Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 36553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
“Even if they don’t, I’ll have Giles pick it up.” I roll over, wanting to see him, that first thing in the morning look, hopeful his stubble is back for the time being, seeing the sleep in his eyes, and his soft kissable lips.
“You, Parker Hudson, are utterly perfect.” His hand slides from my stomach to my back as he pulls me closer to his body. My pebbled nipples rasp against the soft hair on his chest, and my hand slides up his outer arm, muscles rippling beneath my palm.
“That’s you, babe, all you. Also, I’m changing my schedule around. The guys and I talked. Looks like Boston is heading down south, Ezra’s taking the lead on the offer, Theo is content with where he’s at, and I’m going to be working from home while you work nights. This way, it won’t matter what shifts you have. I’ll get the time I need with you.” He doesn’t let me respond. His head dips down, and he brushes his lips against mine. Contentment settles deep in my body and soul, and it’s because of the man who’s made my home him.
TWENTY-FIVE
Parker
“Congratulations, Mr. Taylor.” I shake Nessa’s dads’ hand. He pulls me in for a hug. It’s been a busy couple of months. I made it a point to Vanessa it was time I met her parents before they know Four Brothers was going to bring an offer to the table. In other areas with other businesses, I’d never have done that, but with the Taylor’s, it’s different. Tonight, I’m going to be asking Mr. Taylor a very important question.
“It’s Ed, you know that, but thank you.” A lot of things have changed. Working from home has made it easier to see Nessa on the rare shifts she takes at the hospital. Her mom is still overseeing everything she can while Nessa learns the ropes. Even still, it will only take a day or two out of her busy week. As of right now, she’s part-time at the hospital. She knows going down to once or twice a week will happen. It’ll be a damn good thing, too, since once my ring is on her finger, I plan on getting her pregnant, even if that means throwing away that damn birth control patch she changes once a week.
“You’re welcome. Do you have a moment? I know it’s your party, but this will only take a moment.” With the close relationship Nessa has with her mother, Maria, and now my own mother, there’s no telling either of the women. They’d have a hard time keeping a secret.
“Of course. I already know what you’re going to ask. You have my blessing, Parker. My girl is happy, happier than ever. You’re a good man; don’t ever doubt that.” There’s been some heaviness, shit from my past I’m worried will transfer to mine and Nessa’s future. I could have talked to my mom or Ezra about it, but I found that those two are biased as fuck when it comes to the people they love. So, on a whim and a few too many drinks at the Taylors’ house, I talked to Ed, about the shit growing up, about Katie, and how I closed myself off, not only to protect myself but also Four Brothers.
“I hope so. Vanessa wants five children. I may never retire with that many.” Five children to clothe and feed, possibly send them to college or get them started on the right path if they want to start their own business.
“That doesn’t surprise me. After losing Abigail, though, we couldn’t do it anymore. I was too deeply entranced in my grief, so I worked night and day. Maria threw herself into making a difference in childhood cancer, hence the charity. Damn that woman, stronger than she should ever have to be, still holding it all together for our family. And Vanessa, well, she’s just like my Maria.” Leukemia is a bitch. There’s nothing worse than watching someone you love slowly slipping away, watching your toddler, knowing you were powerless. I’m not sure I’d still be standing if that happened to a child of mine and Vanessa’s. Fuck, it makes my heart ache to even think about.
“I’ll give her whatever she wants, and don’t doubt yourself either. Your family knows how much you love them. Don’t tell Nessa, but when you send her those memes, a goofy smile crosses her face, followed by a deep hit-you-in-your-soul laugh.
“I know you will. If you’ll excuse me. I need to mingle, or Maria will tell me I’m being rude. This is the part of work I’ll never miss.”
“Yeah, I’ll be doing the same.” We part ways. My eyes scan the rented ballroom. Maria went all out. A merger for Taylor and Four Brothers is a big deal in our world. I can’t imagine what she’ll do when he announces his retirement in a few short months. That party will undoubtedly be over the top.