A Beautiful Thought (The Beautiful Series) by Alicia Rae Read Free Book Online

happily, lowering her hands to cup her little baby bump. “I got to feel Baby Blimp move for the first time yesterday.”
    “That’s amazing, Lily.” I smiled over at her fondly and then gave a puzzled stare. “But who on earth names a baby Blimp?”
    “It’s not the baby’s name, silly.” Lily flippantly rolled her eyes. “It’s what he or she looks like in the ultrasound picture. Until Kyle and I agree on a name, it’s Baby Blimp for the time being.”
    “Gotcha.” I chortled.
    Lily turned her attention to Gail. “Hi, Gail!” she exclaimed, briefly stepping forward to hug her. “It’s so great to finally see you again.”
    “Hi, Lily,” Gail responded in a friendly tone. “Congratulations on your pregnancy.”
    “Thank you!” Lily replied, rubbing her belly again.
    I mentally noted that Lily touching her stomach so much must be a mother thing.
    “Kyle and I are so excited.”
    Kyle came up behind his wife and wrapped his arms around her. “The chicken wings are done grilling, beautiful.” He kissed her cheek.
    “Thank you.” Lily patted her husband’s arm.
    Kyle made eye contact with me and grinned. He stepped around Lily and extended his hand to me. “Hey, man. Glad you could make it.”
    “Hey.” I shook his hand. “Good to see you.”
    Kyle welcomed Gail, and then he gestured us inside. “Come on in. Abbey, Jason, and Pearl are already out back.”
    Gail and I walked in through the foyer and main area of the house until we reached the back patio. I let Gail step outside first, and then I followed with Kyle and Lily after me.
    Once outside, more greetings and hugs were exchanged. When Pearl’s eyes landed on me, her whole face lit up, mirroring my own expression.
    “Uncle Damon!” she screeched, running straight for me.
    I opened my arms wide, ready to catch her. “Ugh,” left my throat at her impact. “Hey, Princess. How’s the bonfire going?” I asked, spinning her around the yard.
    She tipped her head back. “It’s so much fun! Mom and Dad said I could make s’mores. We’re going to roast marshmallows over the fire pit!”
    My heart warmed at the way she so naturally referred to Abbey and Jason as her mom and dad after such a short amount of time. I could not be happier for the three of them. Pearl was the sweetest kid, and I was so proud of my brother and Abbey for giving her the family and home that this little girl deserved. She was our family in every sense of the word.
    “That sounds really good,” I replied, setting her down.
    Pearl’s brows lifted. “Would you like me to make you one?”
    “Sure.”
    Pearl took my hand in hers and pulled me over to the bonfire. Sure enough, packages of marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate were sitting on a wood log. My stomach grumbled as I helped her push a marshmallow onto a stick, and I showed her how to hold it above the fire. I snuck glimpses at Gail while she talked with Abbey near the house.
    Pearl chuckled. “I think your tummy is hungry.”
    “It’s always hungry for chocolate,” I agreed.
    “Mine, too.” She giggled.
    When the marshmallow was a golden brown, she pulled it back from the flames and started assembling the delicious treat. She finished quickly and handed it to me. “Here you go, Uncle Damon.”
    I reached for it and took a bite. “Mmm…” I said before swallowing. “Delicious. Thank you, Pearl.”
    “You’re welcome,” she replied as she began making another one.
    I took another bite as I scoped out Gail again. She was still talking with Abbey. Her eyes gazed over at me, and I grinned at her. She tenderly smiled at me before returning her attention back to Abbey.
    “Uncle Damon?” Pearl lightly tapped my shoulder. “Is that your girlfriend?”
    “No,” I answered gently, spinning around to face her. “We are just friends.”
    “Sure.” Pearl snickered. “That’s what Mom and Dad said in the beginning, too.”
    My brother walked up to us, saving me.
    “What are you two up to