“I can’t stand that bitch,” Rivet mutters.
“Nobody likes her,” Cali states.
“Then why is she here,” I ask.
“I question that daily,” Minx admits.
“Shit, I need to pee.” Cali stands from the couch, handing Caden to me. “Can you hold him for a minute?”
“Of course! Come here, sweet boy.” I take him from her, snuggling him close. I never thought much about having my own kids, but holding Caden has thoughts brewing. Mine and Rascal’s relationship is still new, so we haven’t talked about whether either of us wants kids or not.
“You’re a natural with him.” Minx grins at me. “Do you want kids of your own?”
“It’s not something I’ve ever truly considered,” I admit.
“It’s life changing, that’s for sure.” Cali reclaims her spot next to me.
“Could you imagine Rascal as a father?” Minx giggles.
I tug my bottom lip between my teeth, stifling a laugh.
“Oh! You didn’t get to see this.” Minx pulls her phone out, clicking a couple times then turns it around to show me. On her phone is a picture of Rascal holding Caden. It’s enough to make my ovaries melt. Before I get a chance to say anything, the front door opens and in walks Rascal and Saint.
“Speak of the devil and he shall appear.” I laugh.
Rascal’s eyes find mine instantly, his face lights up when he notices I’m holding Caden. He and Saint make their way to the pool tables and start a game.
“I’m surprised he isn’t coming to whisk you away back to your room.” Rivet rolls her eyes.
I shrug my shoulder. “He knows I need some girl time.”
“Plus, he’s still keeping you within his sight,” Minx adds. “That’s how Raze was with me after I was kidnapped. He gave me my space as long as he could see where I was.”
“They’re a protective bunch, no doubt.” I grin. “It’s both refreshing and infuriating.”
We all fall into easy conversation. Cali tells us about being a new mom. The good, the bad and the ugly. Her and Wren begin comparing their pregnancies. Wren is almost four months pregnant.
“Wren, when do you find out if you’re having a boy or a girl,” I ask.
“We have an appointment the week of Christmas.”
“We’re having a gender reveal for her that weekend,” Minx gushes. “You better come with Rascal. You’re part of the family now.”
“Wait, did Ras claim you as his Ol’ Lady?” Wren squeals.
I giggle. “Yeah, he did.”
“Wow! That’s huge for him. You’re just what he needs,” she says.
Caden begins to fuss in my arms. I lightly bounce him. “Aw, what’s wrong little guy?”
“He’s probably hungry,” Cali tells me. “It’s about that time.”
I stand from the couch, handing him to her.
“I’m going to feed him and nap with him. I’ll see y’all in a few hours.” Cali walks down the hall toward her and Buster’s room. All the brothers have rooms here, even if they have their own house or apartment.
“Thanksgiving is Thursday. Do any of y’all want to help me prepare Thanksgiving dinner this year,” Minx asks.
“I will! I love Thanksgiving and haven’t had a good one since my mom passed away,” I say.
“We’ll make sure this one is a great one,” she insists.
We talk about plans for Thanksgiving for a while before I start feeling anxious. Not knowing what’s causing it, I decide to seek out Rascal.
“I’m going to go talk to Rascal for a few.” I make my way toward the pool tables, where Rascal and Saint still have a game going. Rascal is sitting at one of the high top tables, while Saint takes a shot.
“Hey, Princess.” Rascal moves his legs apart so I can stand between them, close to him. He gives me a quick kiss. “Everything okay?”
“An uneasy feeling came over me,” I admit. “I knew you’d be able to keep me grounded.”
He wraps his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. “I’ll always be here to keep you grounded.”
Resting my head against his chest, I breathe him in. After a few deep breaths, the anxiety begins to let up.
“Minx showed me a picture of you holding Caden,” I tell him.
“I didn’t know she took a picture of us. What a brat.” He chuckles.
“It made the picture that much better. The way you were looking at him.” I smile. “He has this whole clubhouse wrapped around his tiny, little finger.”
“He sure does.” There’s a gleam in Rascal’s eyes. “Do you want kids?”
His question takes me by surprise. “Honestly, I’ve never given it much thought. Do you?”
“I never did until this one woman walked into my life making me question everything I previously thought about my life.” His mouth tips up into his sexy smirk.
My eyebrows furrow. Is he saying what I think he is? “Cameron McCoy, what are you trying to say?”
“For the first time in my life, I have a woman who I want to spend all my time with. Who I want sharing my bed. Who I can picture having a real future with. I love you, Marley Jones.”
41
Rascal
My head is spinning while my heart beats a million miles an hour. I love Marley. I told her I love her. I’ve never told anyone but my family that I love them. Who knew it would be so terrifying?
Tears pool in her eyes and I instantly feel like I fucked up. “Did you . . . ? Are you . . . ?”
“Yes, I said it and yes, I mean it. I. love. you.” I stress each word, wanting her to know I’m serious.
A smile stretches across her face as a tear sneaks down her cheek. “I love you, too.”
I delve my hand into her hair, crashing my lips down on hers. Her mouth opens with a gasp and I slide my tongue in, massaging hers. I grab a fistful of her hair, easing her head back and deepening the kiss. I pour everything I have into this kiss. Marley breaks the kiss, pulling back enough for me to rest my forehead against hers. Both of us breathing heavily.
“If you would have told me when we first met that this is where we’d end up, I would have laughed in your face.” She giggles.
“I never meant for this to happen, but I can’t tell you how happy I am that it did,” I tell her. “You’re something special and I don’t plan on ever lettin’ you go, Princess.”
“I don’t ever want you to.” She’s grinning from ear to ear.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I need to talk to y’all, if that’s okay,” Ratchet says.
Marley turns around in my arms, leaning back against me.
“What’s up, brother,” I ask.
“Bull wants us to get out to the barn and talk with our new friends. I know the two of y’all want in on it. A few of us are goin’ up there tomorrow,” he tells us.
“Perfect, we’ll be there,” Marley answers for the both of us.
I chuckle. “What she said.”
“Good, I’ll let you know what time we’re goin’ as soon as I know,” Ratchet adds and walks away. I glance around, noticing Saint has disappeared. I shake my head and let it go.