I nod to the screen and admit, “I’ve found the perfect studio for her. Even better, several kids already want to join since word got out.”
I reached out to all my fucking old contacts. People helping to put flyers up to get word out for Little Bird’s Ballet and already the sign-up sheet is full for opening in two months. Once construction is completed on the building I just found for my girl.
She will get to live her passion still, if it is the last thing I fucking do, especially when she’s willing to move for me.
“And your dad still doesn’t know?” he confirms, and again I nod.
"The brothers aren’t aware of anything just yet," I say as my phone rings and I sigh, knowing it’s church.
“Go,” Blade states as he takes a seat next to me and grabs the laptop. “I’ll call the realtor and tell them you’re paying in cash tomorrow. She won’t lose that studio. Go have church, brother. If Drew comes back, I’ll hide the page. Your surprise won’t be ruined.”
I give him a grateful nod, so fucking happy he and his brothers are in town for a few days to help us move.
I walk into the kitchen, then out to the backyard, without looking at a pissed-off Mary. I’m not sure what she expected because what she put in Elizabeth’s head isn’t okay. Losing her child doesn’t excuse any of it, she liked that she could control one of her children because the other in her mind rebelled.
“Yeah,” I answer as I take a seat on the patio steps, and Dad growls, “Church in session!” before a bang echoes, and I shake my head.
The longer I’m away, the moodier he gets…
“Okay, let's start with Scar killing Scrawny. The man squealed like a pig, spilling all the secrets with the Chargers. We’vemanaged to intercept several flesh sales in the past week,” Dad states and I sit up straighter.
“They were dealing with flesh?” I growl, and Dad grunts, “Yeah, eight five-year-olds we’ve managed to intercept so far. It’s why they’re trying their hardest to get rid of us, they know we’ll stop them. I spoke to the Cartel and apparently it has fuck all to do with them. He’s just as pissed because his wife was an abused child and he’s also against it, so we believe the fuckers are on their own.”
Fuck me.
“We have a system in place. Despite doing his residency, Trick is keeping a handle on it,” Dad continues then the fucker clears his throat and I tense as asks, “What are your plans in returning, Cage? We gave you some time, and I know you still have a month left but now we need to crunch down. We know the fuckers are dealing with flesh, I need you home, and I need you home, now, to take your rightful place.”
I swallow hard and lie, “I’m not returning. I can’t.”
Loud growls echo down the receiver, I pull my phone away just as the back door opens and everything inside me relaxes.
Drew…
I sit up straighter and widen my legs as Drew enters my sight. She looks absolutely beautiful in the maternity dress I bought her a few days ago. It fits her perfectly, the light blue making her eyes seem brighter and without a word, seeing I’m on the phone, she sits down in front of me and leans back. My free hand instantly goes to our baby. Tomorrow, we will find out the sex.
I’m becoming more settled about being a dad. My excitement is slowly growing.
I kiss my girl's head just as my dad shouts, “You are coming home whether you like it or not!” and Drew winces while I hold in my snort.
“Dad,” I try but he cuts me off and snaps, “I’ll come fucking tie you up and drag you back if I have to, boy! You still have four weeks. Get ready, because you are not fucking handing in your cut!”
He hangs up, shocking me. I chuckle slightly as Drew lifts her head back and we lock eyes.
“Hey,” I rasp as I gently caress her lips, then cup her bump with both hands after I place my phone on the patio. As soon as I set it down, it instantly begins to ring.
“You going to get that?” she asks, and I smirk.
“Nah, let’s play with them a little, shall we?” I say, and she grins widely despite the sadness still in her eyes, the situation with her sister is still difficult for her.
I kiss her, needing her lips against mine. Our tongues tangle, sending shivers down my spine.
Fuck, I’ll never get tired of her lips against mine.
I slow the kiss to little pecks before pecking her cheeks and nose, making her giggle. I tighten my arms around her and place my face into the crook of her neck, breathing her in but my peace is ruined as Blade shouts, “You fucking got it, brother!”
I smile widely as we look behind us to find Blade doing a stupid dance in celebration and Joel laughing his ass off, while Mary looks at the laptop with a scowl.
Damn woman. Surely, she knows I’ll put up a privacy film so Drew can see out, but no one can see in?
