A slow smile crept across Gavins lips. You know youre turning me on, right?
Emily giggled and reached for his hand. Im making an appointment for you with a psychiatrist when we get home. Weaving down the crowded sidewalk, she spotted the boutique a few doors away. Itll be good for you and your obsession. I really think you need one.
Gavin opened the door to the boutique, giving Emily a light swat on her ass as she walked in. And I really think if you keep talking about your large or small naked body, Im going to need a cold shower.
Emily shook her head, but before she could throw a comeback at him, she caught Teresas gaze.
Beaming, Teresa ran toward Emily, her arms spread wide. Emmy! Emily knelt down and pulled her in for a hug. Mommy, look! Emmy and Uncle Gaffins here!
Gavins forehead crinkled as his sister-in-law approached. You guys didnt tell them we were meeting you?
Yeah, right. Melanie rolled her eyes. Youll learn very soon. Never. Ever tell a child something ahead of time. They wouldve bugged us to death while we waited for you.
Gavin gathered an equally excited Timothy in his arms. Are your parents keeping things from you two?
Timothy pouted, wagging an accusing finger at his father. Yes! Daddy said he was bringing us to Mickey Ds, but then he brought us here. We never knew you was comin. Will you bring us to Mickey Ds, Uncle Gaffin?
Gavin swooshed his hand though Timothys blond hair. Heck yeah, Ill bring you to Mickey Ds. Uncle Gaffins a sucker for girls named Molly and greasy French fries. Emily stood and smiled. And always remember, kid, youre the one who controls mom and dad. They may be bigger, but you hold more power than you realize. Theyre actually afraid of you two. Your dad tells me that every day.
Timothy curled his lips over his teeth and roared like a lion in Coltons direction.
Colton shook his head. Nice one, bro. Youre the hero for the day, and youve exposed every parents worst nightmare. Wait. You know what they say about payback.
Gavin lifted a brow, his smile devious. Ah, well, consider it my payback for the many years of torment you put me through. He handed Timothy over to Colton, his laugh as devious as his smile. Dont worry, Ill cover the Big Macs.
Colton looked at Emily, a smirk coating his mouth. Youre sure youre ready to hang out with this knucklehead for a while? He might drive you nuts.
Who him? Emily flicked her thumb in Gavins direction. Oh, he drives me nuts, but believe it or not, Im the one with the control. He may be bigger and more powerful, but hes most definitely afraid of me. Ill have him trained up real good sooner than later.
Gavin chuckled, his eyes wide. Oh really?
Yes really, she answered, sliding her arm around his back. Dont try to act cool in front of them, Blake. You know its true.
Melanie hooted a laugh. I love it! I knew there was a reason I liked you, Emily. Thats right. Never let these Blake boys think theyve got you. She nudged her hip against Gavins. Youre going to be domesticated so quick, youre not going to know which way is up or down.
Gavin looked at Colton, his voice deadpan. Remind me to keep my girl away from your wife.
With a restless Timothy squirming in his arms, Colton shrugged. Youre already doomed, bro. Theyre having lunch with mom next weekend. Make it easy on yourself and already have the apron on when she gets home. If not, shell start withholding really important physical play time from you.
On that note, Gavin tossed his arm around Emilys neck, smiled warmly, and started rubbing her belly. Darling, sweetheart, love of my life, I believe we have some clothes shopping to get done. Shall we?
I think we shall, Emily concurred with her own smile.
Cool. Gavin nodded and looked around. Which way is the clothing?
Colton jerked his head to the side. Just past the nursery dcor. To the right of the stuffed animals and a few feet away from the activities center.
Gavin stood mute, staring at his brother.
Bro, Ive got two kids and a wife. Colton shrugged, his green eyes shimmering. Im as domesticated as they come.
Gavin grinned and grabbed Emilys hand, leading her toward whatever direction Colton just thoroughly explained. Gavin took in bursts of every pastel and primary color imaginable as they navigated the large boutique. He also took in every type of infant bath tub, bouncy seat, and diaper bag available. He glanced at Emily, who appeared overwhelmed by her surroundings. With smiling lips, he stopped moving.
What? Emily asked.
He brought his hand to her nape, his touch gentle. Are you okay?
She shook her head, tears springing in her eyes. No, Im not. And she wasnt. Between Gavin completing the nursery, her growing belly, and her increasing fear of becoming a mother, she was turning into a mental ball of nerves. A certified basket case. She swiped her hand across her cheeks and plucked a tiny newborn outfit from a rack. Do you see how small this is, Gavin?
Oh shit. Now Gavin was overwhelmed by her response. He nodded, careful not to upset her. I do.
She sniffled. That means the little person wearing it is going to be as small as it is. Ive never held a baby. I have no idea how to feed him. He could starve. Ill have no idea why hes crying. What if he hates me? Gavin went to speak, but she continued. Her words zipped from her mouth faster than a flash of lightning. I wont know how to burp him. What if I drop him while giving him a bath? The state will take him away from me. What happens if I dont hear him in the middle of the night? Pausing, she sucked in a breath and really broke down. And those ointments. What if I dont put enough on him and he gets a rash? What if I put on too much and he gets an infection? What am I talking about? I dont even know how to change a diaper. Is he going to be laying on the changing table naked with too much or not enough ointment because his mother doesnt know how to get the diaper on him?