Then I remember how we met, and she didn’t have money for Madeline’s medication. Does she have money for food? There’s an ache in my chest at the thought of her going hungry. Damn, that’s a hard subject to tackle, and I don’t know how to bring it up without offending her. Maybe I’ll just have to randomly stop by sometimes with dinner. Or better yet, I can have it delivered from a secret admirer so she won’t know it’s me.
“Earth to Marshall.” Grant waves his hand in front of my face. “Where did you go?” He cocks his head to the side.
“Just thinking. What’s up?”
“Wren said to feed Madeline now so that she stays on her schedule for tonight.”
“Got it.” I stand, tossing my plate in the trash. “Where’s her diaper bag?” Grant points to the floor, and I see four diaper bags lined up. Two very girly and two that I recognize as Roan and Carter’s. Lucky for me, I know which one is Madeline’s. I don’t know what that says about me and how much Madeline and her momma have invaded my life. Not that I’m complaining. I grab a bottle, bib, and burp cloth and make myself comfortable on the couch.
My brothers and Jase join me, with their kids in tow. The rest of the night, we watch an MMA fight, snack, and eventually, all the kids crash, but none of us bother to put them down. Grant has Carter, and Conrad has Roan. Royce takes Aria, and she snuggles up to him like it’s something she’s always done.
I can’t help the smile that tilts my lips. A few years ago, the five of us would have laughed our asses off if you told us this is how we would be spending our Saturday nights. I know I would have. However, now that I’m here, and I’m living it, I know this is the better option.
The main event is just about to start when the women come through the door. I keep my eyes on the screen and my hand resting on Madeline’s back. Sam makes her way to Jase, Sawyer to Royce, Layla to Owen, Aurora to Grant, Aspen to Conrad, and that leaves me.
Me and Wren.
I can feel her stare, but I hold off on looking over at her. I don’t know why but I need her to come to me. “Hey.” Her hand rests on my shoulder. “I can take her.”
“Nah, I’m good. Have a seat, the fight’s about to start.” As if my brothers and Jase needed me to announce it, they all start talking about who they think is going to win, all while their wives are content to just sit and listen. I’ve moved to the recliner so I tap the armrest. “Have a seat,” I tell Wren.
“No. I’m okay.”
“Come on, sit down.” Reaching out, I wrap my hand around her wrist and give a gentle pull. She relents and takes a seat on the arm of the recliner. The room is dark. We dimmed the lights to help the kids sleep, so no one can see us. Hell, they’re not worried about what we’re doing. They’re wrapped up in each other and the fight. That’s why I slide my arm around her waist and pull so her back is resting against the back of the chair.
“Marshall,” she whispers.
“I’ve got you,” I whisper back.
The fight goes all five of the five-minute rounds, and normally, I’d be looking for a knockout or submission, but not tonight. I’m all for the fight dragging on. I have Wren in one arm and Madeline in the other. They both feel… perfect. This moment feels important. I’m not going to analyze it or question it. I’m just going with what feels right.
Wren and Madeline. That’s what feels true to me.
All too soon, the fight is over, and everyone begins to gather their kids and bags and head out. “You ready to go?” Aspen asks Wren.
“I can take them. I’m going that way.” It’s a valid excuse. All of my brothers have moved out of town. I’m still there in my condo. Something I’ve been thinking of selling and getting out of the city, but tonight I’m thankful that I’m still there.
“Are you sure?” Wren asks.
“Of course I am. It’s on the way.” Again, a valid excuse. However, I’d use it even if it wasn’t.
“Okay.” Wren turns to Aspen. “Thank you so much for inviting me. I had so much fun, and thank you all for keeping an eye on Madeline.”
“That was all Marsh,” Grant speaks up. “He’s been hogging her since he got here.” He doesn’t mention that Madeline was having a meltdown when I got here, but that’s okay. That would just make Wren worry and possibly turn down future invites. I definitely don’t want that to happen. I can sense that my brothers feel the same, as they all stay tight-lipped about the incident.