Huh. Brandon really is too nice and forgiving of people.

“I may have also said that if it kept him from going after you...” he trailed off.

I hugged his waist and smiled into his chest. “That sounds more like you, but that’s why I love you. I’m all grimy and covered in cake, I’m going to change really quick.”

“Put on a tight shirt.”

“Is that how you want to tell them? Just show them?”

He smiled and looked back to make sure no one was near us, “Just act like nothing’s different, see how long it takes them. I think it’d be fun Mrs. Taylor, don’t you?”

“I have to agree with you Mr. Taylor. I’ll be right back.”

Changing into a bright blue racer-back stretchy tank, and a clean pair of jeans, I made my way back to the living room and tried to wipe the smile off my face.

“You look amazing Harper.” Brandon pulled me into his arms again and kissed my neck softly. “I’m sorry, I know you get self-conscious, but you pregnant is a breathtaking sight.”

I grabbed each side of his face, and pulled him down to me as I stood on my toes, “Thank you.” I kissed him quickly twice, barely pulling away to look in his eyes, “I love you.”

“And I love you.” Our next kiss was anything but quick.

“Okay you two, get a room.” Dad called from one of the couches.

Blushing, I leaned around Brandon’s side and grinned through my embarrassment at our audience. Liam had crawled over to us and pulled himself up on my leg, gripping my pants with one hand and reaching relentlessly with the other. I pulled him up and settled him on my hip before making my way to a chair. Mom, Dad and Carrie were making fun of me and Brandon so they didn’t even notice when I walked by them. I frowned but sat down, knowing it wouldn’t be much longer before someone noticed.

I was wrong.

It took another hour and a half.

Brandon had even taken Liam from me so he wouldn’t be blocking my stomach, I had gotten up numerous times to get and refill drinks, as well as to go to the bathroom. It took Bree commenting on the color of my shirt for Carrie to gasp and Mom to jump up and literally squeal.

“Oh my God! Oh my God, are you pregnant?! Please tell us you’re pregnant!” Mom rushed over and placed her hands on my rounding stomach.

“Well it’d sure be awkward right now if I weren’t.” I laughed and accepted her numerous hugs and kisses on the cheeks, only to be replaced by the same from Carrie and Dad. At least Dad was more controlled with only one gentle hug and kiss for me, and a big man hug for Brandon.

“You’re already so big!” Carrie was crying happily as she kissed her son and turned back to my stomach, “How far along are you?”

“I’m twelve weeks, and trust me, I had the smallest of bumps until Thursday morning, and then all of a sudden this was here.”

“Twelve weeks! Oh my goodness, congratulations! Jeremy Allen Taylor, get your butt over here and congratulate them.”

“Mom,” Jeremy huffed a laugh and pulled Aubrey closer to his side, “already beat you to it. You guys are a little behind on the news.”

That, of course, got me a couple glares and Brandon a smack on the back of his head, but soon we were all sitting down arguing over whether I was having a girl or boy. Brandon shifted Liam back onto my lap and excused himself when he got a phone call. When he came back five minutes later with a nervous expression, I was worried about who that had been, but tried to keep shut until he was ready to tell me. It didn’t help that he continued to check his phone every few minutes, and my patience soon ran out.

Hugging Liam close to me, I leaned into Brandon and waited until he looked directly at me before speaking low, “Was that Scarecrow?”

“What?”

“On the phone. Was that him?”

His eyes softened and he kissed my temple, “No. I told Crow on Sunday to delete my number and that I was done with the Underground.”

“You did?” I couldn’t stop the smile that crossed my face.

“Of course. I know I messed up, I’m not about to do it again. Him calling would just be a temptation that I don’t need.”

I took a deep, relieving breath and thanked God again for giving me a man like Brandon. “Well then who called, you look nervous.”

He opened his mouth, shut it, and quirked the corner of his mouth up, “Is it okay if we talk about it later?”

Maybe my thanks had come too soon. “Uh, should I be worried?”

Brandon checked his phone again and searched my face, “No, I don’t think so.”

My heart dropped, “Babe that doesn’t exactly help!” I hissed between clenched teeth.

“I’m sorry. Don’t be worried, it’ll be fine.” He leaned forward to kiss me, but when the doorbell rang he paused and blew out a deep breath. Mumbling something, he put a hand on my shoulder and said he would get the door.

“Are you expecting someone baby girl?”

“No Dad…we aren’t.” I turned to look at the door, but Brandon had stepped outside, the door barely cracked and all I could see was his back blocking whoever was out there. Standing up, I repositioned Liam on my hip and turned just as Brandon stepped back into the house, followed by a fit older man with salt and pepper hair and a stern, weathered face. All the air left my body with a loud whoosh and my hand covered my mouth.

Brandon watched me with worried eyes before stepping around the chair to stand by my side and grasp my hand. “Harper?”