Miller's Time (Southern Charmers 2)

“What else did I do?”

“You knew Todd was proposing and didn’t share with me.”

“Why the hell would I tell you? It was supposed to be a surprise.”

“I can keep a secret!” she defends with an irritated whisper. “Have you forgotten I’m keeping the biggest secret in my life?”

I look deep into her eyes, sliding my hand under the material and around to rest on her lower abdomen. It’s too soon for her body to experience many changes, but my fingers still trace the non-existent bump. “No, Princess, I haven’t forgotten. If it was up to me, we’d be adding it to the long list of today’s celebrations.”

“Doctor, confirmation, how far along, approximate due date,” she reminds me of her list.

“Baby, I’ve looked at half a dozen tests that gave me my confirmation.”

“Yes, but I want to hear it from the doctor on Monday.”

“You know everyone is on baby watch, right?”

“I’m hoping Darby has taken their attention off of us.”

We both look to the side where Darby and Pierce are lying under the outdoor cabana with a sleeping Devin in his little swing. Runner is lying dutifully on the ground next to them. My brother is drinking a beer, curled around his wife, with his free hand draped on her lower stomach.

Our wedding gave Darby an excuse to push Pierce’s family plan back a little. He gave in but inwardly didn’t slow his efforts.

They found out about her pregnancy while we were on our honeymoon. Her history made her cautious to reveal they were expecting again, but it didn’t last long. Similar to the first time, Evin sensed it immediately.

My focus comes back to her, and my hand presses flat to her stomach. “If it’s a girl, I want to name her.”

“Do you have something in mind?”

“Lily.”

She melts, pressing her forehead to mine. “I love you so much.”

We stay this way, lost in each other, with the sound of the party happening all around us.

•—•—•—•—•

I flip off the last light, closing down the house just as my cell rings. The name on the screen doesn’t surprise me.

“Hey,” I say low, not to wake Ashlyn who’s asleep on the couch.

The line is quiet, and I check to make sure the call didn’t drop. He clears his throat and I stop dead. “Dozer?”

“Almost nine weeks?” His question is laced with emotion.

It’s been a few hours since we finished our calls to the families to announce Ashlyn’s pregnancy. Andrew was with us when we called Dozer, Janie, and Austin. Janie burst into tears on FaceTime, which triggered the avalanche of emotions in Ashlyn. They cried together, and at one point, I caught Andrew swiping his eye. No one said much as Janie peppered us with questions.

It was obvious Dozer was processing the news in his own way. I’ve been expecting this call. “Nine weeks,” I confirm.

“She’s happy.” It’s a statement loaded with meaning.

“We both are.”

“You did that. You’re giving her everything.”

There’s no doubt he knows the intensity of my devotion to his daughter. Now is not the time to point out it’s Ashlyn that gives me everything.

“‘Til the day I die,” is my response.

“You’re about to be a dad, Miller. One day soon you’ll understand when I say this. Thank you, son.” With that, the line goes dead.

I close my eyes and blow out a breath, letting the weight of his words sink in. The events of the day roll through my mind. Based on dates and lab tests, the doctor estimates Ashlyn got pregnant within the days surrounding our wedding. Her system had no issues flushing birth control.

I argued it was my relentless effort, which got me a deadly glare in the exam room. It didn’t faze me one bit. Now, watching her sleep, I picture when the doctor pointed to the dot on the monitor and her hand trembled in mine.

Her eyes bright, smile wide, and beauty glowing… all of it like the first time I saw her.

Sheer perfection.

I go to her, sliding my arms under her knees and back, lifting her from the sofa. She stirs, her eyes hooded and sleepy, coming to mine.

“Time for bed, sleeping beauty.”

She nuzzles into my chest, settling her arms between us.

“Did I dream it, or were you talking?”

“Your dad called.”

“He wasn’t surprised.”

“No, I don’t think so.”

“Everyone knew.”

“They were expecting this. I didn’t hide my intentions. Doesn’t change their excitement.” I make it to the bedroom and ease us down, leaning against the headboard and situating her across me.

“Poor Stephanie.”

“Why poor Stephanie? She especially knew this was coming.”

“But both her bridesmaids pregnant? That’s going to be a buzzkill.”

“No, it’s not. Scottie and Billy can take up the slack.”

She peers up at me, her lips twitching. “I’m guessing our bachelorette party in Vegas will be a much different experience than she envisioned.”

I stiffen, my blood pressure spiking. “Bachelorette in Vegas?”