She gets up and scratches at her hair.
All three of us look at her and her shoulders slump. “I don’t want to go to the gala. I’m going to stay home and work on some essays and facetime my best friend. One stress down. Yes, we’re all going to see Lief’s parents because he’s proud of us and what we have, we’re going to support that. Two things down. What else.”
I smile and lean back on the couch. “Good morning, Dr. Sexy. Glad to have you back.”
“My viper.” Lief pulls her back to his lap and kisses up her neck.
“Chase, I’m proud of you for setting boundaries. Work shouldn’t take over your life and you’re doing a wonderful job making that clear. Hunter, thank you for being sweet and listening to me. Lief, thank you for being a good pillow.”
Lief chuckles. Chase nods. “A nap sounds good.”
Valerie offers her hand and they go up to sleep together. I look to Lief. He runs his hand through his hair. “I’m more worried about my parents having a problem with the age difference.”
Lief picks at his nails and shrugs. “I’m clear to take the next step. Or ...weare cleared to take the next step.”
“Which is what in your mind, Lief?” I’m grinning like an idiot. I know what he wants and he’s not alone. I want Valerie forever and that means a specific kind of commitment needs to be made. We live a fast, short life, which means we can’t wait when we have the opportunity.
“We go and talk to Roman.” Lief surprises me.
“Roman?”
“About how to have multiple men marry the same woman. Valerie will be distracted with Sophie and the baby. We can get information.”
“You’re crafty.”
He shrugs. “What do you want for dinner?”
And just like that, the conversation is done. Lief is efficient like that. But it will be a different story tomorrow when we’re with both his parents. I’m not sure if they’re going to be like him, be even colder, or be a direct contrast. I know I’m as curious as I’ve ever been to find out.
I’m twice as eager to see how Valerie handles it and then get to that next step. I want Valerie forever. If one of us marries her, we get thrown into a murkier gray area, but Sophie and all four of her husbands make it work. If Gunner, Roman, Holden, and Nick can settle in with one woman and kick jealousy out the door, we can do it.
Half because we’re better – obviously we have Valerie – but also because we’re just as determined. Valerie belongs with us. If nothing has rocked that so far, nothing will. Now we just need to put a ring on her finger and make it clear.
VALERIE
Groaning, I try on another dress. The first one was too sexy. The second one was too frumpy. Number three was too casual and number four was too formal. I stare at my closet until hands slide over my sides.
Chase draws me back to him. “Are you this nervous?”
“I don’t do the ‘meeting parents’ thing. I told you guys that forever ago. I pretended mine were dead and never had a relationship last long enough to meet anyone else’s parents.”
“Baby doll, you are beautiful.” He kisses the top of my head. “Go with the green dress. It covers you up more than Hunter will like, but you look gorgeous. Your eyes pop.”
I turn in Chase’s arms and kiss his jaw. “How are you feeling?”
“Our nap yesterday and a good night sleep has helped a lot. My phone is on vibrate though.”
“No faking a text or anything. I promised I wouldn’t.” I wink at him.
“I won’t either.” He links his pinky with mine.
It’s such a cute and boyish gesture, I melt a little. I wiggle into the green pencil-skirted dress and turn to see Chase. He gives me a thumbs up and we walk downstairs. Lief checks his phone, looks at me and I feel his eyes catch.
Hunter groans. “I already miss your sexy thighs.”
“Be good and you’ll get to see them plenty later.” I tease.
Hunter snares my waist and kisses me hungrily – the exact reason I’m waiting to put on a lip stain until we’re in the car. Lief steals me away and kisses my temple. “You are wonderful. My parents will love you.”