Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
Monroe tosses her head back in laughter. “Oh, wait until I tell them that you called them that. They’re going to eat that shit up.”
“They look badass,” Emerson tells us. “However, you should see them with Lilly. They’re really just a bunch of teddy bears.”
“They’re all in competition for the favorite uncle title.” Monroe laughs. “That girl isn’t even a year old yet and has all five of them wrapped around her little finger.”
I smile, but inside my heart breaks for my daughters. They don’t have a male figure in their life. Lilly is such a lucky little girl to have so many people around who love her. Picking my phone up from the table, I look at the message Heather sent about thirty minutes ago. It’s of the girls smiling as they eat ice-cream cones.
Moving to Ashby was the right choice for us. And maybe, just maybe, I can let go of this inability to trust and allow more people into our lives. Tonight has been eye-opening in that regard. I’m glad I came.
“Thank you, Monroe. For inviting us and helping me find sitters in your parents for the girls. This was a lot of fun.”
Brogan leans her shoulder into mine and I know she’s happy. She has the same fears as I do, but her experience and mine that made us unable to open up and trust are vastly different.
“Always.”
“It was nice meeting both of you,” I tell Emerson and Maggie. “I really should get going. I promised the girls they’d be home to sleep in their beds, and it’s well past bedtime already.”
“Mom life.” Emerson smiles. “I’ll text you the address for next weekend. No need to bring gifts. She’s blessed beyond belief. We just want your company.”
I nod. It will be nice to make friends with another mom and compare notes. After another round of goodbyes, Brogan and I head to pick up my girls.
I stand with the girls on Emerson’s front porch and ring the doorbell. The door opens to a smiling, handsome man covered in ink. I can’t remember which one he is, and I don’t get time to ask because River speaks before I do.
“We party!” she says excitedly.
The giant of a sexy, tattooed man laughs and kneels so he’s eye level with the girls. “Well, if you came to party, you’re in the right place.” He holds out his hand to River. “I’m Roman. It’s nice to meet you.”
“My name is River, and I have a twin sister.” She points at Rayne.
“I see that.” He chuckles. “And what’s your name?”
“I’m Rayne.” She places her little hand in his, and he gently shakes.
“Our mommy and auntie are twins too!” River tells him. I swear that’s her favorite line.
Roman peers up at me. “Roman, Emerson’s husband,” he offers helpfully. “I’m so glad you could make it.” He stands to his full height but keeps his eyes on the girls. “How about you come inside, and you can meet my daughter, Lilly?”
Rayne peers up at me. “Can we, Mommy?”
“Of course. It’s Lilly’s birthday. Remember, she’s smaller than you, so we have to be gentle.”
“We will,” they say together.
Roman smiles. “Come on in.” He steps back and allows us to enter.
“Thank you. I’m Briar, and as you know, these are my daughters, River and Rayne. Thank you for having us.” I hand him the pink and purple gift bag holding the gifts the girls picked out for Lilly.
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“We wanted to.”
“My little girl is blessed.” His smile is kind as he ushers us into the room.
“You made it!” Emerson calls out. She’s standing at the kitchen island, slicing tomatoes. “We’re grilling, even though it’s cold outside. Have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?”
“No, thank you.”
“Mommy, can we go play?” Rayne asks, pointing to where Lilly is playing with some blocks.
“Stay where I can see you.”
“They’ll be fine. Trust me, there are enough adults around here. They won’t get into anything. My husband has kid-proofed every inch of this house. They’re safe.”
“That makes it nice not to have to worry so much. Can I help?” I ask her.
“I think I’m all set. This was the last part. I don’t like to slice them too early because they get soggy.” She wrinkles her nose. “Where’s Brogan?”
“She worked today. They had a blood drive for Hoxworth, and she’s exhausted. She was getting home right as we were leaving. I told her we would wait, but she said she just wanted to go to bed.”
“Can’t say as I blame her there. I’m sorry we missed her. I’m glad you and the girls came. Let me wrap up here, and I’ll take you around and introduce you to everyone.”
“Is Monroe or Maggie here?” I ask.
“Monroe is here, but she’s not feeling well. She’s lying down in the guest room. My guess is that Legend is with her. Maggie picked up a shift at the hospital. She works there just on an as-needed basis for extra cash, and they gave her a bonus, plus double time. She couldn’t pass it up.”