Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers 3)

“You’ll make me cry.”

“Hold it in, baby, because there’s more. I don’t regret or feel slighted because what we had made my wishes come true.”

“Stop, stop being sweet or I’ll bawl like a lunatic holding a baby on the dance floor of an exquisite wedding reception.”

I drop my forehead to hers, which Devin takes as an invitation to fist my hair. “I’ll stop after this. When you don’t have a baby in your arms, I’ll explain in explicit detail the other memory of that night that is burned in my brain. Promise you, that will be anything but sweet.”

Her body shudders and her hazel eyes melt into a shade of blue I recognize well. “Does this explanation come with a demonstration?”

My cock hardens at the huskiness in her voice. “Oh, yeah.”

A throat clears loudly, and we turn to find Pierce and Darby. Pierce’s expression is lit with amusement while Darby is eyeing me with a glare I recognize well.

“Darby—” I begin, but she waves a hand dismissively.

“The jig is up. Don’t insult me by trying to skip around the truth. I’m a master in the art of evasion.”

Devin hears his mom’s voice and instantly perks up, pumping his fist at her. The glare in her gaze lessens, and once again, I make a note that my nephew is an excellent distraction.

“Well?” she snipes.

“You may know the art of evasion, but you’re slipping in other areas. Took you long enough to figure it out.”

Pierce barks out a laugh, curling his arm around her hip.

“This isn’t funny.” She pokes him in the chest. “And for your information, I knew Thursday night at the bonfire something was off. This pregnancy and the fact my best friend was getting married may have impaired my speed, but I’m not slipping.”

“I’m guessing this is the magic of twin power and she knows?” Poppy asks quietly.

“Yeah, baby, she knows.”

Darby cuts her eyes to Poppy. “Of course I know.”

“Please don’t be mad. It was my idea to stay quiet until after this weekend.”

Darby’s face softens and she drops the attitude, her smile splitting wide. “Oh, Poppy, I’m not mad. I’m thrilled, elated, want to scream in excitement happy. But it’s my job to give Evin a hard time.”

Poppy relaxes in my arms. “Thank God.”

“Since I can’t do any of those things without making a spectacle of myself because everyone will assume I’m in labor, tell me how long I have to keep this secret.”

“Tomorrow night, you can unleash all the crazy you want.”

“Did Elvis officiate?”

“Shit, no.”

“Marilyn Monroe? Frank Sinatra? Sammy Davis Jr.?”

“Hell, Darby, do you think I’d stand in front of an impersonator and say my vows?”

She shrugs. “You’re full of surprises.”

“It was a romantic wedding,” Poppy pipes in.

My sister’s expression grows dreamy. “Tell me you have pictures.”

“Around two hundred, including Ryanne’s video of our proposal.”

Pierce jerks. “You asked her? Thought you were smarter than that.”

“Not sure you should dole out advice on proposals, man. Considering your track record.”

“I didn’t say he asked. It was more of a telling conversation,” Poppy corrects him.

He grins smugly. “You learned something.”

“This is perfect. I can’t wait for tomorrow night. We’ll bring dessert. Now, I’m taking my baby off your hands.”

“I got him.” Pierce reaches out. “You’re done for the day.”

She rolls her eyes. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“Baby, he’s twenty-five pounds. You want him, then sit your ass down, get off your feet, and rest.”

“Poppy, I hope Evin isn’t nearly as bossy. If he is, nip it in the bud now. Or else, you’ll find yourself in a lifetime battle.” Darby tries to sound irritated, but there’s no conviction in her words. Pierce may be overly protective, but he worships my sister with everything he is.

“I think it may be too late,” Poppy reveals.

“Oh, sister, get ready then.”

At the term ‘sister’ my pulse quickens and I check for Poppy’s reaction. She doesn’t falter, her eyes glowing as she hands Devin to Pierce. “Maybe tomorrow night you can give me some pointers.”

As soon as the baby is out of her arms, Darby takes advantage of her position and slides in for a hug. “My brother has never been this happy, and I have you to thank for that. Welcome to our family.”

“I’m sincerely glad to be a part of it.” There’s an undeniable crack in Poppy’s voice.

Darby transfers her back to me, pulling away with her own quivering lips.

“We’ll leave you two to dance before I mess up and gush.”

“Good idea,” I agree.

“Congrats, man. You’re in for the ride of your life.” Peirce tips his chin and leads them away.

“I didn’t know how much it meant to me until that second.” Poppy winds her hands around my neck.

“What?”

“Her approval and accepting me into your life. It felt awesome.”

Hatred for her family boils in my blood.

“I know that look and what you’re thinking, but this has little to do with them.”