“You got it, darlin’.” He leaned in and gave me a quick kiss on my lips and then released my neck and grabbed my hand, pulling me out of the bathroom.
With our fingers still entwined, we walked into the living area where several sets of eyes widened when their gazes took in our hands.
While Gemma looked surprised, she had the biggest smile on her face. I knew then I was not only going to be telling them about my past, but fielding questions about her brother.
Rowan was waiting by the door and Paxton guided me that way with him, then released my hand. But to my utter shock, before he walked out the door he kissed me again right there in front of everyone.
A chorus of awes sounded from behind me and my face flamed.
And then he left me standing there to deal with the busy bodies all alone.
* * *
I was almostafraid to turn around.
When the door closed behind Paxton, I had to force myself to face the ladies. Compelling my feet to move, I swiveled in their direction and started to move toward them.
“Seems you have much more explaining to do than we thought,” Alley said teasingly, so I knew she was referring to Paxton and his display of affection.
I didn’t share. At all our get-togethers, I never had anything to contribute about my life unless it was about the bakery and I certainly had nothing to say about romance.
Now I had a whole lot to say about both.
Gemma jumped up from her spot on the couch and grabbed my hand, dragging me back to sit down next to her. “So, you and my brother huh?” The huge smile on her face told me she was happy about it, so my nerves relaxed a little bit.
I looked around the room. Everyone was there. Jurnee, Summer, Alley, Teal, Brinley, Ruby, Gemma of course, and even Patience. Everyone was watching me closely to see what I would say.
“I don’t know how it happened,” I whispered. “I never thought I’d ever let another man in my life and I certainly don’t deserve such an amazing guy.”
I ducked my head, feeling overwhelmed.
“You deserve the best,” I heard Brinley say fiercely, causing my head to snap back up and see everyone nodding in agreement.
I huffed out the air in my lungs. “Paxton is the best, but I don’t know that he or any of you should want to be around me anymore.” I closed my eyes and searched for all the things I needed to say before opening them again. “It’s not safe, but I promised Paxton I wouldn’t try and run again.”
Everyone gasped but Brinley who had already heard this part.
“You snagged yourself a hottie who you say looks like an underwear model, you think he is the best, and you have all of us,” Teal said. “I also brought bad news knocking on these ladies' doors, but they didn’t turn me away and we’re not letting you get away either.”
A small smile started to form. These ladies were stubborn but so damn wonderful.
“You’re stuck with us,” Gemma added, grabbing one of my hands. “Plus this little one”—she rubbed her belly with her free hand—“needs you to be here when he or she makes their way into the world.”
A tear slid down my cheek.
“My baby can use another auntie. And who knows, maybe it will be official too.” She winked and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I don’t want anything to happen to any of you or your families. I couldn’t bear it if it did.” I brushed the tear from my face but wasn’t sure why. I knew there were more to come. “You see, my parents are dead because of me.”
All the ladies sucked in a breath.
And that was how our conversation began. I told them all the stuff I’d told Paxton, even more about Thomas.
By the time they left I was emotionally exhausted and ready to go to sleep.
We said our goodbyes and Paxton came back as he said he would.
“Is this okay?” I asked him.
