I smile, nodding towards the yard. “He’s been glued to Axel all afternoon.”
“Kid fits right in. Axel even let him have a go on his bike. Well, just sitting on it, but still.” He chuckles. “Didn’t stop Leo from revving it like a maniac. Think he’s already planning which patch he’ll wear.”
I laugh, picturing it. “God, Anita would have a heart attack.”
“I dunno, she seems more relaxed now,” Atlas says, his gaze drifting towards where Anita stands with Tom near the grill. “She looks happy. They all do. Her, Tom, Leo, they make a good team. Solid. Like a proper little family.”
There’s something in his voice, something soft and a little raw. My chest tightens.
“You ever want that?” he asks suddenly, eyes back on me now. “Kids?”
The question steals my breath for a second. But I nod. “Three.”
His brows shoot up. “Three?”
I laugh. “What? I know I’m quiet, but that doesn’t mean I want a quiet house.”
He shakes his head in awe, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Damn. You keep surprising me.”
I nudge him. “Your turn.”
His voice lowers, lips brushing close to my ear. “I want a lot. But only with you.”
My heart thunders as he pulls back just enough to look me in the eye.
“I don’t want there to be a single day when you’re not round with my babies. I want you barefoot in my shirt, pregnant and swearing at me because I’m not rubbing your back.”
I laugh, half breathless, half melting. “Your comment is outdated, but also quite sweet. Do you think I’ll look good pregnant?”
He grins, dark and hot and full of meaning. “I think you’ll look sexy as hell.”
He kisses me then – slow, deep, like the world’s stopped turning for a second. My fingers curl around the edge of his cut, grounding myself, because I can feel the words bubbling up, and for once, I don’t want to bury them.
When we break apart, I say it quietly. “So, does that mean you want me to stay?”
His brow furrows.
“I mean, really stay. My lease is up next week. If I need to renew it –”
“You’re not renewing shit,” he growls, voice low and fierce. “You’re not leaving my side, Rue. Not again. Not ever. You’re mine, and hell itself couldn’t keep me from you now.”
My heart trips over itself. I’m still trying to catch up when he stands suddenly and claps his hands together to get everyone’s attention.
Oh no.
“Atlas,” I hiss, tugging his hand, mortified.
But it’s too late. The yard quiets, all eyes on him.
“I’ve got something to say,” he announces, voice carrying. “This woman right here,” he yanks me gently to my feet “She’s it for me. She’s not just my girl. I’m making her my old lady.”
The crowd erupts, cheers, whistles, laughter, and someone yells, “It’s about damn time!”
I’m blushing so hard I’m sure I’m glowing, but when Atlas turns to me, those blue eyes locking on mine, all I can feel is love.Fierce. Forever.
I’m home.
The End
