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She let her mind wander, remembering the feel of his lips on hers on this very couch and what came after that kiss. Her stomach clenched, and she jumped up and raced to the bathroom, emptying what little dinner she’d eaten into the toilet.
This can’t be happening.
After brushing her teeth, she picked up the mess in the living room, placing all the broken things into a garbage bag, and returned to the couch. She didn’t move for a long time, thinking about what she should do next. The thought of having a baby terrified her, but the thought of having Duncan’s baby sent a thrill through her.
Shannon had invited her to Sunday family dinner tomorrow, so she needed to decide how she was going to break the news to Duncan. She went to her closet and found her cutest floral dress, laying it over the chair in the corner of her room. She’d go to dinner, looking as cute as could be, and after the meal, she’d find a time to ask him to talk.
He would be shocked. She knew that. But Duncan was a good guy, and she was certain he wouldn’t abandon her in this.
She lay back on her bed and attempted to sleep, but it didn’t come. Her hand rested on her belly. She imagined Duncan carrying a little boy with auburn waves and brown eyes around on his shoulders. He would be the world’s sexiest dad. And as much as having a baby scared her, she felt she could face anything with Duncan by her side. They could do this.
The last word that crossed her mind before she finally drifted off was … together.
Chapter 4
Dréa was getting along splendidly with Duncan’s entire family. He hadn’t been sure of how they would react to him unexpectedly bringing a girl home with him from Denver—he’d never brought anyone home before—but she fit in so well, it was like she was already one of them. And he was sure they could tell he was serious about her.
The house was filling up with family for this Sunday dinner, and he knew it was probably because of his special guest. Leo and Paolo, cousins on Mama’s side of the family, had let themselves in an hour before. They had been fixtures in the house since Duncan and his sisters were young, and they knew by now, they didn’t need to knock.
Great Aunt Pauline—or Paulie, as she was lovingly called—arrived only fifteen minutes before and was already chatting with Dréa like they were old friends. But that was how Nana’s younger sister was. Kind and loving, getting along with everyone.
A knock on the door had Duncan racing to the foyer, hoping it was Shannon. He’d been hinting to his sister that he’d brought a surprise back from Denver, and he could not wait to finally introduce them. He’d kept the secret when he gave her a ride to a wedding rehearsal on Friday evening. All Saturday, she was off photographing a wedding. So today was the day his sister would finally meet Dréa.
Shannon’s opinion meant a great deal to him. She was his best friend, and he needed her approval. But he had no doubt Shannon would love Dréa instantly, just as he had.
Duncan opened the door, but instead of his sister, he found Uncle Gene—Papa’s older brother, Aunt Joanna, and their son, Maxwell. “Hey, I didn’t know you guys were coming.”
Aunt Joanna wrapped Duncan up in a hug. “Welcome home, sweetie.”
“Thanks, Aunt Jo.”
Gene patted him on the back. “Good to see you. How was Denver?”
Duncan’s face lit up. “It was great. I really loved it.” He stepped aside and motioned for them to enter. “Come on in. Everyone’s either in the kitchen or the back yard.”
Uncle Gene and Aunt Jo headed into the house.
Maxwell stepped through the doorway and opened his arms to his cousin. “How the heck are you, man?” Anyone who saw the two of them together would know they were family, with their auburn hair, long narrow noses, oval faces, and smooth jawlines. Both were tall with similar builds, but Maxwell had a couple of inches on Duncan.
“Can’t complain.” Duncan gave his cousin—five years his senior—a hug and slap on the back before looking at him curiously. “You shaved your beard off.”
Maxwell chuckled as he rubbed his bare chin with his fingers. “I did it for a girl, and then she dumped me.”
“No.” A look of horror crossed Duncan’s face. “Max, that beard was so epic. If I could grow one as thick and magnificent as yours was, I totally would, but whenever I try, all I get is fuzz.”
The two of them laughed loudly.
“What are you guys laughing about?” Dréa asked as she wandered up to them.
“Beards.” Duncan wrapped an arm around behind her waist.
She eyed him. “Beards, huh? Well, I hope you don’t plan on growing one. I can’t stand guys with beards.”
Duncan’s eyebrow raised. “Are you serious?”
She nodded resolutely.
“So, if I grew a beard, you’d leave me?”