Page 20 of Spook’s Honor

Maverick turns his head towards me, eyes understanding.

He knew everything about me. Knew how I felt about stepparents, after the fucker my mother had married when I was ten. Knew about my trust issues.

“I know, brother.” He looks back towards Honor and the boys. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. She doesn’t know we’re watching. Look!”

Turning my attention back to my front yard, I watch as Honor picks Reed up and dusts him off after he must have taken a tumble. When she kisses the top of his head, then his cheek, I know then that no matter what, I am making her mine.

And it has nothing to do with how gorgeous I find her, or how much I want to fuck her. Because there is no denying that Honor is beautiful.

No, I am making her mine because I didn’t want her giving that sweetness to anyone else but Reed, Mason, and me.

They may have claimed her first, but I was going to claim her forever.

I sure hope she is ready for me.

Maverick chuckles and knocks me with his shoulder before he resumes walking. I follow beside him.

“Not sure what that look was, brother, but I hope you’ve come to a decision.”

“I have,” I assured him. “Church tomorrow for a vote, and I want her wearing my patch by the weekend.”

Maverick throws his head back and laughs, long and hard, alerting Honor that we are here.

I brace as Reed and Mason make a beeline for us, grabbing onto our legs. Bending down, I pick Reed up. Maverick does the same with Mason.

“Bubbles,” Reed grins toothily at me.

He is my quiet boy, but even I can see the change in him since Honor arrived. He is talking more, not waiting for Mason to speak for him.

Pressing my lips to his temple, I breathe in the scent of my son. Sweaty little boy and bubbles.

“I see that. Did you have fun with Honor?”

“Yeth.” He kicked his legs. “Down.”

Bending, I lower him to the ground, and he’s off like a shot, towards Honor.

She smiles, dropping the bubble wand she is holding before picking him up and hugging him close. Her eyes meet mine over his head and widen.

I’m not sure what she saw in my gaze, but whatever it was has her eyes softening.

She smiles at me, then turns to Maverick when he asks her something.

When I get close, I wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her under my arm and kissing her temple.

“Have a good day, baby?”

She tilts her head back on my shoulder and smiles. “We did.”

The temptation is too much.

I lower my head and brush my lips against hers. Her breath hitches, then she opens for me. I don’t deepen our kiss, aware that we have the boys and Maverick standing right there in the yard with us.

“Got us dinner.” I murmur against her lips. “Let me help Maverick get the boys settled, then I’ll be home.”

"Mm, okay. Don't be too long." She pulls back just enough to give me a smile before brushing another quick kiss across my lips. Then she looks at Reed still in her arms, kisses his cheek, runs a gentle finger down his cheek, and says “Have fun with Uncle Mav, baby boy.” Before transferring him into my arms.

She then turns to Maverick who is still holding Mason. She walks up and does the same gentle goodbye to Mason before looking to Maverick and saying. “Thank you for taking them for us tonight.”