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“Thank you. And I love your outfit. So chic.”
Zoe wore a sleeveless, cream-colored turtleneck, her dress pants a matching shade. How the hell wasn’t she going to get that dirty? Not a practical choice in my opinion, but women often chose style over practicality. In my limited experience, at least.
Next it was my turn for a hug. “Hi, Hawke. How are you?” she asked, placing one hand on my shoulder as she leaned in to kiss my cheek. “I see you’re growing out your beard.”
“I’m good. And you’re the second person to comment on my beard. Addy asked if I was in competition with Stone.”
“Are you?”
“No. Actually, I was thinking about shaving.”
Edana caressed the side of my face. “I like the beard. Maybe just trim it a bit.”
“I’ll think about it.” I winked at her, and she smiled, yanking on the bottom of my beard much like Addy had.
“So, who are all these for?” Zoe asked.
“Your daughter,” I responded.
She glanced at the gifts in my hands, her eyes widening to a comical level. “All of them?”
“I know I went a little crazy,” Edana confessed.
“A little?” I huffed. They both ignored me.
“You didn’t have to get her so much. But trust me, I get it. My husband harps on me all the time because of how much stuff I buy for her. But I can’t help it.”
“Speak of the devil,” I said, lifting my chin toward Brick as he approached, a baby carrier hanging off the crook of his arm. “What’s up?”
“What’s up with you?” He flicked my tie. “Gettin’ all fancy and shit.”
“He looks nice,” Zoe said, coming to my rescue. “It wouldn’t’ve hurt you to put on a tie today.”
“How did this get turned around on me?” He handed the baby to his wife and took the food from her in return. “You know I only dress up for special occasions, and one of our many dinners here with everyone doesn’t qualify. Christmas or not. Besides, you’re dressed up enough for the both of us,” he teased, leaning down to kiss her.
“Doesn’t count,” she uttered, reaching into the carrier to adjust Isabelle’s blanket. “I better get her inside.”
Brick pointed toward the back of my truck. “You need help carrying the rest in?”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
Edana had not only gone overboard on gifts for Isabelle, but also for Ryder and Braylen’s kids, Zoe’s half-brothers—Roman, who was eleven, and Silas, who was two.
After placing the presents under the tree, my woman got caught up in conversation with some of the ol’ ladies, and I walked back outside to get the pies from the truck.
Two bikes pulled into the lot, moving into their designated spaces. Kaden was the first one to dismount, followed by Ace, both heading my way moments later.
“I’m fuckin’ starvin’,” Ace grumbled, rubbing his stomach for emphasis.
“Maybe you should’ve eaten something earlier,” Kaden retorted. “I hate dealin’ with your ass when you’re hungry.”
“I can’t help it.” His tone was harsh, but the smile that accompanied his comment made Prez’s son smile.
“Where are your better halves?” I asked, looking behind them as if their women would suddenly appear out of thin air.
Ace was the one who answered. “I dropped off Chelsea so she and Riley can come together. Something about a wardrobe issue. I didn’t ask. I don’t wanna know.” He barely got through his response when his focus shifted to my neck. “Look at you wearin’ a tie.”
“What’s the occasion?” Kaden asked, sidling up next to me.
