But things changed.

“Yes,” I said, too happy to feel any other emotion.

The tech moved the wand around, trying to find the right angle, but Squish moved every time she got close.

“Takes after their mom,” Ward murmured. “Stubborn.”

That was true.

After a bathroom break, rolling to both sides, and some stretches, Squish finally cooperated.

“It’s a girl,” the tech said.

Right before I burst into tears.

23. 90s Nostalgia Snack

CHAPTER 23

90S NOSTALGIA SNACK

HOLLYWOOD

Standing in front of a large building that housed a bakery, custom garage, and small recording studio, Mac inhaled. “My God, it smells like heaven.”

After the ultrasound and a quick checkup with her doctor, I’d kept my word to Mac. I’d taken her straight to Sweets You Rock for the two cupcakes she thought I owed her.

She was wrong.

I owed her as many cupcakes as she wanted. And I’d happily pay out for the rest of my damn life.

It’d been un-fuckin’-real. I knew there was a baby in her stomach. I’d felt it kick. Felt it roll. But seeing her in there? Her little nose and fingers and feet?

Christ. Never imagined anything like it.

And seeing Mac find out Squish was a girl?

Christ. Never experienced anything like it.

“Wait till you taste it,” I said, putting a hand on her lower back as I opened the door. Usually, the line would be wrapped around the building, so I hoped we were there during a lull and not when they’d already sold out.

The short woman behind the counter looked up and smiled. “Hey, Hollywooooo…” My name trailed off as her focus moved to Mac.

And Mac’s stomach.

Steps slowing, Mac’s gaze shot to me, her eyes wide with alarm.

“Forgot to warn you,” I said. “Everyone in this building is gossipy as fuck. Be ready for a bunch of men who look like they rolled in grease to come through the door to steal food and tell you lies. Ignore them.”

“Don’t forget the single ones will flirt, too,” Piper added.

“Like fuckin’ hell they will,” I gritted out.

She gave me a knowing smile.

Bringing Mac in closer before she could run—and before those assholes came in with any stupid ideas—I moved toward the display case.

The apprehension and confusion melted off Mac’s face.

I liked the way she looked at me when she thought I wasn’t paying attention.

I loved how she looked at me when she let her guard down and allowed herself to do it.

I fuckin’ loved the way she looked at me when I was naked, inside her, making her come, or any combination of the three.

But I wanted her to look at me with the same open longing she had for the various baked goods.

Christ, I’m getting jealous of dessert.

Sad, man. Just pathetic.