“Of course, sweetheart,” I say without hesitation.
“And you remember my terms?” She arches an eyebrow.
“You’ve been clear.” I lift and kiss the back of her hands. “You have my word. I’ll never lie or manipulate the truth. You can trust me.”
She exhales. “Thank you.”
“And we’re not dumping Ruby on you. Your mother and I will help. We just can’t—”
Cori holds up her hand,and Leander shuts up.
“We’ll take it from here. If we need your help, we’ll ask.”
“We can’t see her?” Leander looks crestfallen. “We love Ruby.”
“I didn’t say that. If you want us to raise her, we’re not going to share the responsibility with you. She’ll be ours, and you’ll continue to be the grandparents, but Daxton and I will make decisions where she’s concerned.”
"Okay." Leander nods in defeat. "I understand. Let's go, Daxton." He heads toward the door.
"One more thing, Dad." He stops but doesn't turn around. "That money you took from me to give to Devin? I want it back." His body goes stiff. I wink at my wife, feeling a certain amount of pride. "For twenty-three months, you took five hundred from me. That totals eleven thousand, five hundred dollars. I want it in thirty days. That's non negotiable. And since I'm feeling generous, I won't charge you interest, but if the payment is late…" she lets the threat dangle.
Leander remains frozen for a few seconds more. He doesn't answer with words, but his shoulder sag and he nods his head. He walks out a little smaller than when he walked in.
I pull Cori to me and kiss her temple. "You don't need the money, Bella. I have to remember to stay on your good side."
"It's the principle." She looks up and smiles at me. "I'll take you on a hot date when he pays me, and I'll put the rest in an account for Ruby."
I put my hand on her ass and squeeze it. "We'll go on the date, but your husband pays." I tap my lips on on hers. "Always."
Chapter 68
Cori
“Oh my God, grandma’s baby is so pretty.” I roll my eyes at Haddie, who just pulled out another dress from Josie’s old baby clothes. Ruby jolts in excitement, and Finch barks.
I lift the rainbow tutu I made for the dog, and she runs to me. Dax glares at me while I put it on. Selene cackles from the corner while Eden and Ripley cook dinner in my kitchen.
“Come on, Ruby. Let’s go play dress up. Call me when dinner’s ready.” Ruby bounces in Haddie’s arms and waves at me as they walk out of the kitchen.
The bell rings. Dax leaves to open the door and returns with Preacher, who makes a beeline for Selene.
“Hey, mami.” Preacher grins at Selene, who moves away. “Did your man get you those concert tickets?”
Selene scrunches her face. “No. I missed out.” Selene eyes him. “Did you get tickets for you and your sister?”
Dax lets out a half-laugh, half-cough. Even Ripley looks at Preacher with creased brows, but they don’t say anything.
“Yeah, but she can’t go.” Preacher pulls out his phone and shows Selene something.
“Wow. Your sister can’t go? What a shocking turn of events.” Dax lets out a bark of laughter while he looks on.
“Great seats.” She sounds wistful.
“You should come with me. I have a hotel suite. Got plane tickets, too.” He inches closer. I expect Selene to move away, but she stares at his phone as if it answers all of life’s questions.
“I can’t. I have a boyfriend.”
“I would never push up on another man’s woman.” Preacher smiles at Selene, while Dax coughs.
