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Liam grips my shoulder in comradery—silently lending support, while Lennox speaks his twin’s thoughts. “Whatever you need from us, we’re here.”
“We know. Thank you, brothers.” The beer no longer holds interest as my knee bounces. Instead, I crave the warmth of my girl, and the roundness of her belly. “I’m going to head to bed.” Climbing from the couch, I dump the rest of my beer and toss the bottle in the recycle.
“Night, bro.” They say together, watching my retreat with concern. This entire situation is a cluster fuck from hell.
My hand runs down my face, vanquishing the stress riding my shoulders, not wanting to bring any negativity into my bed. Avery’s been through enough, and I’ll do anything to ensure she’ll never have another bad day in her life.
When I enter our room, she’s curled on her side, body pillow tucked between her legs, cushioning our baby, and snoring lightly. She’s kicked her covers past her waist, belly sticking out of the bottom of her shirt, side-boob tempting me from the oversized armhole of my shirt.
Perfect. That’s what they are.
Once I’ve stripped down, I climb under the cool sheets, and big spoon my baby mamma. Tucking my nose into her neck, nuzzling her hair, and groaning when love engulfs us. It’s an overwhelming experience. One that’ll never have words to describe the bursting emotion coursing through every fiber of my being.
It’s here that a couple of tears drift down my cheek and settle in her silky hair. The thought of losing them, of not having this, of never touching them again, eats at my soul.
She whimpers and wiggles against me, eliciting another smile, but for a completely different reason. She murmurs in her sleep, picking up on my distress, growling her displeasure.
A silent chuckle vibrates my chest at her sleeping protests. Kissing her temple and pulling her close, I whisper, “Night, Kitten.” Her warmth and softness ease the worry tightening my muscles, until I’m putty against her back, and sleep drags me under.
Chapter Sixteen
Avery
“Y
eah, dad, we’ll be there around six. Are you sure you don’t want me to cook anything?” Barbeques are my favorite and I usually bring several meats or salads.
“Baby girl, you realize your brother-in-law is a master chef, right?” A deep chuckle comes through my phone, warming my heart. “You rest and take care of that grandbaby of mine. I just called to check in with you—see how you’re doing.”
Ignoring the BIL comment, a loving grin curves my lips. “We’re doing good.” Little Bean kicks, as if agreeing. “Is Kam going to help you cook, then?”
“Sure is. He and Lennox came by earlier while you were sleeping and started the ribs. They’ll be done by the time y’all get back.”
By the smell of the house, Kam’s cooking up a storm, calling my name for a predinner snack. A growling interest pushes past my lips—already tasting the tang of barbeque sauce. “Dad, I got to go. The baby’s hungry. We’ll see you soon, okay?”
Laughing harder, he agrees. “Sounds good, baby girl, but put Jax on the phone before you go, will ya?”
The bromance my dad has with Jax—with all his brothers—is the sweetest thing ever. “Jax! Dad wants to talk to you.” He comes around the corner, greeting me in the hall with a quick kiss and a slap to the ass to help me along.
“Go feed my baby.” The heavy smirk curling his lips tells me he already knows that’s where I’m headed. “Hey, Henry, what’s going on? You got everything ready for tonight, or you need us to get anything?”
Their voices trail away as ground zero looms directly ahead of me. Kam’s covered the counters in pastas, salad, deviled eggs, and chicken legs. My jaw hits the floor with this indoor buffet of perfection and my mouth waters in anticipation of the foodgasm it’s about to receive.
A deep chuckle distracts me from paradise. “Here you go, A.” Kam waves a full plate under my nose, leading me to the table like a bitch in heat.
“Mm…” The groan emits without thought, describing the utter appreciation of this feast without a coherent word. He sets the plate on the counter, then pulls my chair out, assisting with a hand until my ass hits the seat. I’m easily scooted to the table—my best life directly in front of me.
“Morning, Doll. I was wondering when the smell would drag you from your coma.” He kisses my head when Liam and Lennox walk in.
“Princess! You’re awake!” Liam practically prances over to nuzzle my neck and kiss my cheek. “Brother, get her some orange juice.”
“On it!” Lennox chirps. Since my return, there’re no boundaries, but I’m just as comfortable with the brothers as I am with Liam and Jax.
Lennox sets a glass down in front of me a moment later, while sipping on one of his own. “Thank you.” I say with my eyes still locked on the pile of food in front of me. Jaxton struts confidently into the room, kissing the side of my head, and setting my phone down. “What’d dad want?” My words slip around the mouthful of potato salad that dancing across my tastebuds.
He chuckles, wiping the corner of my lip, and stealing another kiss. “Just checking in.” The food is distracting, but I don’t miss the concerned look he tosses his brothers, standing around the kitchen.
The expression is enough to worry and irritate me, huffing when I finish my bite, and set my fork down. “All right. Spill.” The glare I send their way could melt icebergs—not to be challenged.
