Page 104 of The Singles Club

I laughed. “So, motherhood is exactly what I thought it would be.”

“No, it’s probably much worse.” She smiled, watching as her son cooed when Brock took him in his arms. The love he had for his son burst out of him. “But then there are those moments, and suddenly all the hard parts are worth it.”

“Alright, you get to see him all the time,” Justin said. “It’s my turn.” Brock placed little Caden in his arms, and that cozy warm feeling spread through my chest as Justin smiled down at him. “Hey, remember me? I’m your uncle, Justin.” He brushed his little cheek. “Can you say, unc-le Jus-tin?”

“Don’t you dare,” Carmen narrowed her eyes. “If his first words are Justin, then expect a very angry Mama coming up to Boston to kick your behind.”

Caden let out a giggle, and everyone laughed. Justin looked over at me, his eyes full and peaceful, like he was right where he wanted to be. “Do you want to hold him?”

I fumbled with my necklace, the blood draining from my face. Babies were so…delicate. “That’s okay.”

Carmen lifted him and brought him over to me. “It’s fine, he’s not going to break.”

My hands were suddenly under his arms, and we were face to face as I held him up. “Hey, you.” I could feel every eye on me, and I wanted to sink through the floor. Caden’s bottom lip began to tremble. I knew exactly what was coming next. “Oh, no, no. Don’t cry.” I brought him closer and started to bounce him up and down, hoping he’d change his mind.

“I wouldn’t do that too much. He’s a… puker.”

But it was too late. I already had baby throw-up all over my shoulder and down the collar of my sweater.

Carmen winced. “Sorry about that. I should’ve warned you.”

“It’s fine.”

Gwen handed me a small towel with a sorry kind of smile that said, “Some women are naturals, and some aren’t.”

I wiped the baby puke from my neck. “Thank you.”

Justin placed his hand at the small of my back. “Come on, I’ll help you clean that up.” I followed him into a half bathroom next to the den. He grabbed a washcloth and wet it with warm water and soap.

“Don’t feel bad. Caden has gotten me twice before.”

I cleaned off my sweater and neck. “You seemed like a natural to me.”

“That comes with practice. You should’ve seen me the first time I held Caden. His head bobbled so much I was scared it would fall off.”

I snorted a laugh and handed him the cloth. “Thank you.”

He gently brushed my cheek and leaned in for a kiss, but before our lips could touch, Gwen’s voice pulled us apart.

“Justin, when you’re done, would you mind helping your father get the tenderloin out of the smoker?”

Justin didn’t take his eyes from mine. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

I glided my hand down his chest. “You should go.”

“Wanna make out after my parents go to bed?”

I stifled a grin and smacked his behind. “Go help your dad.”

When we came back out, Gwen and Carmen were in the kitchen getting everything ready. Brock hovered over them and stole a bite of her macaroni and cheese. Gwen playfully slapped his hand. “Get out of there.”

Brock fanned his mouth. “Ooooo, hot.”

“Serves you right.” Gwen handed him a stack of plates. “Go make yourself useful and set the table.”

“I can help,” I offered.

Gwen smiled and pointed to the island. “The napkins and silverware are right there.”