Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Magnus and me in the same room? With some sort of big conversation on the line? That seemed like a disaster waiting to happen, but all I said was a very fake, “Great.”
Chapter Five
Magnus
Diesel’s text came at the perfect time. It was a sleepy weeknight leading up to the big Fourth of July weekend, yet I’d booked plenty of servers for the whole week to ensure we were ready for the rush. Accordingly, I wasn’t needed to serve as a bartender or emergency waitstaff. I’d also been curious how Maren was holding up because every update from Diesel was another report of her ongoing morning sickness. And if I was…curious where Eric was concerned, well, that was simply a bonus.
I had our kitchen put together a large order then headed to Eric’s nearby house in a historic neighborhood filled with other large homes. I also owned an older home, but my neighborhood was decidedly more working class, dotted with small homes from the 1930s and 40s. While I was debating whether to ring the front bell or go to the side door, Diesel met me in the driveway, where his beloved ancient sports car was already parked. He would need something more carseat-friendly, but that was a conversation for another time.
“Dad to the rescue.” I held out the big bag of food and the drink I’d picked for Maren.
“Thanks.” Diesel motioned for me to follow him to the kitchen door. “Come in.”
“You sure that’s okay?” This wasn’t our house, and Diesel could be a bit clueless about things like social norms.
“Maren and I want to talk to you and Eric.” Diesel set the bag of food on the counter and started unpacking it. In keeping with the rest of the house, the kitchen was large and expansive, tastefully renovated with stainless steel appliances and newer white cabinetry.
Uh-oh. Diesel didn’t usually do serious talks. My gut hadn’t exactly unclenched since the news of Maren’s pregnancy, so I wasn’t surprised when a fresh cramp hit. Eric and I were undoubtedly in a race to see who could spring an ulcer by winter.
“That sounds ominous.”
“It’s…not.” Diesel was the worst liar, complete with shifty eyes and quirked lips. He fetched a plate from a cabinet and plated Maren’s food for her.
“You don’t sound very sure.” Following Diesel’s lead, I grabbed a plate and arranged some food for Eric. “I brought Eric steak bites and his own order of smashed potatoes. Maybe that will soften him for whatever you and Maren want to tell us.”
“Here’s hoping.” Diesel led the way into the living room, where Maren was sitting on the couch talking with Eric, who was sitting in a recliner. He looked tired, with heavy eyes and slumped shoulders, and I wished I had more than food to offer.
“Dinner.” I held out the plate.
“For me too?” Eric’s eyes widened.
“Yeah. Figured I’d bring enough for the family. I remembered your other kid likes bacon, so I brought a personal pizza for them with bacon and extra cheese. It’s in a box on the kitchen counter.”
“Thanks.” His expression was softer than I’d seen it since that night in March. He called out to Wren that there was pizza in the kitchen before starting on his food. I liked watching Eric eat. Not only did he always take the time to taste each bite, but his reactions to nuances in flavors and texture played across his face like a movie.
“Oh my gosh, I think this food may actually stay down,” Maren raved from the couch. Diesel had perched next to her, looking on adoringly as she shoveled up more sesame noodles. “You’re amazing.”
“Nah, you’re the one growing a whole human.” I gestured vaguely as I sat on a padded ottoman near Eric. Solidarity for my fellow grandpa-to-be and all. “I merely gave an order to the kitchen.”
“Well, thanks.” Maren made a scratchy noise, clearing her throat.
“Do you need a drink, honey?” Eric set aside his plate, papa bear ready to spring into action.
“I picked her up an extra limeade too. It’s in the kitchen.”
“I’ll go fetch that.” Eric hopped up before I could and retrieved the drink. Once he returned, we all sat in awkward silence until I simply couldn’t stand the suspense.
“So, you wanted to talk to Eric and me?” I stared right at Diesel, but it was Maren who spoke.
“We want to live together.” Maren grabbed Diesel’s hand, the two of them looking impossibly young next to each other on the couch. “It will make taking care of the baby a lot easier. And I’m not opposed to it for…other reasons.”
“I see.” Eric’s normally pale face turned ruddy.
“With Declan and Jonas leaving the basement empty, I thought maybe we could rent from you,” Maren continued, eyes big as she spoke mainly to Eric. “I thought about the carriage house since Sean and Denver are moving too, but carrying the baby up and down from the loft isn’t the most practical.”