Just Getting Started (Fair Lakes 2)

“Now I’m nervous,” his mom mumbles, turning off the burner on the stove and wiping her hands on the hand towel on the counter. His dad just nods and follows the group as they exit the room.

I’m left alone with Milo in the quiet kitchen. I can hear the faint murmur of Chase’s deep voice, and as I move the baby from his carrier and cradle him in my arms, I can’t help but snuggle him even closer. We thought we may have a little more time with Milo, but apparently, that’s not true. Colton is home. For how long, I don’t know, but I know everything is about to change.

That’s a hard pill to swallow.

With Milo tucked against me, I slowly make my way to the living room. I’m not sure if I should hang back or not, but something tells me to go to Chase. He’s about to drop a live bomb on his brother, and I want to be there to support him as he does.

As I step into the room, I hear Chase’s words. “The results showed that I’m only a 25 percent match to Milo.”

“What does that mean?” his mom asks, her eyes full of concern as she gazes up from the couch to her youngest son.

Chase’s eyes connect with mine, a mix of sadness and relief washing over them as I join him. He grabs my hand and smiles down at the baby. Milo reacts to the attention from his uncle, waving his arms and kicking his legs in the cute little outfit I found and dressed him in. The shirt reads, My Uncle Rocks.

Then, his eyes leave mine and focus in on his brother’s. I hold my breath as he says, “It means I’m not his dad. I’m Milo’s uncle.”

A gasp is heard, but that’s the only sound in the room. I risk a glance at Colton and find his face completely transformed in shock. “His uncle?” he whispers, his eyes moving from his brother to the baby I hold.

Chase clears his throat and squeezes my hand. “Yeah, I’m his uncle. You’re his dad.”

Silence fills the room as everyone seems to absorb this new piece of information. Chase’s dad finally speaks. “Son, what do you remember about that night?” he asks, looking at the oldest boy.

Colton’s face turns a deep red as he glances embarrassingly at his mom. “Uhh….”

“I was just about to go check on dinner. Gabby, why don’t you and my grandson join me,” she says, excusing herself from the conversation. As she walks by her oldest son, she squeezes his arm in love and support, before making her way back to the kitchen.

Connie is quiet as she busies herself at the stove, pulling something from the oven and turning back on the burner. “This is some Jerry Springer shit,” she says, breaking the silence.

My eyes widen in humor and shock as I look over at the petite woman. “Oh, don’t look at me like that. Just because I don’t want my boys talking like a sailor doesn’t mean there isn’t an appropriate time for an occasional shit-bomb. And I’d say today warrants a shit.”

I can’t help it, I giggle. “I would agree.”

She glances my way. “How’s my son holding up?”

Taking a seat at the island across from her, I reply, “He’s devastated.”

She nods, averting her tear-filled eyes. “I can imagine.”

“But I think it helps that this one is still his nephew,” I start, looking down at sweet baby Milo. “If it weren’t his family at all and he had to release him to child services, I’m not sure he’d survive.”

“He’s a good man, my Chase. He wants a family so bad. Always has,” she says, giving me a small smile that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I keep my eyes focused on the baby, while Connie goes back to finalizing our dinner for the evening. “So when are you due?” she asks, while plugging in the hand mixer to mash the potatoes.

A gasp falls from my lips as I glance her way. “What?”

She snorts a laugh. “Oh, sweet girl, did you not think I couldn’t tell? You’re practically glowing already,” she says.

“I… umm, well….”

“Let me guess, you just found out?”

“Well, yes, actually. I’m not that far along.”

She waves her hand. “Doesn’t matter. A mother knows these things. I could tell the moment you stepped into the kitchen that you were expecting. How did my son take the news?”

I swallow over the lump in my throat. “He’s excited.”

She nods. “I’m sure he is.” Then, she moves, coming around and standing directly beside me. Connie runs her hand over Milo’s soft forehead and bends down and kisses his chubby cheek. “He’s going to make a wonderful father, Gabby. And you? You’ll be the best mother ever to my next grandchild.”