“Okay, you’re probably right. It will be easier if we are all under the same roof, and my lease is ending soon, anyway. Hold on, did you say you have a beach house?” She asks, her eyes lighting up—the first time this whole conversation that dread hasn’t been written on her beautiful face.
“I did. You can walk right onto the beach from the back door.”
“The beach is my favorite place, my sanctuary. Thank you, Tate, seriously. I would have figured this out on my own, but I’m grateful for your willingness to help and be involved.” She smiles at me, genuinely this time, and I feel the urge to pull her into me, but I keep my arms firmly planted by my sides.
“How long do you have left on your lease?”
“I was supposed to sign my renewal next week but if I’m moving out I just need to be out come the first of the month. Maybe we can get the guys together, feed them, and ask for their help with boxes?” She questions as if our friends won’t drop everything to help us get her moved in.
“Yes, of course.”
“Listen, Tate, I’m really glad you stopped by and we got to talk through everything, but I desperately need to sleep.”
“I don't blame you, I should probably get a little more work done anyway. You’ll let me know when the first appointment is right?” I stand, and she accompanies me to the front door.
“Absolutely, I want you there.” She looks like she wants to say something more, but instead, she just steps forward, wrapping her arms around me as I eagerly return the gesture. The contact helps to soothe some of my inner turmoil about what I’ve gotten myself into. My dad has always been a great role model for what a father should be and do, but I’ve never pictured myself in that position. Dad has always done whatever he can to keep our family happy, healthy, and safe. We may not have had all the fancy cars or experiences growing up but we had supportive and loving parents and that’s what I hope that I can provide.
“Darcy, I’m here for you,” I stress, closing my eyes and lowering my forehead to rest gently on hers. “You need anything at all, make me your first call okay?” I breathe in her scent, just the faintest smell of vanilla remaining from her shower. Unwilling to keep her from resting any longer, I break from our embrace and head out.
Once I’m down to my car, I heave a deep breath and pull out my phone.
Me
911 guys meeting. Now. My place.
Maverick
No can do boss man. Bella just went down for her nap and Kodi is out with Sin. Everyone can come over here though.
Dom
Who did you get pregnant?
Oh, Dom buddy are you in for a surprise. I thought it would be him getting someone pregnant unintentionally.
Nik
Finishing up at the gym, be there soon.
Collins
Harley and I were supposed to grab coffee but I’ll reschedule.
Since when does Collins hang out with Harley by himself? Whatever, I can't manage that circus right now.
Me
Thanks, see y'all soon.
* * *
Pulling into Maverick’s neighborhood,I’m attempting to rehearse what I will tell the guys, but as soon as I step out of my car and see Maverick’s guilt-ridden face, I know that he knows.
“Dude, what the fuck! She told you?” My voice is just above its normal tone so I don’t wake up my pseudo-niece as we walk down the hall to the theater room where I know the other guys are waiting.
“Sorry man! It comes with marriage. Any news in the group gets shared between the two of us. I haven’t said anything to anyone else, though, so just be prepared.” He warns, shrugging sheepishly.
“You’re so lucky I’m going to need your help navigating this, otherwise I’d be more pissed.”
