Page 30 of Talk Wicked to Me

She was so fucking cute. The guys chuckled, and Baz watched in awe as she joked with them about rambling conversations and big hearts. He’d thought she’d just hand them each a bag of round sugar cookies. That’ll teach him not to underestimate her. He nuzzled Brennan’s cheek, whispering, “Your mama is something special, Little B, but I think we’re going to have to try to pull the reins a little tighter so she doesn’t accidentally wear herself out.”

Emerson went to Maverick. “Since you’re obviously in love with your little girl, I made you and Chloe baby bottles and bows. I hope you and Chloe like them.”

“I’m sure we will. Thank you,” Maverick said.

Emerson went to Tobias and looked at him curiously. “I don’t need to know much about you to know what makes you happy. When you mentioned Madigan, your whole face lit up, so I made you cookies shaped like two connected hearts, because it feels like you must be.”

“She’s the most important thing in my life,” Tobias said, low and serious. “Thank you.”

As she handed Zeke a bag, Zeke said, “Zan and I will be back tomorrow to finish up.”

“That’s really nice of you. Thank you. Since you’re a nature guy, I made you bird and butterfly cookies.”

“Thank you. I’m sure they’ll be delicious.”

“I hope so.” She turned to Zander. “And you.” She smirked as she handed him a bag. “I made you heart-eyed emoji cookies because you give off one heck of a flirty vibe.”

“It’s the only way to live,” Zander said, sparking laughter and conversation.

Baz was glad the guys thanked Emerson and took a moment to admire Brennan and tell her how beautiful he was before climbing into their trucks and taking off. As they watched them drive away, Emerson said, “I can’t believe you did all this for us. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’m going to run home and shower,” he said as he handed Brennan to her. “I’ll come back with dinner and take care of Brennan while you rest.”

“Baz,” she said incredulously. “I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but you don’t need to come back. We’re fine.”

“Then I guess we’re both broken records, because friends don’t let friends run themselves ragged. You’ve got about an hour to get used to the idea of me coming back.”

“Fine,” she relented with a smile.

“Was that so hard?”

“Tragically,” she teased.

“What do you want for dinner? And don’t tell me nothing.”

She rolled her eyes. “What are you hungry for? Do you like pizza?”

“Love it. What kind do you want?”

“Meat lovers. It’s my favorite.”

He barked out a laugh.

She shook her head, but she was still smiling.

“A’right, Lockhart. What else do you want?”

“Nothing.” She rubbed Brennan’s back, and her brows knitted. “Actually, I’ve had a craving for ice cream all day. Would you mind picking some up for dessert? I’ll pay for it, and I don’t care what flavor you get. I like them all.”

“I can do that, but you’re not paying for it. What else do you want?”

“That’s enough, isn’t it?”

“You tell me.”

“It’s more than enough. Or would you rather have tacos? Do you like tacos?”

So fucking cute. “Yes. I’ll eat whatever you want.”