Page 114 of Protected from Torment

“That’s what babies do,” Maisy says with a laugh. Her expression softens as she glances across the room to where the rest of the children are playing. “When they’re little, at least.”

Owl and Lara round out our little group, both smiling warmly. “He’s so sweet,” Lara says. With a sly glance at Owl, she adds, “Makes you think, doesn’t it?”

Surprise flickers across Owl’s features. “Does it?”

“Maybe.” She stares at Jeff for another second before turning to Owl with a hopeful expression. “They’re just so little and sweet.”

Stone lets out a rumbling laugh. “Guess we’ll be adding another member to our extended family, too.”

Owl loops his arm around Lara’s shoulders. “If that’s what you want, we’ll get to work on it as soon as we get back home.”

“Get to work doing what?” Tyler asks. He has a dining room chair tucked beneath each arm, carrying the heavy oak furniture as if it weighs nothing.

“Owl and Lara having another baby,” Stone announces with a grin. “Looks like baby fever is spreading.”

“Ah.” Tyler sets the chairs down and gently grasps my shoulders as he guides me into one of them. “Mel needs a rest,” he explains as he takes Jeff from my arms. And the sight of Tyler holding his son is so perfect, my heart nearly explodes from the love surging through it.

Tyler scoots his chair right next to mine and kisses my cheek. Even though he’s kissed me thousands of times by now, it still gives me a thrill of pleasure. And despite us being surrounded by close to twenty people, my mind takes off in a more private and intimate direction.

Back to our cabin, and once the little flibbertigibbet is asleep, Tyler and I can get some special Mom and Dad alone time, as we’ve taken to calling it. We haven’t had sex yet, since Tyler wants to be extra cautious—big surprise there—but there are plenty of other ways we can pleasure each other.

“Hey, I’ve got the grill all set up,” Ace announces as he enters the living room. He’s wearing an apron that spells out Kiss the Cook (if you want your @ss kicked) spelled out in sequins on the front of it. Webb gave it to him as part of our Christmas gift exchange, along with a more thoughtful behind-the-scenes tour of the local vintage car museum. “If you want some burgers or dogs, come on out.”

Beside him, Yara casts a smile around the room. “And Webb and Noelle are looking for competitors for extreme cornhole. According to Webb, winner gets a case of their favorite beer.”

“Extreme cornhole?” Lara asks. “I know what cornhole is. But extreme cornhole?”

Tyler laughs. “We add extra rules. Like throwing blindfolded, or spinning around ten times first.”

Stone perks up. “I’d like to try that.” He turns to Maisy. “What do you think?”

Maisy nods. “Sounds good. Lara? Owl?”

After a quick conference, the four of them take off towards the deck. Soon afterwards, Rory and Gage head off to the kitchen so they can call home to check on the dogs at their shelter. “I’m sure they’re fine,” Rory explains with a sheepish smile. “But I’m a little overprotective.”

“A little?” Gage gives his wife an affectionate look. “A lot overprotective. And that’s okay.”

Once Tyler and I are alone again, we just sit for a moment, watching the controlled chaos of the room. Watching our friends and family come together to celebrate a miracle we never expected.

Tyler settles Jeff on his lap and checks to make sure he’s still sleeping. Then he takes my hand and threads his fingers between mine. “Are you having a good time?” he asks. “It’s not too much? With all the people here?”

Tyler knows I still get a little anxious in large groups of people. It’s normal, my counselor assured me, especially given everything I’ve been through. But I’m not anxious here. Not with everyone I love right here with me.

“It’s perfect,” I reply. “I’m so glad we decided to throw a welcome to the world party for Jeff. Especially with so many people wanting to meet him.”

“That’s true,” he agrees. “And it’s great seeing everyone here.” Falling silent for a second, his gaze searches the room until it finds my parents, still talking with his. My dad glances in our direction, and the two men exchange a quick look.

“I like your parents a lot.” After a beat, he adds thoughtfully, “At first, I was a little worried they wouldn’t approve of you moving across the country from them.”

“They understood. All they really want is for me to be happy. And they know I am here.”

His gaze meets mine, wide and earnest. “Are you? Truly happy?”

I give his hand a squeeze. “I’m unbelievably happy. And so in love. With you and this little one.”

Tyler’s expression softens. “Me too, baby. So in love.” He pauses to take a shaky breath. Then he releases my hand to reach into his pocket. A moment later, his hand comes out with something small tucked inside it.

My heart leaps. Could it be?