Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers 3)

“Happy Birthday, sweetie.”

I’m stunned silent, my heart hammering to the rhythm of the whooshing in my ears.

“The studio isn’t the only thing we did. The Honeymoon curse continues. So, do you prefer pink or blue?”

I look back to her shaking the lingerie and the shades register.

Pink and Blue.

My mind is screaming at me, but my mouth is sealed shut.

Poppy’s eyes fill with concern, her smile slipping. “Honey, is it too much? Your face is frozen.”

My tongue may be tied, but my body reacts, lurching up at warp speed and crushing her to me. In a twist, she’s on her back, the lingerie and tests clattering on the floor.

“Say it,” I demand, my voice more gruff than intended.

“Honey?”

“Baby, swear to God, nothing will make me happier to hear. But I have to hear it.”

“Evin, I’m pregnant.”

The words soak to the bottom of my soul, and my eyes close, burning behind the lids.

Invincible. That’s the only way to describe the way I’m feeling. My eyes go to hers and my chest seizes.

“So fucking beautiful. Every minute of every day, I know how lucky I am.”

“I feel the same about you.”

“You’re carrying my baby?”

“I believe so.”

“You know your body better than anyone.”

“Then yes, I’m pregnant.” Splotches crawl up her neck and cheeks, and the memory of the last few days hits me. Her unquenchable desire, the way she’s gone wild, greedy with need. My gaze travels down her body, stopping at her lower stomach, and my fingers sprawl across the skin.

“I want to see a doctor immediately.”

“We have an appointment in an hour.”

My eyes snap to hers. “An hour?”

“I couldn’t wait. But because of the 227 grapevine in this city, it was necessary to make it undercover. The nurse is sworn to secrecy.”

I smile, lowering to run my lips over her stomach. “Smart call.”

“I never got your reaction. Pink or blue?”

There’s no hesitation, my mind is made up. I move slowly up her body, covering the flesh with kisses, and get to eye level. “Both.”

Her scream is muffled when my mouth covers hers.

“Appreciate it, man.”

“No one else comes close to appreciating it as much as you. It wasn’t a hard decision. The papers will be ready tomorrow. Quick close and it’s yours in a few weeks.”

“Poppy will be thrilled.”

“Speaking of Poppy, Deni thinks… said she got this feeling…” Len trails off.

“Deni got a sixth sense?”

“Considering we have five children and eight grandchildren, yeah, I’d give her that power.”

“She’s good, but do me a favor and keep it tight. We confirmed yesterday and haven’t told anyone yet.”

“Secret's safe. Damn, Evin, can’t tell you how happy I am for you.”

“Whenever you decide to come visit from that fancy condo in Florida, there’s always a room for you.”

“Appreciate it, talk tomorrow.”

I disconnect and watch out over Miller and Ashlyn’s backyard. Poppy’s surrounded by Cole and his friends, participating in a water gun fight that has cleared the pool deck. Maya runs by squealing as her boyfriend—Chase? Clint? Whatever the fuck his name is—squirts her relentlessly while Pierce glares daggers at the boy.

Darby is at his side trying to distract him, which works when she leans up and whispers in his ear. He snaps to attention, yanking her to his arms and kissing her.

“Good call?” Dad asks.

“Yep.”

“Want to share?”

Instead of answering, I bring my fingers to my mouth, whistle loudly, and start walking. Poppy freezes, her smile splitting wide. She drops the water gun and takes off running. I brace as she leaps into my arms, wrapping her body around mine while screaming wildly.

She kisses all over my face, then twists to a confused audience. “We got the house!”

Cheers erupt and she dances in my arms.

Len and his wife are retiring to Florida and eager to sell. When he contacted me last week regarding interest in his property, we immediately jumped on the opportunity. Poppy loved the property, but she needed to love the house. Any concerns I had disappeared when she walked through the door.

Pierce met us the next day for a walk-through, and any changes Poppy mentioned went to the top of his schedule.

With the news of Poppy’s pregnancy confirmed, we made an offer last night.

“Congrats, man! Miller won’t have the only mansion in the family,” Pierce jokes, he and Darby joining us.

“I think those extra rooms will start filling up soon,” Darby notes with a knowing glint in her eyes.

“She knows, doesn’t she?” Poppy whispers, even though they are less than a foot away.

“Yeah, baby.”

“Of course. I felt it last night at dinner.”

“Y’all’s sense of ESP is so cool. I hope our babies inherit the trait.” Poppy realizes too late what she’s revealed. Her lips form a little ‘o’ before she giggles, “Oops.”

My sister sways, Pierce tags her around the waist to steady her. “Babies? Oh my God, Evin.”

“Congrats, man.” Pierce slaps me on the shoulder. “It’s about time you took my advice.”