Changing Scenes (Changing Teams #2) (23 page)

“I love you, baby,” I said. “Whether that test is positive or not, I love you.”

“But we’re so young, and…and I don’t even know what to do with a baby.”

I laid my body on top of hers, and smoothed back her hair. “Lucky for you, I do. And I have a family full of crazy women who love babies, and they will gladly teach us anything we don’t know.”

Astrid smiled, the first real smile I’d seen that day. “My God, Donnie, how did I get lucky enough to meet you?”

I pressed my forehead against hers. “You ain’t half as lucky as me, babe. Let me make love to you.” When she stayed quiet I kissed her eyes, her nose, her lips. “Babe?”

“Yes,” she said, then her mouth was on mine as she unbuttoned my shirt. She got it off me and went to work on my belt, but I had other plans in mind. I kissed my way down her body, past her breasts and belly until I got where I really wanted to be. I parted Astrid’s thighs and set my mouth on her pussy, kissing her there just like I’d kissed her mouth.

God, she tastes fucking awesome.
She was hot and wet and slick, and I could have spent the whole night with my head between her legs. Astrid’s hips bucked and her back arched, and in less than a minute she came hard. While she came back down I got rid of the rest of my clothes and dragged us to the center of the bed.

“Now, baby?” I asked, one hand behind her head while the other got my cock into position.

“Now,” she said, and that was all I needed to hear. I pushed into her, inch by inch, the fact that she was dripping wet not doing anything for her tightness. Once I was there I pressed my forehead against hers, staring into her green eyes.

“Love you, baby,” I said. “Want to spend my life proving it.”

Astrid moved her hips beneath mine. “Prove it now.”

I started moving and Astrid hooked her ankles behind my back. I felt her clench down on me almost immediately, then I lost it. I pressed my face against her neck as I came, my orgasm so intense I thought my heart would stop.

After a bit, we laid together on the bed, kissing and touching each other. “Glad I got you in bed,” I said.

“The floor was your idea,” she said.

“You said you wanted a quickie. I gave you a quickie.” I rolled to the side and looked at this impossibly smart and beautiful woman that thought I was interesting. When did life get so good? “Want to check the test?”

Astrid nodded, so I moved off her and watched the best ass ever created walk to the bathroom. She shut the door behind her and was in there so long I started worrying. “Astrid?” I called.

“Yeah.” She stepped out of the bathroom, holding the test stick. Her hands were shaking, and she set the stick down on the dresser. “You read it.”

“Okay.”

I picked up the white plastic stick and noticed the two blue lines in the window. Since I had no idea what that meant, I went into the bathroom and found the box. The instructions said that two lines meant positive.

Positive!

“Babe,” I called, rushing out of the bathroom. Astrid was wrapped in a blanket, staring out the window.

“Astrid,” I said, wrapping my arms around her. “We’re gonna have a baby.”

She kissed my throat, then she opened her arms and nestled me against her warm body under the blanket. “I know,” she said. “I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”

***

Astrid insisted that we tell Britt and Sam our news as soon as possible. As in, bother the happy couple on the night before their wedding.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” I asked. I’d put my clothes from earlier back on, but Astrid had changed into the cutest flannel pajamas I’d ever seen, pink with little blue hearts scattered across them. “The night before our wedding I’m not gonna want to see anyone but you.”

“Trust me, Britt will be happier if I tell her,” Astrid said. “In fact, if I don’t tell her right away she’ll probably hold it against me for the rest of her life. That girl holds a mean grudge.” We walked across the hall, and Astrid knocked on the door. “Britt? I need to talk to you.”

Sam opened the door, a sheet around his waist and a scowl on his face. “Exactly what is so important?” he growled.

“Hush, she’ll tell you soon enough,” Astrid said as she breezed past Sam into the bridal suite. Sam looked at me, and I shrugged.

“I’d tell you, but Astrid might kill me,” I said.

“Smart man, to fear her wrath,” Sam said. “Drink?”

“Love one.”

And that was how me and a mostly naked groom ended up doing shots from the minibar while Astrid told Britt our news, and then squealed over my baby. Me and Astrid’s baby.

“I’m going to have a baby,” I said to Sam. “Me and Astrid.”

“Couldn’t think of a better couple,” Sam said, then he punched something into his phone. “Grab the Champagne from the minibar?” he asked. “I’m going to grab some pants.”

“Sure.” I grabbed the bottle and uncorked it as Sam emerged from the bedroom wearing a pair of plaid flannel pants, and set up a row of plastic wine glasses on the table. “Who are all these for?”

“The rest’ll be here in a minute.”

No sooner had Sam said that when Astrid’s cousin Michael burst into the room. A moment later, Melody, Jorge, and Matilda followed. They all went to the bedroom where Astrid and Britt were holding court, all but ignoring me and Sam.

“That was fast,” I muttered.

“Slow, for them,” Sam said, tipping more Champagne in my glass. “Now, Donnie, I know you already have a family, and if you’re any example, they are a fine group of people. However, now that you and Astrid have decided to procreate, you’ve gone and got yourself another family, full of all us lovable misfits.”

I glanced into the bedroom and saw Astrid sitting on the bed next to Britt. She was so happy, her hand pressed against her belly, and she told everyone about our baby.

Jorge left the bedroom and took a seat with me and Sam. “You are a lucky man,” he said.

“Yeah,” I said, looking around at my new family. “I am.”

***

We got back to our room around two in the morning. Astrid was obviously tired, but she was so excited she couldn’t stop talking. Her eyes were bright, her cheeks rosy, and I couldn’t stop staring at her.

“Still want that shower?” I asked.

“Still going to wash my back?”

“You know it, babe.”

She smiled, and I knew I’d never get tired of her smile.

We were in and out of the shower in record time, especially for us. Afterward I sat behind Astrid on the bed, brushing her hair.

“Seriously, how does your hair get this soft?” I asked.

Astrid glanced over her shoulder. “Trade secret.” She turned around and took the brush from me, setting it on the nightstand. “You’re really okay with…everything?”

“I am,” I replied. “Are you?”

“I just can’t believe it,” she said. “After that last text you sent me I thought I’d never see you again, and here we are.”

I grunted. “Babe, you haven’t replied to my texts in weeks.”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you that my phone broke,” she said. “I’ve been using that cheap prepay one for everything.”

“What?” I asked. “You mean all the times I sent you messages telling you how much I love you and begging you to talk to me, you weren’t ignoring me?”

“The last text I got from you was when you said I’m not your girlfriend. It’s what made me drop my phone. Stupid thing hit the coffee table and shattered.” She lowered her lashes, hands fidgeting in her lap. “I was so upset when I read that. I know I had it coming, but I just love you so much and the thought of never being with you again hit me hard.” A tear rolled down her cheek, and I pulled her into my arms.

“It was a misunderstanding, and it’s over,” I said. She nodded, and I kissed her hair. “Hey, that’s the first time you said that you love me.”

“Really?” She looked up at me. “Yeah, I guess it is. I love you, Donnie.”

“I love you too, baby.”

She nestled closer, and asked, “Got your phone?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Show me all these messages where you said you love me.”

I grabbed the phone and swiped open the texting app. “Great idea, babe.”

Chapter

Forty-Four

Astrid

Waking up with Donnie was nearly perfect.

We’d spent the night snuggled up in the big hotel bed, scrolling through the texts Donnie had sent to my broken phone. We made a game of it, first with me remembering what I’d been doing when he sent the text, then telling him what my reply would have been. It was a good way to spend the night, and I fell asleep feeling more loved than I ever had in my life.

When I opened my eyes, Donnie was lying beside me, still asleep. I watched him for a moment, noting the little details I’d forgotten over the past few weeks—his dark lashes resting against his cheekbones, the laugh lines around his eyes, the way he held me close, even in sleep. I liked that last one the best.

“Hey,” I said, nudging him with my shoulder. “Time to wake up.”

“Early,” he croaked. “Too early.”

“Remember, there’s a wedding happening today,” I said, nestling closer to him. “I should really be on time.”

One of Donnie’s eyes cracked open, only to close again. “Stay in bed. Rest. Donnie’s orders.”

I laughed and snuggled closer. What could a few more minutes hurt? I stroked my fingers through his chest hair, and asked, “What will you wear today?”

“Crap, I have to go home for clothes.” Donnie stretched, then he wrapped his arms around my shoulders and threw a leg over my hips. “Morning, babe. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He held me for a moment, the two of us wrapped around each other. “You have health insurance?” he asked.

“No,” I replied. “Why—oh.”

“I can probably put you on mine,” he said, his fingers tracing lazy circles on my thigh. “Remind me on Monday, I’ll check.”

“Okay.” When he didn’t move, I said, “Donnie, I have to get up.”

“Do you?” he asked. Then he pushed his leg between mine, his hand cupping my butt. “Want to buy a house?”

“What?” I raised myself up on my elbow and glared at him. “Are you insane? You know I don’t have any money.”

“I got a bit saved,” he said, pushing my thighs further apart as he kissed my neck. “We don’t need to make any decisions right away. Just think about where you want to live, okay?”

“Okay.” Donnie’s kisses reached my breasts, and my back arched. “Where do you want to live?”

“Wherever my wife and kid are happy.”

I placed a hand on each side of his face and looked him in the eye. “We’re happiest with you.”

After I showed Donnie just how happy he made me, we took a quick shower and we met Britt and the rest in the hotel lobby. Donnie agreed to meet me at the mansion after he stopped home to change, then my fellow bridal party members and I were off to get ourselves ready for the wedding of the year.

The hotel we were staying at had an in-house salon, which meant we were coiffed to perfection within the hour. Once that was done we descended upon the mansion. They had provided us girls with a dressing room more well-appointed than any I’d seen before, and I’ve walked for Versace. There was a full bar complete with a bartender, and plates of appetizers had been set out for us. All I wanted was a nice cold glass of water.

“Here, sugar,” Michael said, pressing a glass of water into my hand; trust my cousin to know exactly what I needed. And find his way into the dressing room with the sequins.

“Thanks.” I sipped the water and looked over his attire. “Shouldn’t you be getting into a tux or something?”

Michael buffed his fingers on his shirt. “Please, as if I need extra time to look fabulous. Besides, I’m still hoping Jorge will make me a nice sparkly red outfit to match you girls.”

Jorge glanced at him from where he was fussing over Britt’s gown. “Keep it up, Michael, and I’ll hot glue rhinestones to your ass.”

“Oh, Jorge, you say the sweetest things.” Michael surveyed the chaos around us—Britt and her mother cooing over her dress, Britt’s father’s girlfriend chasing the twins, and Melody and Matilda trying to ease Sam’s mother. I guess Midwesterners weren’t used to us rambunctious New Yorkers. “You sure you want to be in the center of all the chaos here? Sammy’s got a nice, relaxing afternoon planned. There will be shots involved.”

I swatted his arm. “No shots for me, and you know that. Besides, how can I be makeup artist extraordinaire from the other room?”

Michael laughed. “All right then. If you need to get away from this nonsense, let me know. And, sugar,” Michael added, leaning close, “you do realize what this means, don’t you?”

“You’re going to learn how to change diapers?” I ventured.

“Girl, please.” Michael eyed me for a moment, then he replied, “You get the ultimate one-up on Bruce.”

“One-up?” I shook my head. “Bruce isn’t going to care that I stood up at a wedding in Connecticut, no matter how nice this place is.”

“Not the wedding, silly girl. I’m talking about Michael Junior.” When I just stared at him, he elaborated, “Not only are you delivering the first grandchild—in a literal sense, I might add—you’ll be getting married first. No amount of fancy dinners or custom suits will ever change those facts.”

“My baby is not about one-upping Bruce.” I huffed. “And I don’t know where you got this Michael Junior idea.”

“Mm hm.” Michael whipped out his phone. “Want me to give Al your notice?”

“Yeah, that’d be great.” I didn’t relish the loss of income, but those long shifts on my feet couldn’t be good for the baby. Maybe I’d take Donnie up on his offer of helping me with my finances, get my apartment organized, and once my lease was up we could get a house…wait, were we really going to buy a house? Where would we live, Connecticut?

“Astrid,” Michael said, snapping his fingers in front of my face.

I blinked. “Sorry,” I said. “This is just all happening so fast.”

“That it is,” Michael agreed. “However, no matter the speed life sets for you, don’t let it run you off from that Donato. He’s a good one.”

Tears pricked the back of my eyes again, but these were happy tears. Now that Donnie and I were together again it was like my body couldn’t remember what sadness was. “He sure is.”

***

After an eventful but exhausting few hours, all of us girls looked as good as we were going to get. Per Britt’s request I did everyone’s makeup, even Penelope and Veronica’s; once those girls saw the pretty pinks and sparkles everyone else got to wear there was no way they were going without. After Emily agreed that a little makeup couldn’t hurt, I decorated their plump little faces with clear lip gloss and shimmering pale peach eye shadow. The added benefit of the makeup was that we told them if they ran around it would all fall off, and they transformed from mischievous imps to perfect little maidens in an instant.

“I am going to have to buy lip gloss,” Emily said, marveling at her daughters’ good behavior.

“Take this one,” I said, offering the tube to her.

“Thanks.” Emily glanced at my waist and asked, “I hear you’re having one too.”

“Hopefully just one,” I said. “I have no idea how you handle both of those girls. Where does their energy come from, a nuclear reactor?”

Emily laughed. “I couldn’t do it without Sean. He’s a great father, and has endless patience with the girls. I’d be lost without him.”

I nodded, my gaze on the girls but thinking of Donnie. I’d be lost without him too.

The event coordinator announced that it was time to get started, so we queued up on the second floor landing. The twins were first in line and loved all the attention they were getting, and were sure to tell everyone about their princess makeup. Then the music started and they were off, with minimal coaxing from their mother; I later learned that Sam had pockets full of candy and basically bribed the girls down the aisle. Britt’s father, who was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs, looked up at his daughter and smiled.

“You ready to do this?” I asked Britt.

“I am,” she said. “I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.” Britt looked past her father at Sam, then she elbowed me in the ribs. “You ready to do this yourself in a few months?”

I followed Britt’s gaze and saw Donnie watching me from the ground floor. “Yeah, I am.”

***

Britt and Sam’s wedding was beautiful.

Britt looked like a princess in her white gown edged in red, her brown hair swept up and pinned atop her head, with tiny crystals woven among her curls. Sam, who looked positively swoon worthy in his black tuxedo and crimson tie, smiled the biggest smile I’d ever seen when he saw her walking down the aisle toward him. Make that the second biggest smile I’d ever seen, since Donnie was smiling bright enough to blot out the sun.

As soon as the ceremony ended Donnie was by my side, his arm snug about my waist. “Overprotective much?” I teased.

“You know it.” He kissed my temple then asked, “So, who’s family we going to first? Yours is closer.”

“True.” I imagined how my parents and brother would react to the news that I was pregnant and getting married. Michael was right, Bruce would see this as the ultimate one-up. “Maybe we should tell yours first.”

“Whatever you want, babe,” Donnie said. “You working next week?”

“I’ve got one shoot on Tuesday,” I replied, wondering how that would go. Models with rapidly expanding midsections weren’t exactly in high demand. “I quit the bar.”

Donnie smiled at that, but didn’t say anything since Sam was calling everyone around for a toast. We listened to his short but heartfelt speech about what a lucky man he was to have met Britt, and how she’d changed his life for the better. Britt responded by throwing her arms around Sam’s neck and kissing him so hard her feet left the ground. We all clapped and whistled, calling out well wishes for them. No one deserved happiness more than Britt and Sam. Well, except maybe Donnie and me.

“You’re really going to marry me?” Donnie asked.

I looked up at him and smiled. “Yeah. I really am.”