Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 91595 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91595 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
As I look from my kids to Dean’s and then to him, my heart explodes with love. I was beyond scared to start over, but I knew it was the best thing for me.
I just didn’t realize that starting over would involve falling in love with the man of my dreams and my niece turning into my daughter.
Jesus. I’m surprised Jerry Springer hasn’t risen from his grave for this crazy shit.
“So, you two getting married?” Flint asks, waggling his brows at me.
Before I can look at Dean for help, he says, “Yeah, when I ask her. But she’ll say yes.”
I cock a brow. “I will?”
His eyes burn with desire, and that damn grin makes me weak. “You will.”
“I know,” I mutter, and he winks.
Then he turns his attention to the kids and claps his hands. “Just so y’all know, there won’t be any of that step shit around here. Nope—”
It’s Skyye who groans, and we all look at her expectantly, but Dean just beams, rocking on his heels. Then he points his finger guns. “We’ll be full-on cha-cha with extra dance partners.”
I snort, but the boys grimace as Skyye looks to the ceiling. “Was that supposed to be a joke?”
Skyye nods. “Yeah, he likes dancing.”
“But I don’t, and I’m not dancing,” Flint complains, while I snicker at his dismay.
“That was awful,” Ash says, looking at me. “This is the guy you chose?”
I flick my gaze up to Dean’s, and I sigh deeply as my heart overflows. Then I nod, and my voice is gruff as I tell everyone the honest-to-God truth.
“Only him.”
CHAPTER
FORTY-THREE
Dean
“So, you and Kenni gonna get pregnant next?”
I almost choke on air and throw my neck out as I whip my gaze to my daughter. I narrow my eyes while she cracks up, her laughter bubbling as I shake my head. “No way in hell am I waking up at night for anything but Kenni.”
She fake-gags, but it’s all for show. She loves that I love Kenni. My baby girl cuddles into my side, and I kiss her forehead as we both glance over at where Nyle is holding Missy’s brand-new bump while most of the town gushes around them.
My backyard is packed, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I told Jackson I’d throw a barbecue to help him get on Liam’s good side, but I masked it as a thank-you party for Nyle.
Which they turned into a baby announcement.
Honestly, you couldn’t pay me to have a kid in this economy.
But watching Missy glow like that, full of love and excitement? It’s hard not to smile. When she was pregnant with Skyye, she always looked a little green, probably because she was carrying my baby and not the guy’s she was meant to be with. She’s only four months along now, but you’d think she was eight with the way they’re fussing over her. Not that any of us would say a word. We’re happy for them. I owe Nyle my life.
For saving the light of mine.
Nyle stands proudly in his “#1 Daddy” shirt, and even though he’s the biggest dork I’ve ever seen, I appreciate him. Even Sadie stopped calling him names. She brought him snacks while he recovered from the gunshot wound to his bicep. It got infected and took longer to heal, but you’d never know it from the size of his smile.
When I thanked him for what he did, he just said, “You’d have done it for Missy.”
And I would have.
So every time he annoys me, I remind myself—he took a bullet for the woman I love.
I hear Kenni’s laughter and follow the sound to where she’s standing with her dad, who’s holding Maggie close to his chest. Maggie moved in with him, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen the two of them so happy. Jett jokes he’ll never call Willie “Dad,” but with how close those two are getting… he might not have a choice. Hazel, Bea, and Kenni all smile as they talk. Bea leans heavily into her walker, laughing loudly, deep wrinkles and all—proof of a life well lived.
A smile tugs at my lips.
Kenni belongs right here.
In Thistlebrook.
With me.
A squeal yanks my attention as Chelsea throws her arms around Liam and plants a big kiss on his cheek. Liam looks like he’s got a hockey stick up his ass, but he holds her close and kisses her temple, eyes locked on Jackson. I don’t hear what he says, but Jackson nods eagerly. When Liam extends his hand, Jackson grabs it like it’s the Beer League Cup.
Chelsea squeals again and hugs them both, while Liam looks like someone shoved another hockey stick up his ass.
I chuckle to myself. This party is a win.
A baby announcement. A father making peace with his daughter’s boyfriend. And I’m head over boots in love with the girl of my dreams.