Max Jacobson

“Half the time I’m convinced my father loves her more than he does me. He gets all weird and mushy.” Not that she could blame him, but it was definitely weird. “I mean, the furthest I had gotten was maybe going to see my sister.” Reagan shrugged, wrapping an arm around him. “But nothing too solid yet, why? How special?”

“I’m not convinced that she isn’t your dad’s favorite person either, but I’m pretty certain that it’s a mutual feeling for the two,” Or at least it was a tie between grandpa and mama for Charlotte’s favorite. “I was thinking of spending the night celebrating us,” he admitted reaching up in order to brush her hair back from her face as he studied her for a moment. She was absolutely stunning, he just hoped that she knew how much he loved her.

For as little as Reagan had thought or really known to expect in the beginning, she had grown to love Charlotte more than just about anything. Pretty scary, but she was trying not to think about it too much. Especially since her family had been more open to it than she could have expected. “She’s always good for my parents.” Reagan remarked from the doorway, letting out a snort. “The less terrifying version of what I was like as a kid.”

“I think she saves her princess behavior for them, it’s almost like she loves them more,” With ease he shifted his daughter to sit on one of his arms so that he was able to pull Reagan in using the now free arm. “I hope you don’t have any big plans for today, because I might already have something special up my sleeves.” It was just something he had been planning for the last few months.

“Yeah, I know. Hard to forget.” Brooke rolled her eyes. “To be fair, Reagan’s like, my age, and this one was an accident I’m choosing to think of as happy. I don’t blame her for not being super ready yet,” she admitted. Things would work out how they were meant to. It was a weird feeling to have after so long. “I’ve heard that from you and from Taylor now, was he that bad? but I know I do. And believe me, that’s everything.”

“It is a happy accident. I can’t think of a single person in our family that won’t be over the moon happy about this baby. As for Reagan as long as Charlotte makes her happy I’m completely thrilled with the little family I have,” He couldn’t imagine being happier than he already was and that was all that mattered. “He was, but really other than that you didn’t miss out on much.”

“Of course it’s worth it. I just didn’t think any kid would ever like me, let alone be so connected to me like she is.”

“Honestly I’ll be shocked if Charlotte grows up thinking she had any other mother before you with how much she loves you.”

“We’re all having babies at once. It’s like we made some weird, sibling procreation pact or something.” Brooke joked weakly. She couldn’t believe either of her siblings were bullshitting it, they were so great with their kids. “Thank you, Max. For everything, but mostly just believing in me. I don’t know why you do, but I appreciate it.”

“Excuse me, I have Charlotte and I was first. I don’t think Reagan is ready to add to our own little family just yet, so the rest of you are on your own,” Max pointed out smiling widely. He was happy to see each of his siblings happy and starting their own families. “Brooke if I could believe in James as a teenager believing in you is as easy as breathing. And you always have me.”

“I think it’s karma for me to be wrapped around a little kid’s fingers,” Reagan laughed. “It’s retribution for being a terror to my parents when I was a baby.”

“But having a special relationship with her is worth it isn’t it?” He asked curiously raising his eyebrows despite knowing what her answer would be. Of course the two of them had a special bond that was worth all the heartache.

“I mean, even after it’s here I could do something. It’s not exactly like I ever knew a solid role model for this stuff.” Brooke sighed. “What if I’m not as good at this as you and Taylor are?”

“Taylor and I are bullshitting it just as much as you will be, and that’s what being a parent is. You’re never going to be perfect, but as long as they’re fed and cared for it’s what matters. And whenever you need a helping hand I’m a call away.”

“I don’t know how you and Taylor did it. Every second I’m worried that I’ll do something to hurt it.”

“I mean for me I didn’t have the same fears. But I was constantly terrified something would happen to her mother while she was carrying her.”

“You keep acting like that could be helped.”

“No it couldn’t be helped, but seeing the way that you love her makes it that much easier for me to be okay with how controlled we are by her because at least it’s not just me.”

“I hope so,” Brooke sighed, biting her lip. “I’m really nervous about all of this, Max.”

“I’d be lying to you if I told you I wasn’t nervous when I found out about Charlotte. It was terrifying, but she’s so worth it.”

“Yeah, I think so too. At least she knows she’s more likely to get stuff that way.”

“It’s because we’re both weak with her.”

“He was thrilled. It still feels surreal to me, but knowing he’s excited actually helped. I haven’t told Taylor yet, though, or James. I keep waiting for the right time.”

“You know that they’re both going to be over the moon for you, right?” Max asked her wanting to be sure that she did know, “They love you.”

“I don’t know, she gets really sad when you’re not around for more than like an hour.”

“I think she just likes having the three of us all together.”

“Unless I got three false positives and a lying doctor…yeah. I am.” Brooke admitted, taking a deep breath. “I’m glad someone does. I’m terrified.”

“I’m still extremely happy for you. Have you told Elijah yet?” He asked his sister curiously.

“I seriously doubt that’s true.”

“I don’t think it’s untrue in the slightest.”

“I would hope she likes me. It would be pretty sad for me if she didn’t.”

“Honestly she might love you more than me.”