That was just a few short hours ago and now we’re in the backyard eating BBQ and chilling like nothing happened. I didn’t have time to dwell on it because this Davey kid who was an honorary brother of the SEALs from what I could gather seemed way too fond of my girl.
Cady has been asleep on my chest in the sling thing her mom had got me when the baby refused to stay with anyone else but me, something I didn’t mind or wouldn’t have if I didn’t feel like I was gonna have to kick Davey’s ass any second.
Lucky for him my girl only had eyes for me. Some of her friends had been invited over and it was our first time hanging as a couple even though it was in her parents’ backyard so she was excited.
I hadn’t seen the other women since we came back here, other than when one or more of them came out to grab a plate, but now they were coming out of the house in droves. And there were a lot of them.
As usual the men were off to one side, I’d been over there with them earlier because I didn’t want to miss anything, my head was still reeling from all that I’d learned that afternoon, but again it was the Davey guy that had made me change my spot.
I’d asked Caitlin what his deal was but she just grinned and said he was her cousin. The fuck he is. Now I know my girl is an innocent, but there’s no way she could miss that puppy dog look on this fool’s face.
I nibbled on the edges of the burger that I could barely taste as I kept him in my sights. One wrong move and I’ll drop him. The baby moved on my chest and I brushed her hair to settle her. Then I overheard a bit of the conversation the women were having.
“So did you buy your dress already?” Mrs. Lyon was smiling at one of the four girls that were in Caitie’s class.
“Oh yes Mrs. Lyon, do you wanna see? I took a picture and sent it to mom since she couldn’t be there when I bought it.” She held up her phone and all the women cooed at what I’m guessing was the dress on the screen.
The conversation turned to the prom and I felt bad for my girl. I could see it on her face, the discomfort, but her mom and her friends, even her grandmas didn’t seem to notice. I went over and took her hand, helping her up from her seat.
“We’ll be right back.”
What the hell am I supposed to say to her now? I’d barely got her out of the funk she’s been in, she was finally seeing things in a better light where her dad was concerned, and now this.
“Babe, don’t sweat it, there are other things more important than the prom.”
“I know!” I know she was lying, that she felt a way and I wondered how her mom could be so insensitive, until I looked up and saw Mr. Lyon’s face. He too could hear the conversation that was going on since there was no loud music playing, and it’s not like the women were being quiet.
The men had decided that with so many kids running around it was better not to have the music playing too loud just in case something happened. I’ve never met a more overprotective bunch in my life.
But now I was more interested in the look on his face as his wife and her friends carried on talking to the other girls about the prom. When he looked over at where I was standing consoling Caitlin I finally got it. A family of damn geniuses. It was all a setup.
I would’ve told her what I suspected but thought better of it. There’s no telling which way the wind blows with Colton Lyon, no sense in getting her hopes up, but his wife was doing her damnedest to make a point.
Kat
“Katarina my darling!” Perfect timing. I turned to see Grimaldi coming around the corner with my father in law and from the twinkle in his eye knew he was ready to zing Colt. I love this old guy, though we started off kinda rocky, he’s been one of my favorite people for the past almost eighteen years.
I ran over to greet him and he picked me up and spun me around while looking over my shoulder at Colt with that grin on his face. I could all but hear Colton’s growl from where we were. “You ready? I played it off real good, he has no idea.” He whispered as he kept that smile on his face.
“Yeah, let’s do it.” My voice was barely above a whisper.