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Just then, Lottie strolls into the room with a cup of Cheerios in one hand and a sippy cup in the other. She stops and places everything on the coffee table when she sees me. “Everything alright?” she questions with a furrowed brow full of concern. Geez, I must look like a mess if that’s both of their immediate responses upon seeing me.
“I'm more than okay,” I reply, and for the first time in a long-ass time, I mean it.
“I was just telling G that I think he might want to check up on Nox.” Their gazes are set firmly on me, and I know Nox would want them to know. “He just found out he’s a father,” I add, as happy tears escape my eyes.
“Oh my goodness. Thank God!” Lottie squeals as Greyson stalks toward me and hands off Kiran. But not before giving him a small squeeze and a kiss on the head.
“I fucking knew it,” he whispers before kissing his girl and leaving the house. I hear the wheels of the golf cart crunch along the rocky driveway within seconds.
Lottie comes to my side and gives me and Kiran a big hug. “I'm so happy… Shit, I know this isn’t even about me. But I'm so happy I could cry.”
“Me too…me too,” I say through the tears.
Kiran begins wiggling in my arms, signaling he wants to get down. He steps over to his snacks and starts munching away.
“Come on, let’s sit,” she says, grabbing my hand and walking me back to the couch.
“I am just so frickin’ relieved, I can’t even describe it.”
“I’m sure you both are… Hell, I think we all are.” As I look at her, something settles within me.I need to tell her my story.
“You think you can call Frankie and Lucian…” I ask with a sigh. “It's time I tell you guys what’s been going on.”
* * *
“Is this size okay?”Nox questions as he continues to cut up Kiran’s dinner. I study his hands, noticing the wraps around his knuckles that weren’t there earlier. I divert my eyes quickly, not wanting to dampen the mood.
“You could actually leave the broccoli bigger. He likes to hold the stalks and bite into it.” I can't contain the smile on my face at how attentive he’s being.
“Really? Does he even have all his teeth? Won’t he choke?” he asks incredulously. The dumbfounded look on his face is adorable.
I let out a soft chuckle. “He’s actually cutting some teeth as we speak, but he’s surprisingly good at chewing with what he has.”
Most of our conversations have gone somewhat like this since Nox came up to the main house. It's endearing to hear him try to get to know all the ins and outs of his baby boy as quickly as possible. They’ve missed out on so much time together…
I know deep down, I made the right decision when I stepped away. To think what Nox—or any of the guys, for that matter—would have done had they known terrifies me. What I did kept them safe and out of trouble. Now I just need to help him get over the guilt.
With Kiran occupied with dinner and Nox, I take a step back and enjoy the sight of them.
“I would never have thought you two would be the first to have a kid. My money was always on Ford,” Lucian says as he comes to stand beside me.
I laugh into my drink. “Yeah, he would’ve been my first guess too.”
He was the hardest one to look in the eyes earlier. I knew he would’ve felt guilt-stricken just like Nox did about not knowing what was going on behind closed doors. Tommy’s threats only grew once Lucian moved out. I never in a million years thought Tommy would take it as far as he did, or that I wouldn’t be able to defend myself.
Emotion overcomes me, and I wipe away a stray tear.I really have turned into a softy since having Kiran.
“Hey, don’t cry, Em,” he says, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and pulling me in close.
Stifling a sniffle, I look up at him. “I'm so sorry I kept you in the dark about all of this. I never wanted to burden you with keeping this big of a secret from everyone. I was trying to make it easier for you to continue talking to me.”
“Shh, please don’t cry. I get it now, I do. I just wish I could have protected you.”
Wrapping my arms around his big chest, I hold on to him, absorbing his comfort. “I’ve missed you so damn much,” I say, choking back a sob.
“I’ve missed you too. All of us have.” He squeezes me a bit tighter. “I'm glad you and Kiran are here. Even when my classes start next week, I want to see you guys as much as possible.”
“Mama!!” Kiran squeals from across the room, effectively breaking the moment.
