McKenzie Cousins Box Set 4

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Sleeping for a couple of hours, I washed and found something a bit cooler to wear. A soft tea dress in white and lilac. It flows softly around my thighs as I move downstairs in search of Jaxon. Something to eat and drink would be good too. I never knew pregnant women got so hungry. There is eating for two, but I’m sure I’m eating for four with how hungry I’ve become.

Halfway down the stairs, I stop and listen to soft voices coming from the kitchen. My name is mentioned. However, I can't hear in what context. As I get closer, Ruben's words are clear, "You don't have to date her to be a Dad to your child, Jaxon. Don't you think you're rushing things having her move in with you?" His words cause me to pause. Don't they like me?

Nervously, I hover not knowing what to do as tears fill my eyes, seconds from falling. My feet move me forward until I'm closer to the partly opened doorway.

Jaxon leans against the kitchen table, his parents' stand together in front of him with sunlight streaming into the room. Jaxon runs his hands through his hair, and says, “It will be much easier having her with me. I know what I’m doing, Dad.”

Surprise fills me, and I slowly back away, not wanting to believe Jaxon only asked me here for the baby. I know I thought about this. What girl wouldn't in my situation. However, to hear his parents' question him in that way, and his response, upsets me.

Quickly exiting through the front door, I turn. “Oomph,” I hiss, smacking into a hard-male body. His arms go around my waist, preventing me from tumbling to the ground.

“Poppy, right? I’m sorry. Are you okay?”

As soon as I have my balance, he releases me, until he gets a look at my face.

Frowning, Ryan asks, “What’s happened?” He glances at the front door before his concerned gaze searches my face.

“It doesn’t matter,” I whisper, my mouth trembling as I inhale deeply. I don’t want to break down in front of Ryan or someone else. What I'd wanted by escaping out here was my own space to think.

Ryan tilts his head and frowns. “My brother has done something, right?” He shakes his head and wraps an arm around my shoulders. “You’re carrying my niece or nephew, so that makes you family.” He grins. “Come and sit with me.” Guiding me into a cushioned-rocking chair, he sits beside me.

“Are all the McKenzie men handsome?” Shocked, I quickly cover my

mouth with a hand. Those words weren’t meant to leave my mouth.

Ryan’s eyes twinkle as he chuckles. “Yes.”

"Confident as well." I sigh, wiping at my cheeks with cold fingers.

"We don't know each other, but if you need to talk, then I'm a good listener." He draws a cross over his heart with a finger. "I promise."

I contemplate what to say because, after all, he is Jaxon’s brother. "It's difficult for me. Yesterday I was in a hotel with my brother, and today Jaxon has moved me into his family home and into his bedroom."

Ryan’s gaze shoots up to his hairline in surprise. “Mom and Dad are letting him have a girl in his room? That’s not fair!”

“Seriously? How old are you?”

He winks. “Old enough to want girls to share my room.”

"I've forgotten why I needed fresh air now." I glance over to the horizon and see nothing but fields covered in different shades of green, leading toward rolling hills. It's a beautiful place to be. "Why has Jaxon brought me here, Ryan?"

Focusing on his face, I see the surprise and gentleness in him I hadn't noticed before. At Kenza last night he'd come across as a player, but loyal to his brother. Today he's letting me see a deep caring inside of him—not just for his family either.

“My brother has been distracted for months. You know why? Because it turns out he’s been missing you.” He takes my hands and holding them between his, says, “The baby is a surprise and not just to him. But he was coming after you without knowing he was going to be a Dad. Anything else, then you’re going to have to talk to Jaxon about it.” He pauses. “My brother is pigheaded. If he only wanted you with him for the baby, then why would he have you sleeping in his bedroom with him and not the guest room? There are two guest rooms upstairs. Think about that?” Leaning forward, he hesitates and then gives me a kiss on the top of my head. “I’ll give you some peace…for now.”

He disappears from view, and I'm left with my thoughts. I know Jaxon wants the baby and me. I really am aware of this. Perhaps my doubts have everything to do with the hormonal change going on in my body.

That has to be it.

23

Jaxon

Ryan walks into the room and, after helping himself to a cup of coffee, rests beside me. "Sorry I'm late," he offers, taking a sip of the drink in his hands.

“You weren’t invited,” I mumble.