Page 135 of Savage Heart

“Pfft. Have you seen that dump I’m in?” He laughs. “That cabin out there is a beaut. And I’d insist on paying rent.”

“Nah. It’s yours.” He shakes his head, and I put my arm around his shoulder. “In all our years of negotiating, have you ever known me to back down when I want to pay for something?”

“Such a piece of work,” he mutters. “We’ll keep talking about it.”

“Come on, Otis. Say yes. Just hurry up and get here.”

“I will find ways to pay,” he says.

“Fine,” I grumble.

“You’re good for them, you know. I’ve never seen either one of them happier.” He tilts his head. “I’m grateful.”

I open my mouth to say something, but he steps away to hug Iris. I chuckle under my breath. He’ll fit right in around here.

And then Dalton and Alex walk in. I glance at Iris and lift an eyebrow. She rolls her eyes. I’ve given her a hard time about Dalton being into her, which she pretends isn’t true.

Dalton steps forward, looking between Iris and me.

“It took me a little too long to see that Maverick is your type,” he says, amused. “But seeing the way you look at each other.” He fans his face dramatically. “Whew.”

Iris snorts. “Knock it off before I send you back outside.”

Dalton laughs. “Congratulations, you two.”

“Thank you,” I say, putting my arm around Iris and smiling smugly at him.

That’s right, fucker. She’s mine.

I never claimed to be perfect.

Iris claps her hands. “Okay, Evelyn texted that they’re on their way. Everyone get in place!”

We herd everyone into position and turn the lights down. Whispers and laughter skitter throughout the room, followed by a loud Shhhhh.

Iris stands beside me, her fingers threaded through mine.

“I got it!” Linc’s voice filters from the front yard.

“Okay, sweetie. Right behind you,” Mom says.

The door opens.

Linc steps in, carrying a huge plastic container. He takes one more step . . . and freezes. His eyes flick around, confused.

“Mom?” he calls uncertainly.

I flick on the lights.

“Surprise!” the room roars.

Linc’s eyes go huge, and his mouth falls open.

“What?” he whispers. “It’s not my birthday.”

Iris steps forward, grinning. “We’re pretending like it is because your surprise came early.”

“What surprise?” he asks.