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RYLEE
Waking up in a stiff bed without my daughter in my arms has got to be the most terrifying fucking thing. My body doesn't let me lurch into a sitting position, forcing me to hiss in pain when my torso collapses back against the bed.
"Shit, Ry! You can't do that!"
To my right sits my brother in a chair. His brows are furrowed, and there's a set of crutches leaning against the wall beside him. Tears immediately wet my cheeks, having already been told what happened by JJ and Marcus earlier.
"Tate, you saved me!" God, I wish I could wrap my arms around him. "Thank you. I can't, I don't—" My words are cut off by another choked sob.
"Shh. Hey, please stop crying." He looks frantic, and it's enough to make me huff a laugh. Tate's eyes water in return, but he doesn't laugh with me. "Rylee, I failed you. I wasn't fast enough. I fucking lost you! He hurt you before I could—"
"Stop it, Tate. Listen to me when I tell you that you got there just in time. Focus on that part. I will say I'm mad at all of you for keeping me out of the loop because we could’ve avoided this had I stayed where you could see me. But, I mean, shit! Because of you…" My voice wobbles a bit. "Because of you, Layla and I are safe. You freed us. That will be something I will thank you for, for the rest of my life. I love you, Tate."
I watch as he takes a shuddering breath, but am relieved when a look of understanding and determination settles over his features. "I love you too, Ry. I'm so glad I found you."
"I'm really glad you found me too, little brother."
The door creaks open, a head of red curls popping in. The smile on the man’s face is warm when his eyes settle on my brother. "Hey, baby. The nurse is looking for you." His thin lips pull into an even wider smile when he looks at me. "Hi, Rylee. I'm Julian. I can't wait to meet you properly, but my man needs to get his stitches checked."
I smile, ignoring the strain on my cheek. "It's nice to meet you too, Julian. I'll see you guys soon?" With a promise of a family dinner soon and a kiss on the head, Tate shuffles his way out of my hospital room. I giggle when Julian twinkles his fingers at me.
Less than a few minutes later, Gabby comes bustling in with my guys and Layla following along. I cut my friend off when her eyes water. "Nope. No apologizing, Pixie!" She sniffles and nods before telling me she loves me. I say it back and enjoy the way my soul settles at having everyone I love around me.
"Rylee, you don't have to run anymore." I think Jackson means to say it as a statement, but his insecurity makes it come out as a question.
"We don't?" Bug gasps, turning to me with wide eyes. "No more Dad?"
I don't overthink it. "No more Dad, Layla. JJ is right. We don't have to run anymore."
Leo shifts from side to side at the foot of my bed. "So, where will you go?"
"Home." The one-word answer is immediate.
"And where is home?" Marcus asks, his feelings slowly shuttering in fear of what I might say.
I smile and grip his hand. "Home is with you. All of you."
Smiles light up the room, as do Layla's squeals of excitement. She tugs on Jude to lift her into his arms. "Does this mean you will be my daddies now?!"
The question should take me by surprise, yet all I feel is settled. We are finally settling into a life where I can relax andfeel. I didn’t realize until I met these wonderful people that happiness could mean more than just Layla and me.
“It’s no longer just you and me, Bug.”
Epilogue
RYLEE
4 Months Later
Blowing out a breath, I adjust the push-up bra beneath my robe. My matching red lace underwear set is iconic, if I’m being honest. I don’t even mind the long white line across my cheek. My guys have put in a lot of work to help me appreciateallmy scars.
What isnotworking for me are my sweaty palms. “It will be fine,” I whisper, wiping my hands on the towel beside me. Strapping the sparkly birthday hat to my head, I tip it to the side and smirk. “It will be fine!” The smile helped, as do the sexy bitch panties hugging my butt.
My eyes trail down to the wrapped rectangle on the counter. I huff at myself. I’m being ridiculous. No matter what, I’m sure the outcome will be a positive one. Iamhoping this leads to somethingexplosive, though. Which is why Layla is at a sleepover with her auntie Gabby tonight.
“Baby giiiiiiiirl!” Jude pouts on the other side of the door.
“Jude!” Marcus snaps, making me giggle. “Leave her be! Your surprise will come faster if you go sit down.”
