Six months later…
“I’m amazed Roxy hasn’t blown up every pink item she can find,” Mike called, grumbling as he hung the last of the decorations for his sister’s baby shower.
Gwen looked up after setting yet another tray of food on the table and grinned. “She’s having a girl. Of course it’s pink everything. Were you expecting me to go with a different color?”
“No. You don’t know Roxy that well though. She’s never, ever, ever liked the color pink. Not even when she was a baby.”
Gwen laughed. “That’s not a surprise, but it is a baby shower. They generally make everything in pink, blue, or yellow. I’ve noticed her nursery is lavender, and there’s lots of purple, but very little actual pink.”
Sasha came bounding into Mike and Gwen’s new living room. They had moved to a house on Lake Washington. Sasha enjoyed having a yard, and Mike was relieved Gwen knew how to decorate because he was at a loss for half the house. Together, they renovated an art and music studio down in the basement.
Gwen moved to the door before Sasha could go from excitedly wagging her tail to barking. “Roxy, good to see you.” Grinning, she touched his sister’s round belly. “I bet you can’t wait until the squirt is here.”
“Hardly,” Roxy replied, pulling Trevor inside with her. She gave Mike a big hug then muttered against his ear, “Did you get enough pink?”
Mike laughed. He knew his sister well. “You ready for everyone? They should start arriving anytime.”
Trevor smiled. “They’re pulling up already.”
Roxy leaned against Mike’s shoulder and put her arm around him. “Have I mentioned lately that you’re the best brother a girl could have?”
“About a million times, Sis. Why now?”
“Don’t know what I’d do without you.” She kissed his cheek before moving back to Trevor.
“Same to you.”
“How’s the enforcer program going?”
Mike looked over at Gwen. “Honestly, it’s a natural fit. Plus, it will mean less time away from my girl. While it’s great for fitting in extra band practice, it sucks when they send her out of town.”
Gwen gave him a sheepish look. “I hate it too, but I always come back.”
“You know I’d only come for you.” He walked toward her and took a kiss.
The bell rang, but Tremaine walked in with Liz, Robert, and bags full of presents before anyone could answer the door.
Tremaine gave Mike a grin, then went to Roxy to wrap his arms around his niece. “Told you it was a girl. You name her yet?”
“Evelyn. After Mom.”
“It’s perfect. I can’t wait to meet her.”
Then he moved to Mike and squeezed his shoulder. “And you. I’m so proud of you. Not only have you accepted your fate,” he nodded over at Gwen, “but you’ve exceeded everyone’s expectations in the program. You’re doing amazing.”
“I have a few awesome instructors. One who gives me all the one-on-one time I need.”
Robert shook his head, looking up at the ceiling. “You two are something else.”
“Whatever we are, we’re perfect for each other.” Mike wrapped his arms around Gwen. “I’m looking forward to a bright future for all of us.”