Hang on a minute. “Your girls?” I asked with a smirk as we stood from our chairs and Josh placed his jacket over my shoulders.

“I’m destined to have a daughter, so the universe can pay me back for all the shit I did. But fuck, I’m going to be protective of her. I actually feel sorry for any guy that attempts to get anywhere near her. She will be locked away until she is at least thirty, and I’ll be buying a shot gun.”

I laughed and grabbed his hand. “Maybe she will be a mini version of me.”

“I love you, more than anything, but I do not wish to think of my baby girl riding a man’s face, sucking his dick, or fucking for hours on end. Yes, I hope she gets your beauty and strength, but my baby girl will not be a naughty little minx like her mother. Fuck, I need people to start praying for me or something.”

I was still laughing when we reached Ky and Eden, who were standing toward the back of the room and having a quiet moment after an amazing wedding. The night was coming to an end, and I could tell by his touchy feely ways that Ky was ready to sweep Eden off her feet and take her away for the night before they headed to Fiji for their honeymoon.

“The three of us had an amazing time. It’s been a huge day, so we are going to head home,” Josh said softly as we began our goodbyes. He squeezed my hand tenderly, and I watched Ky and Eden closely for any sign of reaction.

“The three of you? Please do not tell me that you just referred to your cock as a person.”

“Yes, Ky, I refer to my cock as a person,” Josh said, scoffing at Ky’s question. “Seriously, Eden, I can see you didn’t marry him for his brains.”

“Wait a minute,” Eden said excitedly, and looked at me with wide eyes. That was when I knew my best friend clicked. “What have you been drinking tonight?”

It was my turn to squeeze Josh’s hand. This was it. “I’ve been drinking orange juice.”

It took barely a second for her to react. “Oh my god!” she shrieked, and turned to a confused-looking Ky.

“Will someone tell me what the fu—holy shit!” Ky’s gasp shot through the air as it dawned on him, and his eyes went straight to my stomach. I let go of Josh’s hand and stepped in front of Ky. His eyes found mine, and they looked at me with such fascination and hope. “You’re pregnant?” he whispered.

“You’re going to be an amazing uncle to this little one, and in about seven months you get to meet him or her.”

“Jesus,” Ky whispered, and his gaze shot over my shoulder. “Get over here, Josh.”

I stepped away and went to Eden, who pulled me in for a long squeeze. She linked our arms, and we watched in silence as Ky wrapped Josh in a tight hug and said something softly in his ear that neither one of us could hear. Josh nodded and smiled at Ky, before turning back to me. My legs trembled under his intense gaze as he walked toward me.

“You ready to go home?”

“Yep.” I turned back to Ky and Eden, who were looking at us in awe. “Have the most amazing honeymoon. Go and make a baby, so this little one has a cousin to grow up with.”

“Believe me, we will be trying.” Eden smiled and got a quick look from Ky. “Text me regular updates. I mean daily. Hourly, if you feel up to it.”

“Christ,” Josh mumbled beside me, and I was soon being pulled away.

“What did Ky say to you?” I asked as we stepped out into the night air and headed toward the car. Josh wrapped his arm around my shoulder, and my arm threaded around his waist. With a light kiss to the side of my head, we fell into step.

“He just said something that I am very well aware of.”

He stopped and grabbed both of my hands, then lifted them to his lips. With the lightest of touches, he kissed my knuckles, while looking at me with contentment and love sweeping through his eyes.

“What are you aware of?” I whispered, and held my breath as I knew his response had the potential to completely unravel me.

“That I am the luckiest guy in the world.”

Seven months later

“I FEEL LIKE I’M about to explode.” Ashlyn groaned beside me. “I just want to meet our baby. Is that too much to ask?”

Sunday morning sunshine beamed through our bedroom, and I rolled to my side to find Ashlyn on her back with her stomach on full display. It was the sexiest sight in the world. Ashlyn had been glowing for months. Pregnancy looked amazing on her, and if she hadn’t threatened to cut my balls off, I’d make sure she was pregnant constantly.

The past seven months had been phenomenal. That was the only way to describe it. There was nothing in this world that could make me happier. I had Ashlyn—my girl, my lover, my best friend—and I had my little prince or princess due to join us any day now.

“I’ve read that sex brings on labor,” I said with a smirk. “I’m willing to help in any way I can.”

Her laughter sounded like music to my ears. “How about this? If there is no movement in the next twenty-four hours, you can have me anyway you want. Get your rest, though, because I’ll be fucking you until this baby comes out.”

“You really are my soulmate, aren’t you?” I laughed and moved in close. “You and me, Ashy.”

I leaned in and kissed her good morning, before moving down the bed until I could drop my lips to her belly. “Good morning, bubba.”

Ashlyn giggled and ran her hands through my hair. “I love how you do that.”

“I’ve got to give my baby a good morning kiss too.” I shot her a wink. “Do you want a hot chocolate?”

“Yes, please. With extra marshmallows.”

“Your wish is my command.” I smiled, then climbed out of bed and pulled on a pair of sweatpants. “I’ll go see if Ben and Austin have any plans for today.”

Austin and Ben had flown in the night before, and were staying with us until the baby arrived. Having Ashlyn’s brother and his best friend—and practically her second brother—in the house was good.

I stumbled into the kitchen to find Austin standing by the sink, looking out the window at the view of the cove. My arrival grabbed his attention, so he swung around and offered me a chin lift in greeting.

“How’s Ducky this morning?” Austin asked, using Ashlyn’s childhood nickname.

I pulled out a mug and poured myself coffee. “She thinks she is going to explode,” I said with a smile. “But besides that, she is okay. We are both getting anxious and just want to meet our little boy or girl.”

“Thank you for giving her this. It is all she ever wanted. I tried to give her as much as I could when she lived in Monroe, but you are giving her everything. I appreciate it.”

“You never have to thank me for anything when it comes to your sister. She’s my life, it’s as simple as that.”

“Do we have a baby yet?” Ben’s deep voice rumbled as he stepped into the kitchen. “Seriously, a man is going to get fuckin’ old waiting.”

“Not yet,” I said.

The three of us stood in the kitchen, catching up and talking about random shit. Our conversation ceased when Ashlyn came walking in. The first thing I noticed was that she had dressed in a pair of my old sweats, and was wearing a tank top that covered her belly perfectly. She stopped just inside the door and, when her eyes met mine, something shifted within them.

“Sorry to break up the chat, boys, but Joshy, it’s started.” The smile that hit her lips was mind blowing. “While I was in the bathroom, my water broke.”

I froze. Water breaking meant the baby was coming. I had read enough baby books over the past seven months to know exactly what was happening. Fuck. It was happening. Now.

“Josh. Fucking come back to us.” Austin stood there, clicking his fingers in front of my face and pulling me back to reality. “Here he is. Josh, your baby is coming. Take my sister to the hospital. Now.”