“We were talking about the prospects, and I was telling them Tate is my favorite. Then we were saying how we were glad Jonah is gone. He gave us the creeps.”
“Firecracker, you’re not allowed to have a favorite other than me. Do I need to go beat on his ass? Is he trying to take away my woman?” he growled. I had to laugh at him.
“You can’t be serious.”
“Hell, I can’t. Look at you. You’re beautiful and too sexy for your own good. I don’t know that I want anyone seeing you in that sexy top.” I gaped at him, stunned. He looked like he was dead serious.
“Honey, everyone knows who I belong to. I have it on my back. I’m glad you like the top, but I won’t change. I feel good. You’ll just have to suck it up.”
He growled and took my mouth in an intense kiss. I moaned as he consumed me and I did the same to him. When he pulled away, he had a smirk on his face. “Something to remind you who you’re with, just in case. Not that I’m going to let you out of my sight. Just saying.”
I shook my head at him in exasperation. “Like I don’t have to watch women eye fucking and flirting with you everywhere we go.”
Jocelyn and Devyn were laughing their asses off. I knew their men were just as possessive and protective as mine. I’d barely finished the thought when Bull and Ace joined the group, eating both of them up with their eyes. Even being obviously pregnant, you could see they couldn’t get enough of their women. We all sat talking for a while.
It was going on two thirty when the roar of bikes was heard outside. The guys got up to go greet them. We stayed inside. It was too hot right now to stand outside. I found being pregnant made me hot without the bonus of August in Tennessee and the sunshine and humidity. It wasn’t long before the door opened and in came the women and kids from Dublin Falls. We went to greet them. Harlow was exclaiming over how Jocelyn and Devyn looked. I was chatting with Alannah and Wren.
When the guys came inside, I saw Bull with Hunter holding onto his hand and Emmie in his arms. They loved their papa. Jocelyn hurried over to take Emmie. I worked my way around to welcome all the ladies. There were so many. I knew not all the guys were married or committed, so later when the kids went to bed and the couples settled down, the wild shit would start. Bunnies would be coming to keep the single guys company. I didn’t begrudge them the women. I just didn’t understand the women wanting to do it or want them to make a play for my man.
I watched as the various Dublin Falls’ members and their families circulated. The kids were happy and running around the place. No one seemed to be bothered by it, not even the single guys. Jocelyn was now holding Emmie. I heard Bull growling at her not to hold her, that she was too heavy. He made her sit down, so Emmie could sit on her lap.
We’d been standing for a little while with Devil Dog, Ashlee, Ranger, and Brielle. Two of the Dublin Fall guys I hadn’t met last time came up to join us. I saw one cut read Capone and the other Falcon. Rebel introduced them. Capone got a huge smirk on his face.
“Now, hold on a damn minute! Babe, I know you have that property cut on that says you’re Rebel’s but you need to reconsider. You hadn’t met me yet when you let him claim you. I need to have a shot. Why don’t you and I go somewhere more private and we’ll negotiate. I’m really, really good at negotiating,” he teased. He winked at me so Rebel couldn’t see him. I could tell he was trying to get a response out of my man. He didn’t have to wait long.
I looked over at Rebel. He had his eyes narrowed on Capone. “Listen, you slick-ass bastard. The only place you’ll be going is this nice area at the back of the property. In fact, I’ve already got a couple holes dug for just this kind of thing. How about you and I take a walk?” Everyone in our group started to laugh, including Capone. He smiled at me.
“Sorry, darlin’, I guess you’re going to have to give up the dream of being with me. He sounds serious.”
“I’ll just have to find a way to live with the disappointment, I guess. Excuse me while I go cry,” I teased him back and then I acted like I was going to step away. This made the others laugh even harder. Rebel grabbed my arm and tugged me close.
He nipped my ear and whispered, “I’ll paddle your ass if you do. Stop flirting with him. It’ll only make him want you more.” I could tell he wasn’t mad. He was teasing me as well.
“Don’t worry, honey, I know who my man is. He’s all I need.” He took my mouth in a hungry kiss.
Capone groaned. “Christ, he’s a fucking goner and so is she. Whatever is in the air in Dublin Falls must have made its way here. Falcon, we need to be careful, man.”
Falcon just shrugged. “If it gets me someone like my brothers, I’ll risk it. Though she’d have to be something else to put up with me.”
This led to us talking about various things. Ashlee was telling me about the latest antics of her three kids. She had me in tears with the oldest one, Angel. I hadn’t realized I’d shifted my weight, but Rebel did. He wrapped his arm around my waist.
“Baby, I’m sorry. We shouldn’t be standing like this. I don’t want you to get too tired. Let’s go sit down.” He gestured toward a couple of open couches. I didn’t want to make everyone move just because of me. I shook my head; however, he was not going to take no for an answer. The others followed us over to the couches.
As we sat down, Falcon was the one to ask, “Why would she get tired? You been keeping her up too much at night?”
Rebel grinned at him. “Well, there is that too, but she’s pregnant and tired all the time. I don’t want her to get too exhausted. This baby is sucking all her energy.” I watched as Devil Dog nodded in sympathy.
“Jesus. You got her knocked up already? Does no one wait?” Capone asked.
Devil Dog answered him, “Not if you’re smart. You find her, make sure you tie her to you in every way you can, then love her ass until she can’t think of ever being with anyone but you.” He looked serious as he said it. Ashlee smiled and gave him a kiss. All of them congratulated us. Then the conversation turned to Capone trying to get the guys to tell him what else he needed to know to get a woman. Falcon was the quieter of the two, but I saw him listening. Soon, more people circulated over to us. Some would stay for a while then leave. After we’d sat for an hour, I insisted we get up and circulate more rather than have all these people come to me. Rebel wasn’t happy but he did it.
It was close to five when Bull called for everyone’s attention. We’d all somehow meandered outside. The kids were having a blast on the playground. The grills were being warmed up. The sun was still out and it was humid and hot. I made sure to stay under one of the awnings in the shade. Once Bull had everyone’s attention, he got started.
“As you know, Jocelyn and I found out earlier this week what we’re having. Also, we have Devyn and Ace having their baby right before us. You all know they found out they’re having a boy. If this wasn’t enough reason to celebrate, my grandson, Hunter, just turned five and another brother, Rebel, and his lady, Madisen, have found out recently they’re expecting as well.” There was a round of hoots and hollers. He waited for them to die down.
“So, we wanted to have everyone here when we revealed what we’re having as well as to celebrate all these other great things. I’d like Hunter and Emmie to help us with the reveal.” Harlow brought them to her dad. He whispered in Hunter’s ear and handed him a box. Hunter grinned as he opened it. Out came a blue balloon. The cheering started up again. Bull handed another box to Emmie. He had to help her open it, and a pink balloon slowly floated out of it. The cheers got louder. I heard Harlow squeal in excitement.
The next half hour was spent on everyone congratulating them and asking about names. I was so happy they were going to have one of each. I couldn’t wait to see what Bull was like with a son and another daughter. Wonderful, if the way he was as a grandfather was an indication. Rebel and I were also the recipients of several congratulations as well.