“I take it you all thought he’s never leaving undercover work.” Claire interrupts the shock. She wasn’t aware of what a big deal it is, but I did tell her I didn’t plan on going back to undercover cases.
“Never,” all four sisters say at the same time.
“But you’re staying here?” Autumn asks.
“I am.” I glance at Claire, wordlessly telling them that I won’t ever leave Claire.
“Good thing I have access to a private jet,” Daisy mumbles.
“What?” Claire’s eyes look like those from cartoons, where they pop out a foot.
“I’m assistant to the CEO of Empress Racing. The Formula 1 team.” Daisy perks up, smiling like it’s just an everyday job.
“You’re more than that,” I counter.
“I mean, sure. But the title has stayed the same. Sydney was bitching about that the other day actually.” Her tangents never cease to amaze me.
Claire leans over to me, grabbing my arms and pulling me closer. “Is it okay if I stay here tonight? I’m exhausted.”
“Always. Why don’t you go crash. I’m sure these four haven’t helped.” I smile.
She presses a kiss to my cheek before clearing her throat. “It was so incredibly nice to meet you all. I hope we can do something tomorrow, but this pregnancy is kicking my ass, so I’m going to catch some sleep.”
A chorus of gratitude and yeses rains out as Claire makes her way to my bedroom.
My sisters at least have the decency to wait until the door is shut before they bombard me with statements and questions.
I hold up my hands, stopping the barrage, because I can’t understand a word any of them are saying.
“One at a time. My God, you guys.” I sigh.
“She’s lovely,” Heather, the eldest and matriarch of the group, starts.
“She is.”
“You love her,” Ruby says with a lack of emotion. I swear she runs from them as far as she possibly can.
I glance at my bedroom door before I answer her. “I do.”
“Are you really done undercover?” Autumn chimes in.
“Yep.” I nod.
“So how can we help? Do you need nursery stuff? Are you staying in this apartment?” Daisy enters the fold, instantly in problem-solving mode.
“I have a nursery set up here,” I say quietly. “But I am considering looking for a house or something bigger.”
“I’ll send you some listings,” Daisy says, pulling out her phone to take notes.
“She’s perfect for you. She doesn’t let you hide away in your shell,” Autumn says.
I’d argue with her, but she’s right. Outside of my job, I’m not a very open person. It took my team at work years to really get to know me.
“So, what’s your grand plan?” Heather asks. “Are you going to ask her to marry you?”
“Umm, not right now, no. I’m not pressuring her into anything she doesn’t want. Not with Teeny due so soon.”
“You call the baby Teeny?” Daisy has hearts in her eyes.
