Happy Ending (Fisher Brothers 4)

The reality of his words crashed down on me.

“Better him than us,” I said, feeling a little sorry for my baby brother. Even imagining that scenario felt like a nightmare to me. “But I don’t see Jess doing that. For as well-known as we all are, we’ve been able to keep our personal lives fairly private.”

I wasn’t telling Frank anything that he didn’t already know. By far, the biggest media blitz had come after everything with Derek had been revealed—from his betrayal to his mental breakdown and his stalking Sofia. And then there was the car accident and his attempt to shoot me.

But our story was quickly eclipsed by other celebrity news, and things settled down faster than any of us had anticipated. I was grateful for that. The limelight was uncomfortable, especially since Matson was involved. He was too young to have to deal with notoriety.

“I’m just saying . . .” Frank let out a huff. “Jess might feel pressured to invite certain people, is all.”

I clapped him on the back. “It’ll be fine. He has us to keep him centered.”

“You and I both know that boy doesn’t listen for shit.” Frank rolled his eyes.

“He’ll be fine. And so will you. Your wedding is right around the corner, and then everything can go back to normal.”

I hoped I was right. But what the hell did I know about weddings and turning girlfriends into wives?

Nothing

.

Not a damn thing.

And we both knew it.

Being Pregnant Sucks

Sofia

My ankles were swollen and my back hurt. Oh my God, being pregnant with Matson when I was a teenager was way easier than being pregnant now.

Everything ached, and I was miserable. Aside from the grape popsicles and Italian food I craved, I could stomach little else. It was a disgusting combination, I knew that, but the love child inside my belly was destroying me. The fact that it was Ryan Fisher’s baby was its only saving grace. I loved that man with every fiber of my being, and I couldn’t wait to give him a child. And not just because I needed him or her out of me.

After everything we’d gone through, this baby was such a blessing. New life had sprung out of chaos and death.

We’d never planned to get pregnant so soon, but life doesn’t always follow your rules. This baby was exactly what we never knew we needed. And he or she was so very wanted. The pregnancy brought our families together, strengthening an already solid bond. It had brought everyone closer, even if it made me physically uncomfortable.

And Ryan had been completely amazing throughout the pregnancy so far. He rubbed my feet each night. He talked to my growing belly, and he took care of Matson without me having to ask. The man was a superhero, just like Matson always said he was. Maybe Ryan did deserve a cape?

I stirred the pasta on the stove, making spaghetti yet again, and waited for the complaints as the front door flew open.

“It smells delicious, angel,” Ryan said as he rounded the corner into the kitchen. When he saw me, his eyes lit up just as mine filled with tears.

I knew he was lying. There was no way this man could possibly stomach another bowl of noodles and marinara sauce.

He rushed to my side, wrapping an arm around my waist. “What’s the matter? What happened? Are you okay? Do you feel all right?”

I sniffed and wiped at the tears now freely falling down my cheeks. “I’m sorry that I’m making spaghetti again.”

He laughed. “Is that why you’re so upset?” He kissed my cheek and brushed my tears away with his thumb.

“Why are you crying, Mama?” Matson appeared at my side, his forehead crinkled with concern as he stared up at my tearstained face.

“Hey, buddy.” Ryan turned around and gave him a high five. “How was school?”

“Fine. Why is Mama crying?” he whispered to Ryan, but I could still hear him.

“She thinks we’ll be mad at her,” Ryan whispered back.