“Our engagement is rather new, but we’ve been friends since we were kids. Dated a bit in high school until our paths took us in different directions for a while. But when Ever came back into town, it was like nothing had changed between us. We picked up where we left off,” Mason answers smoothly.
“And when is the wedding?”
“Well, we were waiting until I had full guardianship over Kaylie—” I start to reply, but Mason jumps in, cutting me off.
“Originally,” Mason says, turning me to face him. “But things have changed.” My stomach does that flipping thing it does whenever he gets too close. I silently mouth the words, “What are you doing?” Mason smiles wide. “We will be getting married today at the courthouse.” He arches a brow, daring me to contradict him. “That’s why I came by so early. I wanted to surprise you with the good news. I was able to get everything set up.”
“What the fuck, Mason?”I mouth. His eyes sparkle with mischief, and that devilish smirk I both love and hate graces his lips.
He shrugs. “We would’ve had to tell Mrs. Pennington eventually. Especially since I’ll be moving in with my girls right away.”
Oh fuck.
8
MASON
After a long ass night working security at Glitz 'n Tass and catching one of the Devils trying to get handsy with one of the strippers, I was ready to go to bed. Ghost had Declan meet him to pick up the trash and transport him to the basement, which is why Pres has called us all in for church this morning. I was already in the bakery picking up breakfast for Ever and Kaylie to drop off on my way back out to the clubhouse when Vincenzo called to tell me her case worker had shown up to make an impromptu visit after she mysteriously received a copy of yesterday’s police report and a tip from an anonymous caller leading her to believe Kaylie was no longer safe with her sister.
This is going to be a busy fucking day.
I grabbed the bag, dropped cash on the counter, called Pres to tell him what was up, and hauled ass to get here. He’s holding church until I can get there, which I’m sure is going to cost me later, but whatever.
I had every intention of coming by the house and talking to Ever about what we are to each other and what our future looks like. Getting her to understand and accept that she and Kaylie are mine. What I didn’t plan on was her announcing ourengagement. Not that I mind, since it means I’ll finally get what I’ve wanted all along …her.
It was a shock to hear her say it at first. It only took a second for this wicked little plan to form in my head. I already claimed Ever in church, but I hadn’t quite figured out how to get her to accept the truth about us. We’re meant to be.Period.
Ever just gave me the perfect opportunity to make it all happen when she introduced me as her fiancé. She might think this engagement plan of hers is fake, but I'm about to make it a reality. Not only am I going to move my shit in here with them, but I put a date on the wedding, and I have every intention of making this shit happen,today.
“Of course, Mrs. Pennington, you’re welcome to come to the wedding if you’d like to witness the ceremony.” Ever stiffens in my hold.
“I would be happy to attend. Unfortunately, I’m only here for a quick check-in.” Mrs. Pennington says. Her tone and facial expression still tell me she thinks something is fishy, but I’m about to make this whole wedding plan of Everly’s iron fucking clad.
Ever’s face reads like an open book. She’spissedand a little panicked. I know she wants to tell me to fuck off but she can’t. Oh, I’m sure she’s going to have my ass when this lady leaves, but for now, she has to go along with whatever shit I throw at her. Because this was all her idea,and now it’s my advantage.
“I’ve got Colt and Austin packing up my things at the clubhouse as we speak. I was just coming to deliver breakfast and make sure my girls were awake and decent before the guys started showing up with my sh—stuff at the house.”
Well, I will have them packing up my shit and moving me in as soon as I can shoot off a text.
Everly’s eyes narrow. There’s no doubt she wants to tell me where I can stick my stuff, only she can’t without giving away her little lie.
I dare you.
“You’re going to live here with us, Mason?” Kaylie runs over, hugging my legs excitedly, sealing the deal. There’s no way Ever would out herself as a liar in front of Kaylie. Not after all the times she’s had to punish her fortelling stories. “You can share my room if you want. Winston can sleep on the dresser,” Kaylie whispers. “But don’t tell him I’m doing it for you. He gets jealous.”
“Oh, I’d never hurt Winston’s feelings like that. He’s like a brother to me,” I whisper back, rubbing her little head, unable to hide my smile. I love this kid. “I’m going to be sharing a room with Ever,” I tell her, watching as Ever’s nostrils flare. She wants to deny this so badly. Her hands are clenched almost as tight as her jaw. It takes all I have not to laugh.
“You mean you’re having a sleepover? But I want to come too,” Kaylie says, disappointed. “I won’t be loud. Promise.”
“First, you should never be quiet at a sleepover. Sleepovers are for squeals and giggles. It’s in the rulebook.” Kaylie’s eyes widen matching her smile. “And second, I’m not just sleeping over for a night or two like you girls did for Christmas,” I tell her, glancing up momentarily at Ever then back to Kaylie. “I’m going to live here forever. We’re going to have a wedding like Jake and Avery’s, only smaller. Your big sister, Everly, is going to be my wife.”
“Like Avery’s?” It takes a second for her to register what I’ve just said, but the moment it all clicks together, Kaylie jumps up and down excitedly, turning to her sister. “You get to wear a pretty white dress and carry a bow cake of flowers?”
“It’sbouquet, Squirt.” I chuckle. “And yes. Ever will have whatever she wants for our wedding, within reason. But we’re going to need your help. What do you think about that?”
“Can I be the flower girl, Sissy? Please. Please.Pleeeeeaaasse?I’m really good at it,” Kaylie pleads. A smile breaks through Everly’s scowl. It’s the first sign she might be softening to the idea.
“Of course you can, baby.” Everly cups Kaylie’s face. “Who else would I have do the job? I mean, you’re a seasoned professional. Now go finish your coloring pages. I’ll be in to color with you in a few minutes.”
