* * *
Bodie was goingto fit right in.
The gathering was in full swing and as soon as he arrived with his adorable twin girls in tow I knew we’d found a great addition toNo Surrender.He was a few years older than the other guys and had outranked them when they served together, but even though he carried an air of authority about him, he seemed so down to earth.
I also noticed that he was a tremendously attentive father, but there was still loneliness in his eyes and I think Braxton was right when he said that a change was needed. He certainly found the right place and group to be a support system for him and his children. Two girls, almost six, Brax had said, and not identical. In fact, they looked completely different, one with bright sunny blonde hair and the other with dark chocolate brown hair.
Their personalities were also not the same. One was outgoing and the other a little shy. But with Embry taking charge and all the other kids around, they had children that both of them could relate to. And off they went to play.
“It's great to have you here,” I said to Bodie who was standing next to me keeping an eye on his girls as he chatted with me and the other guys.
A warm feeling washed through me as I watched him and the guys laughing at their kids' antics as they screamed and played joyfully. Autumn’s words came back to me. I realized I wanted to hear them again, not only from her but also from other children Ruby and I would have together.
“Thanks, man,” Bodie said, pulling me out of thoughts about the future. “It was time for a change and I missed these dickheads.”
A giggle sounded from behind us and we all swiveled around. “New or not there are rules around here. You owe me a dollar for the swear jar.” Embry held out her hand to Bodie and we all laughed at his stunned expression.
Without argument, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He grabbed a dollar out and laid it in her outstretched hand. Embry shoved it in her pants pocket and with a quick thanks, she took off.
“What just happened,” Bodie asked.
Another round of laughter rang out.
“That would be my daughter,” Braxton said, shaking his head but there was a proud tone lining his voice. “You should see her jar. It’s almost full again and we have cleared it out several times, tucking the money away for her in a safe place.”
I stood there thinking I should be taking tips from Embry on how to make money.
“We always say she is an angel, but I’m thinking she might need a new name,” Kace said. “That girl is wicked smart and quick too. I think she also has bionic ears.”
“No shit,” Gyth joined in. “How the hell did she go from over there,” he said, pointing to the yard out in front of us, “to getting the jump on us from behind? We are slacking boys.”
Standing there contemplating the answer to that, we also didn’t notice until they were upon us, the wall of women that had descended, laughter seeping from each of them.
“Time to brush up on our skills, men,” Braxton said, also realizing we were completely unfocused.
But when I looked at Ruby I didn’t care. All I wanted to do was wrap her in my arms and kiss her plump, pink lips senseless.
“Looks like you have experienced our little whirlwind named Embry,” Jurnee said, looking at Bodie. Her tone, like Braxton’s moments ago, was proud and full of affection. They’d fallen in love with Embry and then each other, making a family. It wasn’t easy at first, but none of my friend’s stories had been.
Another reason Bodie fit right in. He’d already had heartbreak and was working to keep his family afloat alone. So things certainly hadn’t been easy for him.
“Cute,” Bodie said, smiling at Jurnee. “First order of business we should talk about when we are in the office is having her train us guys on sneak attack.”
The women cracked up and my gaze took in the close-knit group. I was happy Ruby had let her walls down and not only let them in, but me too.
Giggles and playful shouts came from the kids that were running around and we all watched. It was a decent June day, the sun partly shining, and perfect for them to be outside. Teal and Alley’s children were in their mother’s arms, still too little to get into the wild mix. When I looked back at the ladies I noticed them eyeing Bodie and whispering something to Capri, the only single lady in the group.
Lord, they were already trying to matchmake.
I’d been on the receiving end of their meddling and at first, wanted nothing to do with it, but now I owed them a big thank you. They’d hounded me about Ruby multiple times, noticing an attraction we both couldn’t seem to hide. Even if she hadn’t walked intoNo Surrenderlooking for help, I had a feeling they’d never have let it go and would have found some way to bring us together.
Introductions had been made when Bodie first got there and I had seen the interest in the ladies’ eyes when he shook Capri’s hand, but I didn’t see a spark so I think the women were off base with that one.
I, however, didn’t plan on telling them they were wrong.
They may be women but I’d seen them in action and I wasn’t messing with them. Call me a coward, but you mess with one, you mess with them all. Laughter rose inside at the thought and I tamped it down so nobody would be curious about what I was thinking.
But it died on its own when Gemma burst around the corner of the house. She was the only one that hadn’t been there and I wasn’t sure if she was going to show up. The women had all commented they weren’t sure where she was and I’d heard the concern in their voices.
