Nothing at all.
Now, every one of us sat on pins and needles, not hoping they figured things out and reconciled. No.
We waited.
Hoped.
Prayed.
However, no word came about Katie or Jackson.
I shoveled a spoonful of creamy cold goodness into my mouth, letting it melt a bit as I cuddled deeper in Daddy and Papi’s arms. If Katie and Jackson were safe, this would be the best day ever.
Daddy and Papi commandeered the television after yet another call with Katie’s manager, Glenn, and the record label, who were demanding to speak with her. I held my ground, the Holts and Papi and his friends all standing around me, giving me the words to say when they failed me. As soon as I hung up, I dissolved into tears. Papi picked me up, carried me to the deep corner of the big sectional in the living room while Daddy turned on a movie… my favorite movie, even though he had to purchase it because he couldn’t find it on any of the streaming services. Then, he brought me a soft blanket and both of my Squirts. As the opening credits rolled, he nestled himself into the corner of the couch with us, and they snuggled around me.
I didn’t worry myself with what the others in the room thought. I also quit worrying about calling them Daddy and Papi in front of the others. Foster even asked me bluntly where my Daddy and Papi were at breakfast the other day. I was mortified, but also not. Because that’s who and what they were to me. I might not be able to marry them, but they were my men, and I would never deny that to anyone. If someone didn’t like it, they could kick rocks.
Then, Gavin showed up with a whole pint of Blackberry & Buttermilk ice cream. He handed it to Hayden and said, “As requested, sir.”
“You’re a good egg, kid.”
I smirked as I watched Gavin preen under Papi’s praise. He clearly needed a Daddy or two of his own. Especially since I no longer lived with him. I didn’t even know if he was eating right.
Great. Now I have another thing to worry about.
I chewed my lip until Daddy pulled it from my mouth. “Sweet girl, what’s wrong?”
“I’m a horrible friend.”
Papi kissed my head and said, “Not even possible.”
“Why do you think that?”
“I’m eating ice cream and watching a movie and relaxing while Katie and Jackson are missing, and I don’t even know if Gavin is eating right.”
Daddy looked at Papi, who turned my chin so I could see in the kitchen. Gavin stood in the kitchen with Cameron, who was fixing a plate while Gavin shook his head yes and no as Cameron pointed at dishes.
“You worry about being our girl and let someone else take care of that boy,” Papi said, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
Daddy leaned in and pressed a kiss to my lips while Papi kissed my neck, then stole the mouthful of ice cream from my spoon.
“Hey!”
“That’s actually not bad.”
I scowled at him and moved the carton out of his reach—only for the pint to dip in my grasp. I gasped, turning to see Daddy pulling my spoon from his mouth. Snatching the spoon from him, I dug it deep into frozen yummy goodness before popping it in my mouth, devouring it, and going in for another bite immediately.
When the turtle scene came on and I sat up, crisscross applesauce between my Daddies, a slight smile stretched my face.
“I love this part,” Gavin said as he dropped onto the couch next to Bauer, who nodded.
Asher smirked at his brother while Gavin set his second plate of food on the coffee table. He leaned over the plate, eating without taking his eyes from the screen. There were times I hated Gavin. The ice cream I ate would take hours to work off. Luckily for me, I had Daddy and Papi who knew of a workout that I didn’t hate.
The thought of working off the ice cream made me squirm.
Daddy leaned toward Papi behind my back and whispered just loud enough for me to hear what he said.
“Our girl is thinking naughty thoughts, Papi.”
