Page 60 of Psychotic Nightmares

Half an hour later, we have Nattie-Grace fed and dressed. Once Anya pops the last popperon the onesie Gustin bought in alongside the hot cocoas for them both she asks if I want to hold her while she gets washed up. Carefully I take the small human into my arms. Gustin does the same with Anya as he carries her to the bathroom, some fresh pyjamas slung over his shoulder. “We’ll meet you in the lounge.” She calls over his shoulder.

I walkslowlyinto the crowded lounge andcarefullysit between Julian and Dante on the sofa. As soon as my ass hits the cushion Pea bounces over and starts to coo over Nattie-Grace. Bull rolls his eyes and chuckles from the chair he sits in in the corner.

Since moving back in here five months ago, I have added more furniture to fit everyone in. It’s crowded, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. When it was just me in here, I was so lonely, then along came Mr. Stalker and although he was with me daily, I still felt like something was missing. And now I know what that was.

Family.

“How are the other two?” Julian asks.

“They’ll get there. They seem okay for now, but,” I shrug. “Gustin is still putting on a front and Anya has started talking.”

“She has?” Pea and Julian sayin unison.

“She has.” I sniff. “I’m so relieved.” Dante wipes my face with the sleeve of his hoodie. “Thanks.”

Everyone is quiet as we wait for the new parents to join us. When they come out of the bathroom, Anya now all cleaned up with her hair wrapped up in a towel, Gustin finally holds his hands out for cuddles with his child. I stand and let him take my spot between the two men and delicately place Nattie-Grace into his arms while Anya squeezes in beside Pea in the large armchair, the latter taking the former into her arms for a snuggle.

“Well, shall we get started on Christmas lunch then?” I ask Bull.

“Let’s,” he holds out his hand, I take and ‘pull’. He feigns struggling to stand, making everyone else laugh. “Even though I think Julian has everything prepped and cookingalready.” I roll my eyes, “but we can go and make the coffees for the adults.”

“Sounds like a plan.” I chuckle and we go to the kitchen. “Thank you.” I whisper as he reaches into the cupboard for some coffee mugs.

“Anytime, Grace.” He grins. “You know, I definitely prefer Grace to Natalie. Suits you much better.”

“Try telling Pea that.” I roll my eyes.

“Still calling you Nat?” He lays out the cups while I start filling the coffee machine.

“Nope. Try…”

“Whatcha talking about Satan?”Pea comes up behind me and squeezes me into a tight hug.

“That.” I finish my sentence, Bull laughs loudly.

“So, what were you talking about?” She repeats her question.

“You.” Bull says bluntly. “Why won’t you call Grace by her name?”

“I do,” Pea walks around me and places a hand on her chest. “She is the devil after all.” She winks. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, bestie.” She kisses my cheek. “Anyway, you,” she points to Bull . “out. I need to have a girly chat.”

Bull rolls his eyes again, I’m not sure how he doesn't get dizzy the amount of times he does it when Pea’s around. “So what did you want to talk about?” I ask once Bull is literally pushed out of the room and Pea closes the door behind him.

“Have you made your decision yet?” She leans her elbows on the marble counter and holds her head on her palms. I sigh, knowing that I only have a week left to make my mind up.Shit the time has flown by.

“No.” I groan. I told Pea aboutmostof the chat me and the men had after killing Pa, fortunately she hasn’t judged me once.

“Have you tried a pro’s and con’s list?” I take my phone out and show her the list I was working on last month. “Maybe, and hear me out here okay…”

Oh God, here we go…

“Okay?” I raise an eyebrow.

“You’ve already had Dante, so just fuck Julian too and go for the one who gives you the best O.”

“PEA!” I whisper shoutand slap her arm. “You can’t say shit like that.”

“Why?” She laughs.