“And don’t let these men fool you, they all know how to take care of themselves,” Rose said, refilling her coffee. “They like to pretend they’re helpless, but they’re all perfectly capable.”
“They’ll get away as much as they can,” Emily added, putting the jelly and butter down next to the muffins. “You’ve got to watch them or you’ll be waiting on them all the time.”
“It’s not that bad, Cooper does his share,” Stephanie said, shaking her head. “It’s the jealousy and bossiness that drive me crazy.”
“Oh, don’t even get me started…” Abby tried to say, but Walker cut them all off.
“If you ladies are done criticizing us, maybe we could have breakfast,” he said. “If I need to get up and help, I’d be more than happy to pitch in.”
“Don’t get so upset, we were just teasing,” Emily said, ruffling Walker’s hair. “Everything is ready, we just need to get everyone to the table.”
The doorbell rang just as his mom was putting the last platter on the table, “That’s Marcus, perfect timing,” she said. “You all get started, I’ll go let him in.”
His mom got the older man settled and they ate in silence for a few minutes, the only sound in the room the scrape of silverware on dishes. “Well, it looks like we’ve got another little problem on our hands,” Marcus said, breaking the silence. “Thomas will have to be dealt with. I understand he knew that the child was yours, Walker.”
“Yes, sir, he found out the day before he kidnapped them,” Walker said. “His intent was to force Maddie to marry him and adopt my child into the Marbury clan.”
“Is this true?” Marcus asked Maddie. “Did he tell you this?”
Maddie nodded, “Several times, sir,” she said. “He said adopting Walker’s son would propel him to the top of the clan, that he would be the new alpha.”
“Unlikely, but they’re all scrambling for power,” Marcus said. “I’m sorry it spilled over and affected you, but I promise you, your son will be safe now.”
“What about Maddie?” he asked. “The clan will protect her too, won’t they?”
“I’m afraid that’s a little bit trickier, she’s not a clan member, motherhood doesn’t give her that right,” Marcus said. “If keeping the baby safe means keeping her safe then she’ll have our protection, but without the child…”
There was silence around the table. “You’re going to have to get married,” Malcolm said. “That will fix everything instantly.”
“He’s right,” Marcus said, shrugging his shoulders. “You could get married.”
“Married?” Maddie squeaked, looking up at him. “You mean now, don’t you?”
“Pretty much,” he said. “It would solve everything, and it makes sense. I love you, and you love me. What do you say? Will you marry me, Maddie?”
“I don’t know…I mean, yes, I do…it’s just so sudden…I thought…” she trailed off, then shook her head. “Of course I’ll marry you, I don’t know what I’m thinking. I’m already stuck with you, we might as well make it official.”
“You’ll have to go before the council after you’re married,” Marcus warned. “They’ll question the marriage, especially since you’re a regular human, but the child will help.”
“We’ll do whatever we have to,” Walker said. “I want both Maddie and Justin under the protection of the clan.”
His mother got to her feet. “It looks like we’re planning a wedding,” she said. “I’m going to need everyone’s help if we’re going to pull this off.”
While his mother took control, he turned to Maddie. “Are you sure that you’re okay with this?” he asked. “We could go find a justice of the peace or something if this is all too much for you.”
“Walker, I love your family and friends, and I can’t think of a better way to spend our wedding day than with them,” she said. “Besides, just think of all the work it will save us.”
They were married in a simple ceremony in the big barn on his parents’ property, with most of the community there to witness their happiness. His father walked Maddie down the aisle, and Taylor performed the ceremony. Afterward, everyone ate and danced until the food had disappeared, feet were throbbing, and the children were all asleep in the hay. As people began to say their goodbyes, he and Maddie found themselves trapped by the door, but he didn’t think he’d ever been happier, and from the smile on Maddie’s face, he was sure she felt the same way.
When it was just his friends left, his mom and dad came over, gave both of them a hug, then his mother held up a set of keys. “You can’t get married without a honeymoon,” she said. “I wish we could give you more, but this will have to do for now.”
“You’ve already done so much,” Maddie said, giving his mom a hug. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank you both enough.”
“Just go have a wonderful night,” his mom said. “We’ll take good care of Justin, and we don’t expect to see you until late tomorrow afternoon. The clan council meeting won’t be until after dinner.”
***Maggie***
Maggie followed Walker up the stairs, breathing in the cold night air and shivering under her coat, but she didn’t care; they were alone for the first time in days. Desire pulsed through her blood, and she knew that Walker was just as anxious to get inside. He kept fumbling with the keys and cursing. Taking them from him, she found the right key, slipped it into the lock and opened the door, then gave him a big smile before walking inside.
