“Oh. Yeah, thanks.”

I shake my head, my mind still foggy with the memory.

In the kitchen, I greet Kevin and Jason. Parker’s taking out the plates that I just put away. Because everyone has been so gracious, offering to help us move in, we thought it would be nice to tell them our exciting news in person. Brandon and Amy had plans, so we made arrangements for them to come see the house soon.

Genna sets Hannah down, who’s starting to get antsy. Parker walks over. “I got her; you go eat. What’s wrong, baby girl?” he asks in a sweet voice.

Hannah starts cooing in his arms. “Oh, is that so?” She babbles some more and Parker continues talking to her as if they’re having a conversation. His version of a baby voice is pretty adorable. Jean laughs at him, but I can only close my eyes and relish the sound of his voice.

“You’re good with her,” Genna says fondly.

When Parker makes Hannah giggle I open my eyes and watch. It’s the perfect glimpse into what my future is about to become and I couldn’t be happier.

“Have you talked to Wendy at all?” Jean asks.

I break into a wide grin, meeting Parker’s eyes. My silence must give something away because when I look away from Parker, I see eight pairs of eyes on me.

I look among them, but before I can get a word out Genna bursts into tears. Definitely overly emotional since having Hannah.

“She’s pregnant?” Jean probes.

Parker comes over to stand behind me, Hannah still in his arms.

I grin. “Yes.”

Genna sobs and then lets out a high-pitched squeal that causes Hannah to giggle. “Dre! My baby sister is going to be a mommy! Does Mom know? When did you find out? How’s Wendy doing? I can’t believe you didn’t say anything earlier!”

“Simmer down,” I joke. “We just found out; we’ve spent the last few days processing it just the two of us. Wendy’s doing really well. So far she’s not feeling any different, but it’s very early.”

“And Mom and Dad?”

“You’re the first to know.”

Everyone chimes in their congratulations; then come the hugs.

“This is cause for celebration,” Jean announces.

“To the bar!” Kevin cheers.

The rest of us laugh. Leave it to these two to find a reason to go out drinking.

“We’re all for celebrating, but maybe on a night where I’m not on call,” Parker teases.

“Friday?” Jason asks.

“We can get Mom and Dad to come down for the weekend to watch Hannah,” Genna exclaims.

“I’m game,” Parkers says, handing a happy Hannah to Jason.

“Me too.” I smile.

“Oh, invite Amy,” Genna says excitedly.

“I will.”

Jean comes over and gives me another hug. “I couldn’t be more excited and happy for you, Dre. You deserve every bit of happiness. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

When everyone leaves I send Amy a text asking if she’s still up.

Amy: Kind of. What’s up?

Me: I’m sorry! Go back to sleep. I’ll call you in the morning.

My phone rings. “Hey, I’m sorry to wake you.”

“You didn’t.” Her voice is sleepy. She tries to clear it but it doesn’t help. “What’s going on?”

“I wanted to call you earlier but it’s been a crazy day.” Silence. “Wendy’s pregnant.”

“Aundrea!” Her voice cracks, followed by a groggy cough. “That is incredible news.”

“Parker and I are still shocked that this is real. I feel like I have to pinch myself just to make sure I’m not dreaming this life.”

“That kind of news is definitely worth not being asleep for. Thank you for calling me.”

“Always. I’ll let you get back to sleep. First, though, if you’re free Friday night we’re going to go out and celebrate.”

“I’ll keep you posted. My dad wanted to take Ethan fishing this weekend, so that might work, actually.”

“Will do; goodnight.”

“Night. Oh, and Dre?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t worry about a thing. You got this.” I don’t reply and she doesn’t wait for one before hanging up.

Back in the kitchen, Parker is finishing cleaning up. He wipes his hands after setting the last wine glass in the sink, then turns to me. He winks and I recognize the look in his eye. The look that says he’s ready to ravish me right here and now.

“Can I help you?” I tease, scooting along the counter with a naughty grin.

“I got to thinking.”

“Hmm?”

“We have to mark our territory.”

I laugh, but he gives me a devious look. I know his looks all too well. I move quickly, but he snatches me. “Oh no you don’t,” I squeal.

He picks me up and puts me over his right shoulder. “Parker! Put me down!” I’m only half kidding. I try to kick, but he holds my legs down.

“The neighbors are going to hear you if you keep screaming,” he says, amused.

“We don’t have any neighbors.” I giggle. All our neighbors are acres away, and we’re separated by trees.

“Then you better scream really loud.”

I talk to Wendy every night this week, to check on her and to schedule her first OB appointment.

Jean drives back into town Friday night to go to Max’s Bar with us—where Parker and I met. Genna suggested a few quiet restaurants we could go to but, in true Jean form, she wanted music, dancing, and drinks.