Page 39 of The Paternity Puzzle
“Our child will have the most stylishgodmother,” Sawyer corrected. “And he or she will know what an amazing gift you’ve given us. Every birthday and milestone will happen because of your selflessness.”
Kelsey hugged, shook her head, and then patted her head. “Fine. You can erect a statue of me in the new backyard that Royce is probably sketching in his head after his trip to Dr. Matisse’s house.”
Sawyer snorted. “He told you about the gardens too? I’ve lost track of how many times he’s mentioned the layout and the goddess water fountain.”
Kelsey struck a dramatic pose and said, “I’m not a goddess, but my husband thinks I am. Does that count?”
“Absolutely.”
He leaned over the bag from the French bakery and peered inside. The smell of buttery, flaky pastry made his mouth water. “Croissants?”
“Four different varieties.” Kelsey pulled several containers from her tote bag and set them onto the counter. “And I brought all the ingredients to make Greek yogurt parfaits.”
“French pastries and Greek dairy products,” Sawyer said.
“I say we go to our favorite Mexican restaurant for a late lunch or early dinner and score an international eating trifecta.”
“You have the best ideas,” Sawyer said. “Which is why I’d love to build a Pinterest board for the baby with you. I’ll show it to Royce, and we’ll add or delete things as we go. Thank you, Kels. I really need this—us—today.”
“I did too.” She pecked a quick kiss to his cheek before retrieving bowls from the cabinet. “I brought tropical fruits, strawberries, and blueberries. The smallest container has the homemade granola Andrew makes. It tastes so much better than anything you can buy in the store, and it’s much better for you.”
Sawyer pulled the box of croissants from the bag and lifted it to his nose. “Nothing unhealthy about the amount of butter I’m about to consume in one of these.”
Kelsey laughed as she began spooning vanilla yogurt into a bowl. “We both know it’s all about balance.”
Sawyer opened the box and bit back a moan. “I think Royce has rubbed off on me.”
That earned a snort from his friend. “Pretty sure he does that multiple times a week, love.”
Grinning, Sawyer met Kelsie’s knowing grin. “I was referring to my newfound obsession with pastries. But yeah, the other thing is also very true.” He waggled his brows. “Twice on Sundays.”
She slapped his shoulder and snagged the box of croissants from his hand. “Attaboy.”
Sawyer had always been open with Kelsey, never shying away from any subject, including things Royce might not be enthusiastic about her knowing. But that’s how best friends rolled. Kelsey talked freely about her physical relationship with Andrew, so he knew they were just as amorous as Sawyer and Royce. The thought made him pause. In all the planning for the baby, he’d never considered how the pregnancy might interferewith Kelsey and Andrew’s sex life. It felt a little late to bring it up, but he’d ruminate and make himself miserable if he didn’t. And Kels had said honesty was crucial. “Um, Kels, is the pregnancy going to interfere with your love life? I know Andrew finds you incredibly sexy when pregnant, but will it be an issue physically?”
“Not unless there are unforeseeable complications.” Kelsey pointed at him. “Don’t go borrowing trouble. There’s no reason to believe anything will go awry. If this pregnancy is like my last one…” A wicked grin spread across her face. “Andrew will need to double up on vitamins and get plenty of protein because pregnancy hormones make ya girl crazy horny. My man had the best sex of our lives when I was pregnant with Ella. Why do you think he jumped all over the surrogacy idea when I brought it up to him? He’s going to reap all the benefits without having to care for a newborn.”
“But there’s the long recovery afterward when you won’t be able to have sex,” Sawyer said.
“Baby, that’s when my man will get to recover too.” She leaned closer and lowered her voice, even though there was no one to overhear them except for the cat and dog. “And we both know there are other ways to please our men.”
Their shared laughter eased Sawyer’s tension, and he kissed her cheek. “You’re the best.”
Kelsey placed a hand on her chest. “That’s what I keep telling people, but I swear you’re the only one who gets it.”
They laughed and talked about random things as they built parfaits and picked their croissants. Sawyer went with a honey lavender, and Kelsey chose the decadent chocolate.
“Do you want to sit out by the pool?” Sawyer asked.
“Hell yes. I brought my swimsuit so I can soak up the sun and float lazily in the pool.”
“You’re welcome to enjoy it anytime. You could’ve brought Andrew and Ella too.”
She held a finger to her lips. “Shhh. Mama needed a little break with her bestie.”
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
Sawyer poured orange juice for Kelsey and made another cup of coffee for himself. They talked about random things while they enjoyed the treats Kelsey brought. Eventually, their conversation veered to work as it often did.