yeah.” The truth is, I have to meet them eventually, so his plan makes sense.

He’ll tell his family we’re having a baby.

And soon enough, I’ll tell mine.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Jack

Mom and Dad are expecting me, so I let myself into the house with my key. I hear voices in the family room, and I make my way to where they’re hanging out. My parents, Ian and Riley, are the epitome of a fairy tale. To hear them tell the story of how they met, Dad knew she was the one, and fought his feelings, only to give in and be the happiest he’s ever been. Mom’s version is more detailed, but the end is the same.

I admit I never bought into the whole love at first sight, or soul mates shit. I’d hoped to meet someone I was compatible with, who I could spend time and have fun with. Someone who wants me for me and not the family name or the nightclub access. Then Tristan and Lucas showed me what was possible in a relationship. The trust, the joy, but mostly, the love. It sounds corny, but I want that. And the night I walked into the café and Taylor looked up at me, I felt something shift. Suddenly, there were possibilities in front of me.

Is Taylor the one?

All I know is I’ve never felt like this before about any woman. Add in the fact that she’s having my baby, I love being with her, and find her sexy as hell? She fits with everything I want in a relationship. I want to know more about her. Everything about her.

Trust is the biggest obstacle so far. The two phone calls she received while we were together set her off and she wouldn’t tell me why. But we have time. We can have more dates together while she’s in Miami, and I’ll be visiting Charleston often. She just needs to let me in.

My brothers’ voices capture my attention. I blink and realize I’d stopped a few steps from the family room, lost in thought. I shake my head, making sure I’m in the present for the conversation I need to have.

“Mom? Dad?” I call out before I walk into the huge room with a big screen on the wall, a comfortable couch, and extra club chairs so we all have room to sit.

The neutral color scheme is interrupted by pops of color, throw pillows with bright fabrics that are all Mom’s doing. Dad’s a darker color guy, but he indulges Mom in home décor and whatever else makes her happy.

Hudson and Miles are sitting in chairs facing our parents and look my way when I walk into the room.

Mom jumps up from her seat on the couch beside Dad. “Jack!” She walks over and pulls me in for a long embrace. “It’s been too long since you came by to see your mother.”

“You heard her,” Dad says, rising to his feet. “And for the record, I agree.” Mom steps back and he pulls me in for a quick hug. “It’s good to see you, son.”

“You too, Dad. And I’ll do better, Mom. I’ve been a little busy, what with the new nightclub and some other things.”

“Other things being—”

“Things.” I narrow my gaze at Hudson.

I want to tell the folks in my own way, in my own time. Not because my brother drops Taylor’s name and Mom starts shooting questions at me.

“And we want to hear about all those things. Can I get you something to eat or drink first?” Mom starts to rise, but I shake my head.

“No, thanks. I’m good,” I tell her.

They all settle in, my parents on the sofa, my brothers in the club chairs, while I remain standing. “I have something to tell you all.” I’m not nervous. I’m a grown man whose life is his own, but we’re a close family, and my parents deserve to know they’re going to have a grandchild.

“Sounds serious. What is it?” Mom asks, worry obvious in her shaky voice.

No matter how old you are, when your mother pins you with that I’m concerned expression on her face, nerves take over.

I rub my hands on my jeans and begin. “When I was in Charleston a couple of months ago, I met someone. One thing led to another and … she’s pregnant with my baby.”

“Holy shit,” the twins say at the same time. Leave it to Miles, who’s been silent all this time, to join in.