“You guys are headed back to Colorado?” Dylan wanted to know, his gaze on me as we stood off to the side. I knew Ellie’s brother was overprotective, and I’d undoubtedly been spared what could have been a potentially tense initial meeting had it not been for baby Ava.
I nodded. “Have to get back, but we’ll be sure to come back and visit soon.” My gaze shifted to Ellie with a soft smile. “I think the new aunt is going to want to get some more quality time.”
Dylan nodded, his eyes on his sister and wife as they murmured to each other. “Ellie’s always loved babies. She was so happy and carefree growing up—seeing that light get snuffed out was fucking gutting,” he shared lowly before turning to look me in the eye. “She’s got it back, and I know you’re part of that. Just make sure she doesn’t lose it again, yeah?”
“I love your sister,” I replied. “I’ll protect her and her happiness with my life.”
He clapped me on the back. “Good.”
As Ellie and I hit the road soon after, my hand on her thigh, I thought about what her brother had said. “You looked pretty natural holding that baby,” I commented.
She looked over at me with a smile. “She’s perfect, isn’t she? Hopefully we can come back soon. She’s going to grow so fast.”
I squeezed her gently in reassurance. “Of course. What with all the excitement, I didn’t get the third degree from the Mitchell men.”
“I don’t think you will,” she replied softly.
“No?”
She shook her head. “They might be a little rough around the edges sometimes, but they’re both good men, and they see the same in you. My dad said as much to me this morning before we left.”
“Well, I’m glad,” I replied roughly, moved by her words and knowing how much they meant. “So, you want to have one of those with me one day?” I continued with a raised brow.
Her eyes popped wide. “A baby?”
“Well, I’m hoping for more than one.” I shrugged, biting back a chuckle at her shocked expression. “Not at once—though I’d take that too. Twins don’t run in your family, do they?”
“Uh, no,” she stammered, a gorgeous blush covering her cheeks.
“So?” I prompted gently. The truth was, I wanted a family, but if Ellie didn’t—she’d be enough for me. More than.
“Someday,” she agreed softly. “I’d always thought I’d have three, but then when everything happened—I sort of let go of thinking about a future, I was so focused on getting through my day to day. Now, I can see it again.” I glanced over at her briefly, meeting her sincere expression. “But only with you.”
I groaned. “Glad to hear it, but kind of regretting bringing it up when I can’t pull over and show my appreciation.”
“Later.” She grinned.
“That’s a promise,” I growled.
Chapter 13
ELLIE
Despite the long drive, Mason didn’t question that we’d be making a stop at Lily’s house to get Kodi. When we pulled up to her house, it was late, and despite my texting to share we’d be arriving soon, I was surprised when Lily opened the door the minute we pulled up to the curb, Kodi barreling out of her house to greet me.
I crouched down greeting my exuberant shepherd before looking up at my friend curiously. “Everything okay?”
She blew her hair out of her face in exasperation. “Fine. He got away from me for a few minutes this afternoon,” she admitted. “I didn’t tell you because I knew you were already on your way back and there was nothing you could do and then—” She broke off as Ryan shocked me by appearing in the doorway. “—This guy showed up to help and has refused to leave,” she huffed, quirking her thumb in his direction.
I muffled a grin. “Is that so? Hey, Ryan,” I called.
He raised a hand in greeting before crossing his arms over his massive chest. Seriously, the man was huge.
“I had it totally under control. He only got out for a minute,” she rushed to add.
“Lil, it’s fine,” I assured her. “I appreciate you dog sitting for this long. I hope he wasn’t too much of a pain.”
“Not at all,” she replied. “In fact, I’ll miss him. Maybe it’s time I thought about a guard dog of my own.”
