Page 28 of The Sweetest Mistake

“Here. I’ll change her this time,” Julia said, gently taking Ava out of his arms.

“Thanks. The diaper bag’s in the spare room.”

Just as they stood up, there came the sound of a car door slamming. Showtime!

“It’s probably Finn and Harper. He’s always early,” Connor said.

“I’ll hurry,” Julia said, responding to the look of panic on his face. “Offer them drinks or something.” With that, she rushed down the hall and into the guest bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

The diaper bag was on the bed, and Julia carefully laid Ava down beside it.

“Gagagaga,” Ava said as she gazed up at Julia.

“Shhh. Not yet, little one. Save the show for your uncles.” Uncles? Hmm. This ought to be interesting. Julia and Harper often spoke about the dynamics between the three O’Brien brothers, and Julia wondered how having a new family member would change that. Connor was the prickly one of the bunch, but she’d already begun to notice some changes in him. She’d like to take some of the credit, but she suspected that Ava was the primary reason.

Connor was a father now, and he had more to think about than just himself. He seemed softer, a few of the rough edges having worn off in light of his new role, and maybe that would extend to everyone, even his brothers.

Julia made quick work of changing the diaper and reassembling Ava’s clothes. When she picked Ava up, instead of rushing back to the living room, she held her for a moment, enjoying the feel of her in her arms. And then she caught a glimpse of the two of them in the mirror hanging over the dresser and froze. They looked so natural together that she’d almost forgotten that Ava wasn’t hers.

“Jules? You can come out now,” Connor hollered from the living room.

“Okay, sweetie. Time for your big debut. Knock ’em dead!”

All eyes were upon them as Julia and Ava reentered the living room—Harper’s, Finn’s, and Liam’s, who must have shown up while Julia had been changing Ava. Julia scanned the room for Connor and found him seated in an armchair, hands clasped tightly between his knees and looking nervous. When their eyes met, he smiled and seemed to relax some. Did she really have that kind of effect on him? Maybe he really did need her after all.

Harper was the first to speak, jumping off the couch where she’d been sitting next to Finn and rushing toward Julia and Ava.

“Ohmigod. She’s absolutely adorable!” she gushed, reaching out to touch Ava’s hand.

“Isn’t she?” Julia said and then clamped her mouth shut. She was acting like a proud parent instead of what she was, the girlfriend of Ava’s father.

Finn stood up next and stepped up beside Harper, slipping his arm around her waist and giving it a squeeze. “Someday, babe,” he whispered, but it was loud enough that Julia heard.

And then came Liam, bounding up and patting Ava’s head affectionately. “This is going to be a riot!” he said. When they all stared at him, he said, “What? I can’t wait to see Connor as a dad.”

“What about you?” Julia teased. “Don’t you want to be a dad someday?”

“Gotta meet the right girl first,” he said, and everyone stilled.

“Shit. Sorry, dude,” Liam said to Connor.

“Forget about it,” Connor said, looking down at his hands.

Julia struggled to come up with some witty comment to ease the tension but failed. Luckily, Harper stepped in.

“Julia’s great with kids. I’m sure she’ll be a big help to you, Connor.”

“She already is,” he said, shooting Julia a grateful smile.

And then the doorbell rang, puncturing the awkward moment.

“Hello? It’s your mom and dad,” Mrs. O’Brien called as she and her husband came in.

“Oh boy. Here we go,” Liam said with a look of amusement.

The group parted, leaving Julia standing there with Ava, and she shot Connor a panicky look. He should have been the one holding his daughter, not her. But it was too late. Barbara O’Brien was already heading straight toward Julia, her arms outstretched.

“Oh my goodness! Who is this sweet little baby girl?”