AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Jude Walker. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," I say, extending my hand. It's the last thing I want to do, but manners have been ingrained in me since birth.
The jolly red-faced man grins wickedly.
"Please tell me it's his baby," Love's father says. He shakes my hand in a firm grip.
"They're hired help," Love's mother hisses. "Running through your grandmother's inheritance on men who won't abandon you to run off to the next show?"
"Momma," Love chokes out. "That was highly uncalled for."
Riggs growls low and dangerous at Mirabella McKinley. He takes a step closer until he's plastered to Love's other side. She stretches out a hand, yanking one of Vince's hands down from where it's crossed over his chest. Catching his attention, she shakes her head no. She intertwines their fingers and Riggs instantly settles.
Yeah, I might, too, if she'd gotten herself off all overmelike she didhimthis morning. I'm still trying to decipher my feelings on that. I was simultaneously jealous as fuck and aroused as hell watching that little exchange. Riggs made sure I got a front-row view of him fingering her.
He had a smug as fuck look all over his face, too. The bastard.
I pull Love even closer, wrapping my arm around her waist.
"It doesn't much matter who the biological father is. The baby will be loved," I say. There. That's true enough. Fuck this guy. Love is practically radiating anxiety, when she's been playful and lighthearted all evening.
Glancing down, I try to catch Love's eyes. I'm here for her and I want her to know that. She's got Vince, too. My hand runs over her hip. I bring my other arm around, resting my hand over the baby.
Her father eyes the contact with rapt fascination.
"Former military?" Sawyer asks.
"Yes, sir," I say on autopilot.
"Both of you?" he asks. His tone is practically gleeful.
"Yes, Daddy." Love sighs.
"I'm having a rally tomorrow for my supporters. If you bring one of these fine gentlemen, you're welcome to attend," Sawyer says, pulling his wife to his side.
Mirabella McKinley looks utterly disgusted by the contact.
"We won't be able to make it," Love says, shaking her head. "Unfortunately, my doctor said I have to rest a full day before flying back to Florida. That's why we aren't leaving tomorrow."
"Understandable," Sawyer says, pasting on a fake look of acceptance. He's pretty good and pissed that his daughter just turned him down. I don't know how I know, but it's clear.
Love lets out a shaky breath.
"It was good to see y'all," she lies, quite unconvincingly.
"I'll be calling soon," her father says, giving a jaunty little wave and heading off.
Her mother doesn't acknowledge our existence. She simply rolls her eyes and lets her husband lead her away.
"No wonder you were worried about being a shit parent," Riggs grumbles, pulling Love away from me and into his chest. She has to twist sideways to make room for the baby bump. "Don't worry, I promise to spank your ass if you ever start acting like that bitch."
Love sniffles, laughing against Vince's white button-down. He runs a hand over the back of her head, staring down at her. His eyebrows are raised, but he's got a soft smile on his face.
Oh, shit. That look is one I recognize. Jesus Christ.
Vince is in love with Love. He's got the same look my dads give my mom when they mean business, but they still want her to know they care about her.
"I'm not joking," he says, brushing a hair away from her eyes. I've never seen Vince act so tender. "I'll spank your ass until you get your shit together."
"Good," Love says. "I can't stand the thought of ending up like either of them."
