Best Friend's Brother

Chapter Nineteen

On February 7, exactly 22 weeks into my pregnancy, I had finally found some balance in my life. While Matt and Marcie continued to struggle, I found no happiness in their problems. Regardless of what Marcie insisted, Matt kept his word to me and whenever he was in town he'd stop by to spend a few hours with me and our babies. When he was over we'd talk about our little boys and how we'd be able to work out a schedule around them.

My days at work were getting shorter and shorter until eventually Jones told me I was to work from home unless I was strictly needed in the office. Every morning Hilary dropped off my work for the day and then went to the office to do what she could from there.

While I didn't like being cooped up at home all the time, I knew it was for the best so I didn't complain. Instead, when the doorbell rang around three, I got up as quickly as I could to answer the door, all but forgetting about the manuscript I was supposed to be looking over.

I didn't even bother checking to see who it was and I smiled when I saw Matt standing there with a box of chocolates and ice cream. "You too tired for company?"

I wrapped my hand around his wrist and pulled him into my house. "Never! Get in here already!"

He laughed and walked into the kitchen. "The ice cream is for later when you're craving. I got your favourite."

"Cookie dough?"

He smiled and pulled me into a hug. "Of course."

I breathed in his sent and let the comfort of his arms envelop me. "How did you know that's my favourite?"

He chuckled and shifted his hold on me so he could lead me to the living room. "I've been talking to you pretty much every night since Christmas. I should hope I know what kind of ice cream you have at least twice a week."

I giggled and curled up on the couch with him. "You spoil me, Matt."

He shrugged. "I'll spoil you as much as you let me."

I closed my eyes and listened to his heartbeat for a minute. His hand drew patterns on my back and I felt myself starting to drift.

"I take it you're not upset I surprised you, then?" he asked quietly.

I shook my head and force my eyes open so I could look at him. "Not at all. You're not going to get in trouble with Marcie for coming, are you?"

He hesitated but shook his head. "Nope. She's gone home for the weekend so I thought I'd come by to spend some time making sure you take care of yourself."

I raised an eyebrow. "And how long do you plan on staying?"

He kissed my forehead and smiled at me. "Until Sunday if you'll let me. I promise not to get in your way too much."

I sighed. "I don't know, Matt. It would be better if you stayed at Whit's and helped her. She's dealing with more than I am since she already has three little kids."

"Claire, she has Tyler to help her. And Tess stops by all the time to help out. I'm more worried about you doing things you really shouldn't be."

I closed my eyes and rested my head on his shoulder again. "Whatever. You brought me ice cream so it wouldn't be fair if I threw you out on the street tonight. Just don't make me go back to work and you can stay."

He chuckled and I smiled. "No problems there. So what should we talk about while you're not busy with work?"

"Names," I said instantly alert again.

"Okay, what kinds of names do you want?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. That's why we're talking about it."