Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 48808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
I chuckle softly because she isn't wrong. It was worth it.
Surprisingly, Colton doesn't kick my ass. By the time the cops haul Donny away for harassment and stalking, it's late. Everyone is tired. But Chloe is safe, and that's all that really matters.
Colton pulls me aside while our moms whisper back and forth with Chloe in the foyer.
"Eli and I will be at her place first thing in the morning to help you pack her shit," he says. "I want her out of here before he posts bail."
"You think he's still going to be a problem?"
"Nah. He was crying like a bitch and apologizing when they shoved him in the back of the cruiser. He's not going to be a problem again." His gaze shifts to his daughter. "But I don't want her stressing out about him getting out and coming after her, either. I want her in Santa Maria with you, where she can pretend the bastard never existed at all."
"It's not your fault, you know."
He shoots a sharp glance in my direction.
"I'm just saying," I mutter, holding his gaze. I've known the man my whole life. Even if he isn't saying it, I know he feels like he let her down. And I know exactly how it feels to carry that guilt. I let her down too goddamn many times. "She doesn't blame you. Don't let guilt eat at you over it. You didn't know he was a fucking asshole. If you had, you never would have let her go to work for him."
Uncle Colton jerks his chin in a nod. "You're right. I wouldn't have." He sighs. "Doesn't make me feel much better about not seeing it, though. I was supposed to protect her, and I failed. One day, when the two of you have kids, you'll understand how that shit feels."
He's probably right.
I clap him on the back. "She knows how lucky she is to have you."
"And now, she knows she has you, too."
"She should have known all along."
"You think she didn't?" He arches a brow at me, nodding at her. She keeps peeking over at us, her eyes coming to me like she just can't help herself. Even after everything that happened tonight, she's still shining, still smiling. "She knew, son. It just scared the shit out of her. She's always been that way, afraid to let herself feel too much or share too much. She tries to shrink herself."
"She won't be doing that anymore," I growl.
Colton gives me an appreciative glance. "Smart man."
"I learned from two of the best. Watching you and Wyatt love her taught me everything I need to know."
"Jesus," he rasps, squeezing my shoulder. "I'm not thrilled to know I'm being replaced as her hero, but I'm happy as hell it's you." And then he smirks at me. "But I meant what I said on the phone yesterday. If she doesn't have your last name before she tells me that she's pregnant, I'm sticking my boot up your ass. The strings will tickle your tonsils. I'm dead serious."
"Shit, I'd marry her tomorrow."
A loud burst of laughter cracks from his lips. "If you think that's happening, you clearly still have a few things to learn."
"What are you two laughing at?" Aunt Cadence asks, walking over with her arm looped through Chloe's.
"Trystan here thinks they should get married quickly." Colton's lips quirk into a grin. "He suggested tomorrow."
"What?" Ma and Aunt Cadence practically shout at the same time.
"You can't just rush a wedding! It takes planning," Ma says.
"Ma." I shoot her a look. "You and Pops got married at the courthouse two weeks after he put a ring on your finger."
"Exactly," she says, glaring at me. "And Liam insisted on marrying Braxton and Lola in private. Jax still has his head up his butt about Jade. I don't even know what Gabe is doing. And Jace is in Syria. You're my only hope of getting at least one actual wedding from one of my boys." She smirks at me. "So suck it up."
"Jesus," I grumble, shaking my head as I hold a hand out to Chloe. "Are you ready to get the fuck out of here before they have us getting married at a goddamn palace somewhere with half the world in attendance, Coco?"
She smiles, slipping her hand into mine.
It's another fifteen minutes before we manage to make it out the door, though. Everyone keeps talking about the wedding. Chloe just nods along like she's in complete agreement, which worries the fuck out of me. I want her to have my last name now, not in however long it takes our moms to plan a goddamn state affair.
"They're relentless," I grumble as soon as the door closes behind us.
"Yeah, they are." She peeks over at me, mischief written all over her face. "Wanna elope?"