“I HAVE to sing for my food.” Aiden pushes his chair back and stands, then he clears his throat and starts his vocal warm-ups. “Do, re, me—”
“No. You really, really don’t.” From the head of the table, Gavin snags Aiden’s arm and pulls, but Aiden yanks free and shuffles away.
I’m using all my willpower to hold back a laugh, but when Brooks side-eyes me with a smirk, I snort.
It’s been like this since we moved in together two weeks ago. Effervescent happiness every moment of every day. Waking up to this man is like waking up to a fresh cup of coffee with pumpkin spice creamer. Kissing him, doing life with him, whether it’s hanging in the laundry room while we wait for our clothes to dry or doing the dishes side by side or having sex in every slightly public place we can find, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had. Because I’m doing it all with him.
Tonight is no different. Gavin summoned us all to his new apartment. He moved in to Seb’s old place when he took over as coach. It’s important to him to be available to the guys. His hope is to build solid relationships and deepen trust by being here with the team. And in line with that, he’s hosting tonight’s team dinner. Though I think he’s regretting his decision to do so now.
I planned to stay home so the guys could bond, but Gavin insisted I come. According to him, I’m part of the team, so I’m required to be at the dinners. It’s my first one, and I’m not going to lie, it’s a riot.
Gavin glares at Brooks and me as Aiden begins a rendition of Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next.” As always, he’s changed the words. This version is all about all of the coaches he’s had over the years and how thankful he is to have Gavin now.
It’s absurd and ridiculous, and I love every second of it.
When we arrived tonight, a torrent of unease washed over me. But once I stepped inside and got a good look around, it dissipated. The apartment is almost unrecognizable.
Gavin had it painted, and he replaced all the furniture. The walls are decorated with sports memorabilia. Rich mahogany furniture fills the space, along with oversized leather couches with recliners on either end.
The only thing that seems out of place is a baby grand piano that sits in the corner, almost hidden. I had no idea Gavin played.
This is the only unit in the building with three bedrooms. It’s a little much for a single guy, but Brooks was thrilled when he took it. Now when Aiden and Jill fight, Aiden can stay here rather than with us in our one-bedroom apartment.
When the doorbell rings, Gavin practically jumps out of his seat and darts for the door. He’s no doubt desperate to get away from the table and Aiden’s singing.
“Sar, if this is another one of your packages, I’m going to start charging you delivery fees.”
I giggle, and beside me, Brooks chokes out a laugh. Back when we were trying to get Seb to quit, I scheduled regular shipments of various sex toys to be delivered. Yes, I went a little overboard. Once again, my vindictiveness took over. I’ve called the company to cancel the autoship, yet they continue to show up at Gavin’s door like clockwork.
Brooks is giving me a wicked grin. He’s likely hoping it’s exactly what Gavin is complaining about. Because we’ve made sure to test out each one. It’s certainly made for a fun time for me.
“The last time I called, they swore the deliveries would stop,” I say.
Gavin opens the door and scans the hall. He steps back, like he’s going to shut it, but then he bows his head, and his entire body goes rigid. “Sar, seriously?”
I frown at Brooks. “What the hell did I order now?”
He shrugs and pushes his chair back. I follow his lead and shuffle behind him to the entryway.
Gavin hasn’t moved an inch.
I peek around him, and when I spot the package that has him struck stupid, I gasp. “Aw, it’s a baby!”
Gavin glares at me. “I see that. Why in the hell would you have a baby delivered to my apartment? Your kinks are getting out of control.”
I cough out a laugh. “I did not deliver this beautiful little girl to you.” I bend at the waist and scoop her up, car seat and all. She’s much bigger than Liv and Beckett’s twins, with good head control and chubby, rosy cheeks. As I examine her more closely, she watches me with the most beautiful brown eyes. Her hair is dark, and she’s bundled up in a cozy peach sweater set. “Aren’t you beautiful,” I coo as I undo her car seat straps. She wiggles her arms and legs in excitement, all the while sucking on a pink binky. “And what a good little girl too.”
Brooks snags the diaper bag from the hall and pulls at the card that’s sticking out. “Looks like there’s a note.”
Gavin blinks at him. “Well, fucking open it.”
“Gavin,” I chide. “Has Finn taught you nothing?” I turn to Brooks and lift one brow. “What he means is ducking open it.”
With a palm to his forehead, Gavin sighs. “Ducking A.”
Brooks slides the card out, and his eyes go wide as he silently reads it.
“Out loud,” Gavin grumbles.
Brooks holds it out to him. “No way am I being the bearer of that news. Read it yourself.”
Gavin scoffs. “This family and their inability to talk. Fine, I’ll do it.” A little more aggressively than necessary, he snatches it from his brother’s hand. “Coach,” he starts and points to himself. “Guess that’s me. I can’t do this. I know you said it’s over and we couldn’t be more—but she’s more.” His voice trembles as he continues. “Too much for me. Meet Viviane, your daughter. You have more than enough resources to help her. So keep her or put her up for adoption. Either way, I can’t do this.”
The letter drops to the floor. Gavin’s face is stark white, and he sways where he stands.
I’m at a loss, my heart in my throat. Beside me, Brooks roughs a hand down his face and shakes his head.
“Gavin,” I say softly.
He looks at me and then looks at the little girl in my arms again. And then he takes a deep breath and reaches for her.
“Viviane,” he breathes, as if he’s testing out her name. He swipes a thumb over her peach outfit. As he does, the bracelet he’s worn for months peeks out from his sleeve. Each of the guys has a dozen friendship bracelets by now. Winnie is obsessed. But this one is a constant fixture. The block letters spell Peaches.
What are the chances…
“Hi, baby girl.” Gavin’s voice is so low it’s almost inaudible. “I—” He clears his throat. “I’m your—dad.”
