When we reach the car, Frank looks around, whistling, as if to show he has no idea what’s going on while he opens our door.

“I guess,” Sammi pouts. “At least we have this.” She pulls the little stuffed bear with the recording of baby Livingston’s heartbeat inside and presses the button on its paw.

My own heart races at the sound, fighting to keep time with our baby bean as we speed away to Rhett’s place, where I’ll finally have the honor of introducing my best friends to the love of my life.

Chapter Fourteen

Tucked away off the main road, behind a gated entrance and miles of sprawling trees, is something akin to paradise. Rhett’s house is massive. I can’t help but feel intimidated by the opulence of it all as Lyle and I climb the stone steps.

“You all right, Li’l Bit?” Lyle smooths a bent finger up and down my back.

I nod. “Just a little nervous.”

“Don’t be.” He bends to press a tender kiss to my lips. “They’re going to love you.”

I sure hope so, I think to myself as he reaches forward to press the doorbell.

“You made it!” A petite blonde who I’d recognize anywhere as Rhett’s wife, Korie, greets us at the door wearing frayed cut-off shorts, a black tee that says “crew” on the front, and black chucks. Her hair is dangling over either shoulder in twin braids. On her hip sits an adorable baby girl who immediately, upon seeing my husband, lurches toward him with her pudgy arms extended, causing my heart to somersault in my chest.

“Happy birthday, Hadley girl,” he coos, taking her from her mother and flying her around in the air before positioning her on his hip. Gosh, the way he looks at her. I swear it makes my ovaries quiver. If I weren’t already knocked up, I’d be begging him to put a baby in me tonight.

“Aren’t you a cutie?” I say, admiring her adorable outfit—a black onesie with “Being ONE rocks” scrawled above an electric guitar, tucked inside a rainbow tutu with pink high-top Converse. Top it off with blonde ringlet pigtails, and I damn near get a toothache from the sweetness.

Freaking adorable.

“Hey Kor,” Lyle says, hugging her with his free arm. “Allow me to introduce you to my wife, Sammi.” He looks over at me. “Sammi, this is Korie, Rhett’s wife.”

“Nice to meet you.” I reach out for her hand, intending to shake it.

“None of that.” The little spitfire rolls her eyes. “We greet family with hugs around here.”

Before I’ve escaped the awkward embrace, Nick’s wife, Raven, appears. “Oh, Anika wasn’t lying. You are gorgeous.”

I’m still stuck on the fact that Anika had anything nice to say about me when I find myself wrapped in yet another set of arms.