Page 113 of Pretend You Love Me

Elizabeth: This is the best Thanksgiving ever.

Brooklyn: It really is.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Brooklyn

“Do we knock?” I whisper. Declan and I are standing outside of Will and Liv’s place. We’re all taking shifts meeting the babies, so we don’t overwhelm anyone.

“Let me just text Will.” Declan pulls out his phone. Will opens the door a minute later, Ansley sleeping in his arms.

“Liv is taking a nap.” He nods for us to enter.

“We brought food.” I hold up a few bags. He motions for me to follow him into the kitchen where Declan and I start unloading everything.

“There’s some premade breakfast sandwiches, cut up fruit, a veggie tray, chicken salad, and a big pot of potato soup.”

“And snickerdoodles.” Declan holds up a bag.

“Brookie! You made me snickerdoodles? Those are my favorite.” A big smile spread across Will’s face.

“I know.” I smile back at him. He looks exhausted. His hair is ruffled. He hasn’t shaved in days. He normally looks like he stepped out of a cologne ad 24/7, but he’s wearing sweats that look rumpled and a bit dirty.

“Is that spit-up on your shirt?” Declan asks.

“I hope so. The alternative is worse,” Will laughs and shakes his head. I’ve never seen him look happier. His eyes sparkle. “Wanna hold her?”

“We’d love to. Let’s just wash our hands.”

Declan and I take turns washing our hands and then follow Will into the living room.

“Let me get some pictures first.” I pull out my phone and take a few pictures of Will and Declan with Ansley. “Declan, why don’t you hold her first, so I can take some pictures of you?”

Will hands Declan over. I snap a picture. “You’re a natural.”

Declan sits down on the couch, and Will and I follow.

“Are you getting any sleep?” I ask, looking at Will. He runs his hands through his hair.

“Not really. What day is it?”

“Tuesday.”

“No shit.” He shakes his head. “I’m in the Twilight Zone over here. I couldn’t tell if a day has past or a month.”

“You look happy,” Declan says, he’s looking down at Ansley.

“I am.”

“How’s Liv?” I ask.

“She’s great. It’s a lot. Her parents are coming tomorrow to stay with us for a week. The extra hands will be welcome.”

“That’s great.” The Daltons are wonderful people. Will lucked out in the in-law department.

“You’re turn.” Declan turns and hands me Ansley.

“Let me get you a blanket. I’ll be right back.” Will jumps up and hurries out of the room.