AllFreeNovel
Share Us
God, where did she even find that? It's probably a good thing they're not around the corner in those costumes. I might do something reckless and fucking kiss her.
“Hello?” I call out from the foyer. I half expect to see them hiding in the front hall closet as is the classic hotdog prank. But when I hesitantly open the door, only coats and the vacuum greet me.
My boots are muted thumps as I walk through my house, finally hearing the low hum of the TV. I round the corner into the living room, and my feet freeze.
The entire living room has been transformed into an epic fort. Every throw blanket, a couple comforters, and several sheets are draped over the couch, kitchen table chairs, and the island stools. It's a sprawling mess of fabric that covers every inch of the room.
It looks like a fucking blast. I can only imagine how much fun Hunter had playing in this fort today.
I grip the edge of a cream-colored sherpa blanket that hangs open. It must be Evangeline's, because I've never owned something this soft in my life. I pull the fabric back slowly and peer inside, blinking a few times to let my eyes adjust to the darkness.
In the middle of a nest of blankets is my son, fast asleep and curled into Evangeline's side. He looks so young, so small and sweet like this, with his favorite stuffed bunny tucked under his arm.
Love so potent and visceral pours out of me, fills every fiber of my being before it winds itself around my heart. It's overwhelming, suffocating even.
And somehow it's the single greatest emotion I've ever felt. I love my son with such ferocity that it's bordering on uncontrollable.
There's nothing I wouldn't do for him. Nothing.
I stare at the woman who's been responsible for him for the last several days. The slope of her eyebrows and the soft wave of her shiny dark hair as it spills over her shoulders and the way her laugh lines deepen when she smiles.
And the way she's with Hunter.
Her mouth curves into a grin and she whispers, “Hi.”
I kneel down and shuffle inside, ducking my head. Carefully, so I don't wake Hunter, I sit along the edge.
Amusement twinkles in her eyes as she watches me try to get comfortable. But this fort was made for a five-year-old, so the ceilings aren't tall enough for me.
I duck my head a little and whisper back. “Hi.”
Her grin grows wide. “I sent your mom home a couple hours ago. She wouldn't admit it, but she looked tired and in some pain.”
I swallow and nod. “It's fine. How was he?”
Fondness softens her face as she gazes at Hunter. “Your son is an angel, Silas. He was perfect. We made chocolate chip muffins this morning if you’re hungry.”
I run my hand over his hair, pushing it off his sweaty forehead. I know I should wake him up soon, or he'll never sleep tonight. But I can't make myself break this little bubble.
“I thought I'd find a pair of hotdogs waiting for me when I got home.” I can't even say it with a straight face, the corners of my mouth tugging into a grin.
Her smile matches mine. “That was hours ago. Besides, we couldn't fit inside here with them on.” She spins her index finger in the air.
“Now that I would like to see.”
Her grin turns coy. “I'm sure Hunter would show you, but that means you'll have to recreate this castle fort. Which might be difficult.”
I arch a brow. “What? You think I can't make a fort?”
She shrugs and glances toward Hunter for a moment. “He already told me that Nova used to be the best fort builder. But I dethroned him today.” Her lips curl into a smug smile as she glances at me from underneath her long dark lashes.
Silence falls between us for a moment as I take her in. She really is beautiful.
After a minute, she says, “How'd the job go?”
The question catches me off guard. “Has my brother been spilling our secrets, Evangeline?”
“Do you not tell your girlfriends when you leave town?” she counters.
