Page 54 of Honest Boys Don’t Play

“Again, you only graduated a year ago.”

My path has crossed with Teddy’s a few times since I was at Aldridge whether we were at the same parties or in the dining hall at the same time. To be honest, he’s a bit … exuberant, so I always kept my distance. Apparently, I like quiet and shy guys like Luke. Teddy McCallister is the most outgoing person I’ve ever encountered.

“Oh my God, Teddy, let them in,” Rosie says, appearing from the back of the townhouse. She gives his form a shove. “Go play with Sammy. You’re practically the same age.” Once he walks away, Rosie gives a soft sigh. “I swear, having Teddy around is like having two toddlers. I’m so happy you’re here.” She grabs me into a hug. “I really hope you’ll like everything.” She bites her lip nervously. “We’re set up out back.”

“Rosie, I know I’m going to love it. I’m honored you went to so much trouble when I know you have a lot on your plate.”

“It was no trouble at all,” she assures me. “I’m happy to do it. Anything for my little nephew.”

She has no idea what it means to me that her and Daire have so readily put themselves in the position of aunt and uncle. Here I am feeling like I’m bringing nothing to the table with my lack of familial connections, but these two are constantly reminding me that the family you choose is often more important than the one you’re born into.

Rosie opens the back door onto the deck that then leads into the yard. My jaw drops the moment I step outside. The backyard has been transformed with balloons galore including an arch that looks like it would’ve been a nightmare to put together. There’s one table boasting a mountain of presents that has me choking on air and another with a gorgeous, three-tier cake in the center and food. Everything is done in hues of browns, ivory, and a soft yellow.

The warmth of Luke’s hand is steady on my back, like he somehow senses that I need the support.

“Oh, Rosie,” I gasp, fighting back tears. “This is … incredible. I can’t believe you did all this for me. For us.”

She gives me a soft smile. “I love you, Bertie, you’re my best friend. As cheesy as it sounds, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” When she sees the first tear fall onto my cheek, she gasps and pulls me into a hug as Luke’s hand falls away from my waist. “Please, don’t cry. Even if they’re happy tears.”

I quickly pull myself together. I didn’t spend all morning doing my hair and makeup to go and ruin it by crying.

“Come on,” Rosie says, taking my hand. “Let me show you everything and introduce you to everyone.”

She leads me down the stairs into the yard and I let her drag me around. She’s more outgoing than I am, so it takes some pressure off me to let her do the introductions. Many of the people in attendance are guys from the hockey team that have brought their girlfriends or sisters. One of the guys, Cree, I recognize as one of Daire’s good friends. He’s with his girlfriend Ophelia and she might have the prettiest red hair I’ve ever seen. Beside them, Rosie introduces me to Cree’s sister Millie and her boyfriend Jude. Jude’s … hot. Like the kind of intimidating hot that has you not wanting to make eye contact with him.

Finally, we make it back to Teddy who has his arm thrown around a curvy brunette that might be one of the most gorgeous women I’ve ever seen.

“You know Teddy, and this is his girlfriend, Vanessa.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” I tell her.

“Thank you for having us.”

“So, what’s on the agenda first?” I ask Rosie. I look around as inconspicuously as I can for Luke and find him standing with Daire and Cree. He’s holding Sammy, his biceps flexed deliciously with the way he’s carrying him, and I swear my mouth waters.

An elbow to my side has me shooting daggers at my best friend. Stifling a laugh, she says, “Apparently the first thing on your agenda is ogling your baby daddy.”

“I can’t help it,” I mumble.

She laughs and grips my elbow, tugging me toward a quieter area of the yard by the fence. “Bertie,” she says sternly, but there’s humor in her eyes. “I want you to know, that it’s totally okay to bang your hot baby daddy.”

“Rosie!” I gasp.

“What?” She bats her eyes innocently. “The chemistry between you two is so hot anyone can feel it, but you keep denying it for some reason. Luke is a good guy. He’s not Tommy. He’s not your parents. He’s Luke. It’s okay to like the guy. Or maybe even love him.”

I bite my lip, trying to keep my emotions at bay.

“I’m scared,” I confess.

She squeezes my elbow. “Tell me something I don’t know.” Her eyes go serious and I know chances are I’m not going to like what she says next. “But it’s okay to be scared. The best things can come from being afraid. Look at Daire and me. I was terrified. But our second chance is everything to me, and Sammy? I can’t imagine not having that kid in my life. All of that fear I had initially? Worth it. I can’t make you do anything, but I don’t want you to regret anything.”

“I just need time,” I say. “And I think he understands that.”

Rosie pulls me in for a hug. “Enough relationship talk. It’s time to focus on this little one.” She presses a hand to my stomach. “Speaking of, does he have a name yet?”

“No,” I laugh. “We haven’t talked about names at all.”

Neither of us has ever broached the topic, and I know names are probably one of the most important things to parents, but it hasn’t even crossed my mind as crazy as that sounds. I’ve been too focused on coming to terms with motherhood.