Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
“Yeah, says the man who still counts with his fingers and toes.”
“I don’t know what your problem is, but I guarantee it’s hard to pronounce.”
“Awe,” Londyn feigned a smile. “You’re so cute when you try to talk about things you don’t understand.”
Once again, the entire bar erupted into laughter.
It had been quite the afternoon.
We’d had a long couple of weeks and were in need of a brief reprieve, so we all gathered at the bar. We’d had a couple of rounds and were sitting around shooting the shit. Darby and Susana stopped by for a visit and decided to join in on the fun—but only after they’d given me the fifth degree over Londyn and Dalton.
Rooster was right. Darby was pretty understanding, but Susana gave me nine shades of hell for not reaching out to Londyn sooner. I agreed and assured them both that I would make it up to her and to Dalton, which seemed to appease them—at least for the time being. In hopes of distracting them, I got us another round, and since then, they’d turned their attention to Roost and Torch. And with Londyn’s help, they were giving them a bit of much-deserved hell.
Londyn was feeling a little feisty as she leaned over to Rooster and teased, “Yeah, yeah. The wheel is spinning, but the hamster’s dead.”
“Does your ass get jealous of all the shit that comes out of your mouth?”
“It has to.” Torch chuckled as he said, “She’s so full of shit.”
“I bet you were conceived on the highway.” Darby had to fight back her smile as she continued, “That’s where most accidents happen.”
“If I wanted to hear from an asshole, I’d just fart. “
“Oh, wait! I forgot I have something for you.” Londyn slipped her hand into her pocket and pretended to dig around for a moment before pulling it out with her middle finger extended. “Sorry. I didn’t get a chance to put a bow on it.”
“Your gene pool could use a bit more chlorine.”
“Okay, kids,” I interjected. “Best stop before I have to hurt someone’s feelings.”
“Ooohhh, scary boss man is gonna hurt someone’s feelings,” Torch taunted.
“Or I’ll just punch you in the face. Whichever is fine with me.”
“Okay, okay. We’ll stop pickin’ on the little girlies.”
“The girls aren’t who I’m looking out for.” I shook my head. “They’re making assess out of you two.”
“Ah, hell nah,” Rooster argued. “We had them running scared.”
“There you go trying to show off your intelligence again.” Susana smiled as she said, “Should I break out the crayons and try to explain it to you?”
The room erupted into laughter. Even I had a chuckle or two. Rooster and Torch continued to carry on with the girls, and it wasn’t long before Darby leaned over to me and whispered, “I’d forgotten how much I loved her.”
“She’s a good one.”
“Yes, she is. You best hold onto her.”
“Oh, I’m planning on it. I’ve already picked out the ring. Just waiting on the right time.”
“While you’re at it, I think Dalton needs a little brother or sister.”
“Hey, slow down. We’re just settling in. It’s a little early to be talking about another kid, but when she’s ready, I’m ready.”
“Good.” She gave me a little nudge with her elbow. “It’s good to see you happy.”
“Thanks, sis.”
We finished off our drinks, and I was about to go grab another when Londyn came up behind me and grabbed my hand. She led me out of the bar, and as soon as we were in the hall, she inched up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to mine, kissing me long and hard. It was urgent, full of need, and all her little whimpers and moans spurred me on even more. As usual, it wasn’t long before I started to get lost in the moment.
I couldn’t help it.
There was just something about her that got to me in a way that no one else could. I loved her wholeheartedly, and I couldn’t wait a minute longer to say, “Marry me.”
“What?”
“Marry me.” Her eyes locked on mine as I told her, “You make the good days even better, and you give me the strength to get through the bad ones... You’re my everything, and I want the whole world to know it.”
“Yes, Malcomb. I’ll marry you.”
And just like that, I had my girl, my son, and my brothers.
A man couldn’t ask for more than that.
The End