Chapter Eleven
Meadow
" O h my goddess, I'm going to puke."
"Real puke or metaphorical puke?" River takes a step away from me in the kitchen.
"Honestly, it could go either way. Why did I think it would be a good idea to meet Colt's entire family today?"
"Because you wanted to get it over in one go." Leave it to my girl to pull her punches.
"Right. That seemed like the right idea when Colton brought up meeting his family, but now I'm second-guessing that. What if they don't like me? What if they think I tried to trap him? Not everyone loves babies. What if—"
" Mom! " River yells, startling me from my spiral. "They are going to love you, and if they don't like babies, then they're monsters." River hugs me, and at times like these, my annoyance that she's bigger than me fades as her arms wrap tighter around me.
"Thanks, Riv. I needed that hug. "
"No problem. I have some information that might make things a little easier on you."
"You do? Is Colt sharing secrets?"
"Nope, but Brantley did."
"Brantley? What does he have to do with this?"
"He's Colton's nephew. Colt and I figured it out the other day at school, when I told him I wouldn't be home last night because I was meeting Brantley to hang out for a bit. When I said he lived half an hour away, Colt made the connection. So, at least you know that you'll get along with one of his sisters."
"Wow, what a small world."
"Right?"
"That is a huge relief. I really liked Jackie. She was super friendly, and I was really looking forward to having them come here for a hike and hang out for a day. Everything with school starting and the baby kind of put that on the backburner, but I'm excited to see her today."
"Good. So, your freakout is over?"
"For now. Thank you, River Fawn. I don't think I could handle this without you. You know you're the best, right?" I give her another squeeze.
"You'd be fine. Besides, there's no way Colton would let them be assholes to you."
"River!"
"What? It's true. And I'm almost fifteen, so don't even start about the swearing. Really, it should be expected with Wren as my aunt."
River's sass has me laughing, knowing she's not wrong. Wren swears like a sailor and doesn't care who's around when she does it. If swearing is the worst I have to worry about with River, I'll take it .
"Alright, I think I'm ready. Wanna walk since it's not that far?"
"Sure." River shrugs, then heads to the front door.
We make it out into the sunny day, and I take a minute to inhale a steadying breath. Fall is starting to descend on Sparrow Falls, and I can't wait. The surrounding area is beautiful, but with all the leaves changing, it's sure to be stunning.
"So, did anyone ask you to homecoming?"
"No. I'm still the weird new girl at school. I don't really know any of the guys my age, and the seniors hardly even notice me. It's fine, though. I don't know if I want to go."
"I'm sorry, Riv. You don't need a date to have fun. What about Brantley?"
River nibbles her lip as she thinks about my question.
Looking more closely at my not-so-little girl, I realize River put more effort into her look today. She's wearing one of the skirts I made her and paired it with a band tee from Wren. It's the perfect blend of boho and punk, and she looks fucking adorable. She's got on light makeup, and her hair has a few intricate braids in it, showing off her beautiful bone structure. I'd love to tell her how gorgeous she looks, but I don't want to fluster her before we get to dinner.
"I don't know why Brantley would want to come to my dance. He has his own to attend."
"That might be true, but it doesn't mean he wouldn't come to yours. Well, unless it's the same weekend. Do you know when his is?"
"It's the weekend after mine." She worries her lip some more.
"Well, it might not hurt to ask, right?"
"I suppose. It's next weekend, and I don't have a dress. "
"Psshh, you know that's not an issue. You're too tall for any of my stuff, but I could whip up something for you this week, or I'm sure Daphne has a million dresses in her closet from all of the fundraisers her hag of a mother makes her attend."
"Mom." River laughs, unused to hearing me talk badly about a person, but Daphne's mother is the worst . "Daphne's dresses might be a little too much for me."
"I doubt that. Up until the last event she went to with Ezra, all of her dresses were very beautiful but reserved. I'm sure she would have something that could work for you."
"Maybe I'll text her. If she doesn't, you really think you can make me one by next week?"
"Of course I can. Whatever you want to do, we'll make it work."
"Thanks, Mom." River throws her arm over my shoulder and squeezes me, then we leave.
We fall silent as we make it to Main Street, both lost in our heads, fighting our own anxieties. When we make it to The Tavern, Brantley and his family are climbing out of their car. He jogs over to River and scoops her up in a hug, which pulls a giggle from her. I try to hide my knowing smirk, but Jackie's eyes meet mine; she’s got the same look on her face. I think it's only a matter of time before these two get out of their way to experience their own little romance.
"What a surprise! How are you?" Jackie takes a step closer and wraps me in her arms.
I return the hug, and all of the tension leaves me as I take a step back. I'm startled when a pair of arms lands on my middle until Colt's cologne hits my nose, which instantly relaxes me into him.
"Hi, baby brother. How do you two know each other? "
"I'd ask you the same thing, but River and I made the connection yesterday. I met Meadow a few months ago."
"Okay…" Jackie scrutinizes us, which makes me realize that Colt has his hands on my small baby bump, rubbing it.
"Come on. Mom texted that she's already inside with Stacie. We can do introductions in there so we're not doing it a million times."
"Alright," Jackie agrees, but I can tell she's got her suspicions and there's no way we are making it long without telling everyone our news.
It's still early, so the restaurant isn't busy, which is nice. Not that I'm hiding my pregnancy, but I’d rather not have a huge crowd if this goes poorly.
We make our way over to a table to the side, where an older couple sits with a younger couple and a few kids. Everyone stands, and there are hugs and handshakes as all the introductions are made. Colt's family is lovely and welcoming. Hopefully, they’ll still feel that way after our news.
We've all ordered drinks and appetizers when Jackie finally turns to Colt and gives him the look only big sisters can. "Spill it, Colton."
"What do you mean, sis?" To his credit, Colt tries to play coy, but he fails miserably.
"I mean spill the tea. Meadow, are you pregnant?" She turns her gaze on me, making me squirm in my seat as gasps go around the table. Jackie's so focused on me that I can't pull my eyes away to see if they are excited or angry.
"Umm, well…" I know I need to rip off the band aid, but I'm so fucking nervous .
"She is. We're going to have a baby." Colt beams proudly then leans down and places a chaste kiss on my lips as cheers erupt around the table.
The next thing I know, Colton and I are in the middle of a group hug with his sisters and their mother. All of my anxiety and fear melt away as they embrace us and excitedly talk over one another.
"Alright, back up. You're smothering her." Colt pretends to push his sisters away.
Everyone makes their way back to their seats as they all talk over each other. I glance at River, who rolls her eyes then smiles. Brantley has his arm across the back of her chair and tugs her hair after catching our exchange. Her cheeks go pink as he smiles sweetly at her.
"I told you they would be excited," he tells her, catching his mom's attention.
"You little shit! You knew and you didn't tell me!"
"Geeze, Mom. I knew her mom was pregnant but didn't find out until last night that Uncle Colt was the dad. I wasn't about to spill that surprise when it was theirs to make."
"Ugh, I hate when you logic me." Jackie sticks her tongue out at her son before smiling at him.
I knew I liked her, but today has solidified that for me.
"Okay, I need all the details," Stacie, beside Jackie, gushes. "How long have you two been together? How far along are you? When can you find out what you're having?"
"Whoa, sis. This is not an interrogation."
"Oh, shut it, Colton. I'm not interrogating the poor woman. I'm just excited! It's been years since we've had a baby in the family. "
"It's fine, Colt. I'm eighteen weeks. We had an ultrasound yesterday, and got to see the baby and hear their heartbeat." I grab the ultrasound pictures from my bag and pass them around the table. "We have an envelope with the gender in it, but Colton and I can't decide if we want to find out or not, so we're leaving that decision up to River."
"What? You guys didn't tell me that."
"Well, your mom was passed out when you got home last night, and I didn't want to tell you without her. You were both practically comatose when I got you up to head to bed, so I figured we'd surprise you today." Colton smiles at my daughter, making my heart melt.
"Hmm, can I think about it? If I do decide to find out, I'd like to find a creative way to do it for you guys. Will you help me?" She turns to Brantley, who nods enthusiastically.
"That sounds like a great plan." I beam at her, loving that she found a safe space in Brantley.
"Alright, so how did you all meet?" Jackie waves her fork between the two of us.
"We actually met here. I was out with my friends for a girls' night out. They all went home, but I wasn't ready yet. Then I saw Colton across the bar and knew he was the reason I felt the pull to stay. My friend's husband owns the place, so he was watching out for me and dropping me off at home that night."
"So, you hit it off right off the bat?" Stacie asks in between bites of her food.
"We did…" I trail off, not sure how to explain we were initially just a hot hook-up and my weird kumbaya outlook on life.
"Meadow enthralled me from the moment she sat down. She's different than anyone I've ever met. When she left that night, she told me that fate would bring us back together if we were meant to be. I think fate gave us the best damn present we could ever get."
"Colton!" I can't believe he basically just told his family we hooked up the first night we met.
"TMI, Mr. H," River chimes in, diffusing my embarrassment and bringing laughter to all the adults and teens at the table as I bury my face in Colt's chest.
"It's okay, honey. We're a very open family and know Colton's not a choir boy." Colt's dad winks at me across the table.
I'm just about to defend Colt when there's a commotion behind me. Turning in my seat, I see Wren, Brooks, Daphne, and Ezra walking up to our table.
"What are you all doing here?"
"Well, my dear Meadow, we figured it was only fair that we got to meet Colton as your family since you're meeting his today," Wren teases from under Brooks's arm.
Jumping from my chair, I pull her out of Brooks's grasp and into my arms. "What about the shop?"
"Neither of us has appointments until later, so we put a sign on the door and posted on our Instagram page. We have the answering machine and can get back to anyone who calls. It will be fine."
"Thank you for coming." My voice wobbles as tears fall down my cheeks. Damn hormones.
"Enough of the waterworks. I have a reputation to uphold, and you know I can't stand to see you cry." Wren wipes the tears from my cheeks.
Colton stands behind me and pulls me into his arms. I burrow into his side, and his lips brush my forehead as he introduces himself to Ezra and Brooks, and thanks them all for coming. We make quick work of pulling up another table to ours as my found family joins us and introductions are made.
"Okay, I need all the details. This dynamic seems interesting." Stacie waves her finger between Wren, Daphne, and me.
"We all bonded a few years ago at a tattoo convention. Women tattoo artists are growing, but we're definitely still in the minority. Wren was hesitant at first. I'm a lot to handle, especially for our gothic grumpy queen. Daphne was quiet, but after catching me reading a romance in between clients, she opened up.
"We spent the rest of that night in my hotel room, drinking cheap wine and discussing our favorite romance books. Our friendship grew from there. We were all from different areas, but we'd make time to get together as much as we could. When Wren told us she found the perfect shop, Daphne and I jumped at the chance to make our dream of working together happen, and here we are."
"I love that so much. Also, what book are you reading right now? I have a million on my Tbr, but I'm never opposed to adding more," Jackie gushes.
The rest of the meal is chaotic but fantastic at the same time. Colt hits it off with Brooks and Ezra right away, which brings me so much comfort. It would be hard if they didn't get along since the guys are such huge parts of my girls' lives. I absolutely adore Colton's sisters and am excited to continue getting to know them.
With a full belly and a roller coaster of emotions, my exhaustion is starting to hit me. I don't even realize I've dozed off on Colt until he gently wakes me to tell me it's time to go home.
"Oh, shoot. Why didn't you wake me?" I scowl at him .
"Because you looked like you could use the rest. You were only out for a few minutes. They understand." He nods towards his sisters, who nod in agreement.
"Growing semen demons is hard work."
"For fuck's sake, Stacie. Really?" Colt groans as we all laugh.
"That's a great one. I need to remember it." Wren leans over to high-five her.
"I'd say everyone is welcome to come back to my house for a little bit, but I need a nap after all the excitement and delicious food. My schedule is a little wonky at the shop, but I'd love to get together again soon if possible."
"Absolutely. We'll get your number from Colt and set something up. Besides, I have a feeling we'll be in Sparrow Falls quite a bit." Jackie nods to the corner where the music machine is. Brantley and River are laughing as they fight to enter the next song.
"Is he going to homecoming?"
"Actually, he told me he wanted to invite River." Her excited smile has my own filling my face.
"Perfect. I was trying to convince her to ask him to hers next weekend. Maybe if he asks first, she will have the courage to ask him. I think she would have a great time with him."
"He can stay with me at my apartment that night so you don't have to worry about him getting home," Colton chimes in.
"That sounds perfect. And River can stay with us. She and Meredith have been talking, so I'm sure she wouldn't mind if River crashed in her room with her. And you won't have to worry about Brantley crossing any lines. He knows consent is important. "
"Oh, I'm not worried about that. Becoming a teen mom because of the lack of knowledge of my own body and reproductive system has made me probably too open with River about any and all things sex. She knows how to protect herself but also agrees that she's not ready for that yet, and she will come to me once she is so we can discuss birth control."
"I wish more parents were as open as you two are. I think the girls coming to me for help once they find out they're expecting is one of the hardest parts of my job." Colton sighs.
"I can only imagine. My parents were supportive, but I was away at college when I found out, so I was pretty much on my own. I had a wonderful nurse at our school's clinic, who took me under her wing, and helped me get assistance and everything I needed to care for River while staying in school. I don't know how I would've done it without her."
"You would've figured it out, Dow. I know you would. You're an amazing mother." Colton leans in, cupping my face, and kisses me softly.
"Who knew our little brother could be so swoony?" Stacie stage-whispers to Jackie.
"He's the best." I sigh, a dopey smile on my face.
"Alright. Time to get my girls home. Riv, you ready?" Colt calls out to my daughter, who comes back to the table, Brantley hot on her heels.
"Mom, would it be okay if Brantley stays for a bit? We want to go hike one of the trails."
"That's fine with me if it's alright with his parents. "
"We won't be home later to pick you up. You'll have to come home. Sorry, kiddo."
"Brant can stay at my place tonight. Hell, he's practically as big as me now. He can borrow my clothes," Colton chimes in and instantly becomes the hero to the teens, who were previously pouting.
"Fine. We can touch base tomorrow about getting him home."
"Sounds good." Colt smiles at the kids beaming at him.
It takes a few minutes to say goodbye to everyone, but eventually, we make our way out of the restaurant. Colton guides me to his truck, and I sigh with relief. My house isn't far, but I don't have the energy to walk home right now. The kids pile in the back and talk quietly as we head back to my house.
Today went better than I could've imagined. I adore Colton's family and am beyond thrilled that they all got along so well with Daphne and Wren. One day, I'd love for them to meet my folks, but it's damn near impossible to get them to leave the commune, so having the approval of my found family means the world to me. Any doubts I had about making a real go at this with Colton have been obliterated, leaving me full of excitement about what's yet to come.