Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers 3)

“You ready to let the cat all the way out of the bag?” I ask, quirking an eyebrow.

“Only if you are.”

My whistle isn’t as loud but has the desired effect.

“Good lord, my eardrums are ringing. Why don’t you walk down here and talk to us like a civilized person? My children always have to be the center of attention,” Mom complains.

“Go for it, gorgeous. Make it big,” I encourage Poppy

She twists and yells, “And guess what else? We’re having a baby! Actually, we’re having two.”

A shocked silence settles on the crowd.

“Oh my God!” Ryanne screams, taking off toward us. Chaos erupts as we’re surrounded. I hold her protectively, scared she’ll be crushed by the waves of people. When the excitement dies down, Dante steps close and I place her on her feet.

He hugs her tight, his eyes locked with mine. There're no words, only silent understanding.

I shake my head. “Still not good enough for her.”

He pulls back, kissing her forehead. “My gypsy goddess is going to be a mom.”

“I know.” Her voice shakes. “Isn’t it crazy?”

“It’s perfect. Happy for you, Pips.”

“Me too.”

“We need a picture. Hop back on Chris Hemsworth.” Ryanne barges over with her phone raised.

Poppy rolls her eyes but leaps back in my arms and presses her cheek against mine. Ryanne snaps over and over until she’s satisfied.

“This calls for a celebration,” Mom announces.

“Hell yes, and since Popsy can’t drink, I’ll take her share. It’s time to party!”

Andrew flashes me a grateful smile that I know well. When Ryanne is in the mood to party, she gets crazy. He loves her brand of crazy.

“We have one more person to tell,” Poppy says low.

I walk us to the edge of the patio, fish my phone out, and facetime Marco. He answers on the first ring.

“We got the house,” she informs him.

“Great news, knew it would work out.”

“That’s not all.” She stalls for effect, glancing at me then back to the screen. “I’m pregnant, with twins.”

His face floods with emotion. “Wow, congratulations doesn’t seem appropriate.”

“Sure it is.”

“How far along?”

“Eight weeks, which is early to announce, but the doctor said things look healthy.”

“Twins, wow.”

“Double-dose of grandchildren have you stressed?” she teases.

His expression changes, realizing she’s inviting him to be a part of this. “Double-dose, triple-dose, however they come. No stress.”

“Is Karen around?”

There’s a slight flicker in his gaze and he shakes his head. “She and Natasha are at the women’s shelter today.”

“That’s cool. Will you let her know?”

“She’ll be thrilled. Should she call you later?”

“No,” I answer bluntly.

Since the night in Vegas, Karen has slowly been working her way toward reconciliation. She’s chipping away at Poppy’s resistance, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to share any of this day with her. Especially if she’s spending time with Tasha.

Poppy may be indifferent to hearing her name, but Tasha Bindel got off too easy. Falling from grace, losing her reputation, her wealth, and her social standing was nothing compared to what she deserved.

“I’ll message her tomorrow,” Poppy offers.

“It goes without saying, but if you need anything, I’m here.”

“Thanks, Marco. The spring will be busy. Two babies and a recital. It’ll be all hands on deck.”

I want to argue that we don’t need his help, but my wife insists it will be crazy.

“Recitals, that’s a blast from the past. You can count on me. I take it the open house was a success.”

“It was.”

“She’s being modest. Success is an understatement. She killed it,” I share with him.

He cocks an eyebrow. “Tell me more.”

“All classes filled up and we have a full waitlist. Dante and I scoped out talent in the area and have final interviews this week. We’re adding two teachers. And the best part is that Mrs. Canon is coming to visit and see the studio. I’m counting on her for advice.”

“Impressive, but not surprising.”

“It looks like I can pay my rent. Which is a good thing since we’re moving into a southern mansion,” she jokes, winking at me.

“Never a dull moment.” He turns his attention to me. “You ready for this? New house, new business adventure, two babies?”

“Can’t fucking wait.”

Poppy’s radiant glow brightens, and she leans in to kiss me. “Evin’s unshakable, nothing rattles him.”

“Let’s see how solid he is if you have twin girls.”

At Marco’s statement, my chest seizes and every muscle in my body strings tight. Poppy bursts out laughing, vibrating against me.

His smile widens. “My house hunting just took a new priority. Seems like I need to up my timeline.”

“No rush,” I mumble, still not thrilled about his relocation to Charleston.

“We’re hanging up now, but I wanted to share our news.”

“Poppy?” His tone is now serious. “It means the world to me you called. I’m not taking advantage this time around.”

Poppy gives a wave and disconnects, draping her arms around my shoulders. “He seemed happy.”

“That’s because you gave him permission to be in our kids’ lives.”