Page 95
Within four seconds, the whole yard descends on all of them with hugs and hollering. Paisley, of course, grabs the baby first.
"Nice truck," I offer.
"It was time for an upgrade." He glances at it then back at me. "Heard through the grapevine you've got a whole situation going on. New baby girl? The works." Sebastian half asks, half states, with his eyebrows raised.
"Word really does travel at Paisley speed."
"Nope! I heard about it from Ava. Apparently the town prayer group is praying for you."
"What? Why?"
His mouth twitches. "Figure they know Lainey's gonna need divine intervention if she plans on keeping you."
"Asshole."
"Don't shoot the messenger."
Georgia swats his arm. "That is not what Ava said."
Sebastian glances at his wife. "Close enough."
"It wasn't even close." Georgia turns to me, smiling. "They're praying for you, Lainey, and Charlie. That everything works out and y'all get to be a family."
My chest tightens.
Mason slaps a hand on my shoulder. "Great. Now the entire county's emotionally invested."
Wyatt lifts his coffee. "No pressure."
"Y'all are hilarious," I mutter.
Paisley walks over with Knox tucked against her chest. "You know what would be awesome?"
"Oh boy. This ought to be good," I add.
Her grin gets bigger. "Three Cartwright babies at Christmas."
I point at her. "Don't even tell me you're knocked up."
"Jagger!" Dad scolds.
"What? She asked for that one." I lean closer and put my hand on her belly, teasing, "You aren't, right?"
She huffs. "No. I am not knocked up."
Sebastian puts his arm around her. "Great. Stay like that."
"You're both so annoying," she moans.
"How long are you here?" Mom asks.
Georgia answers, "Long weekend. We're staying through Monday if that's all right?"
"You know it is, sweetie," Mom responds.
"Did you bring anything?" Wilder asks Georgia.
She grins and points. "Of course I did. In the back seat."