I barked out a laugh. “No. No daddy business. Tommy is fine.”
His smile was breathtaking. “Good. Now take me home. I’m ready for breakfast.”
As we walked the rest of the way, I slid my hand back into his. The quiet comfort Mason exuded calmed the frayed nerves regarding my past. “I have something planned for us tonight, but in the meantime, I’m all yours.”
Mason melted my skin with the heat in his eyes. “Can’t wait.”
Chapter 22
Mason
On my way home to get ready for our date, I returned Maddie’s call that I had missed while spending the morning with Thomas. We hadn’t spoken since I’d called them the day after meeting Shannon. Both of my sisters had been shocked beyond belief.
“I still can’t believe all of this. I’m not sure I can ever speak to them again. I might boycott every fucking holiday for the next twenty-eight years in solidarity.”
I laughed. “I love you, but don’t do that. Those decisions were made long before you were born. And they’re both your parents, Maddie. Don’t cut them out of your life because of me.”
She huffed out an irritated breath. It was scary how much she was like Axel. “I still can’t believe they kept our brother from us. Did you know Dad moved out?”
My breath caught. “What do you mean, moved out?”
“He moved to the New York apartment last week when I told him you were in London. When you didn’t pick up his calls, he called me to ask if I’d spoken to you,” her tone softened. “It took everything in me to be civil to him. It’s hard to believe the father we grew up with is the same man who kept our brother a secret.” My stomach churned at the picture she was describing. “I didn’t call to ruin your day, Mason. But I do have something to tellyou.” Her voice lifted from the bleak tone from before, instantly elevating my mood.
“Okay. Is everything okay, Mads?”
“I think so. I’m pregnant. Zane and I are moving the wedding up to the first week of August. I don’t want to wait until next year. Simple is better anyway. Mom is the one who wanted the big wedding. This way I get what I want.”
I wasn’t expecting that, but it was great news. “Oh, Mads, that’s great! Are you happy?”
“Very,” she crooned. “I love him, and he’s going to be a great father. I have a couple of months to put together everything before I really start to show. Not that I care about that anymore. We just want to start our lives as soon as possible, ya know?”
“I know, Maddie. You’ve always wanted a family. But August could be tricky for me with the pre-season.”
She huffed. “I checked your schedule before we set a date. We picked the week after you go to training camp for that reason. Is that okay? If not, I’ll change it. We can move it up.”
“Maddie, please don’t plan your life around my schedule. Do what’s best for you and Zane.”
She sighed. “I am. And I need you to be here, standing beside me when I marry the love of my life. We’ve been through everything, Mason, and it won’t be the same without you. So it’s no big deal if we change the date.”
I pulled into my driveway and ran my hand over my beard. All I could picture was the scene Melinda would probably cause. “Are you sure you want my drama there after all of this? I’d understand if you don’t, I really would. You deserve a beautiful wedding with both of your parents present.”
Maddie sighed. “I want everyone there. We’re getting married at the Covington resort on Long Island. It’s a big place, and we can make sure you and Thomas are nowhere near them.Or we can rent you a house for the weekend. I’ll leave it up to you to decide, but I’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Have you considered that maybe it would be uncomfortable for them? They deserve to enjoy their daughter’s wedding.”
“It’s my wedding. I won’t press you, but I’ve also invited our brother as well. He’ll make sure things go as planned.”
I smiled, thinking about how right she was about Axel. “When did you do that?”
She snorted. “After you didn’t answer the first time.”
I chuckled. “Is he coming?”
“Yes. You don’t want to miss out on all the fireworks and family pictures. I can’t wait to see their faces when you both walk in.”
“The two of you are so much alike,” I teased.
“I’m reserving a suite for you. It’s up to you to change the reservation. Either way, I love you.”
