“Very.” I rub my belly. “But I’m also curious about something, Dad. And I’m relying on you.”
“Why do I feel like you’re about to pull the daughter card against my friends?”
“My husbands,” I remind him, “aren’t telling me why they’re at work.”
“They’re not?” He asked.
“No. My mind is running crazy. I don’t hold the past against my men. I wouldneverdo that, but they have a history of women at the office and if they’re flirting with some hot thing, I’d rather know.”
Dad laughs and laughs hard. He tries to talk, then keeps laughing. I roll my eyes. “Dad, I’m worried. I’m on babies three and four. We’ve been together for six years or so and ... I don’t know, maybe I’m boring. You and mom broke up for how long?”
“I’m laughing because of how backward you and I are. I feel like I have to threaten them to come in and you’re worried theywantto be here.” His chuckles soften. “We were bought out by another group.”
“What!” I yell.
“Honey, it’s okay. Trust me, the buyout was worth it. Your men get to retire, I get to retire, and we don’t have to worry about a thing. You could have six kids and send them all to I.V. league universities with no scholarships and you’d still get to live the rest of your days happily.”
“But they didn’t say anything!”
“A lot has been going on, Soph. Your birthday, the pregnancy news that you have to tell your mother about, and the long hours. Just don’t worry. All four of them love you and constantly grumble about how lucky Roman is.”
I sigh. “Thank you, Dad. I love you.”
“Say that when I bring your mother over later tonight.” He teases.
We both laugh and I lay back. My men love me. There’s no other woman. But we need to talk about the secrets they keep. No reason for them to keep this a secret. But that eases my shoulders as my exhaustion weighs down and I touch my belly.
A big happy family that loves each other.
7
GUNNER
Knowing that we’re about to add two more kids to the household twists me up in a way I didn’t expect. I love our children, dearly. I would give my life to protect them and Sophie. Work will be done by Christmas and we’ll get to start enjoying retirement, but I can’t wait that long to get time with Sophie.
After she puts the kids down with Nick on Wednesday, she starts picking up their toys, and I catch her hand. “You forgot something.”
“I’m sure.” She gives me a soft smile. “It’s been a long few weeks.”
“Let me help you find it.”
“Let me get some of the toys picked up and I will happily follow you, wherever you take me, Gun.”
“Living up to your nickname, sweets.” I kiss her gently.
She nods and gets back to her focus. I know Sophie likes to have a clean house. She’s tripped over enough toys in the last five years, not to mention the tumble Holden took. But that doesn’t stop me from running the bath, putting her favorite bath salts in, and grabbing one of the new dirty books I’ve gotten.
It’s been too long since we’ve had a bath together. I head back downstairs and find her finishing up. She dusts her hands off on her hips and sighs. “All done, what can I help you with, my sexy man?”
I offer her my hand, happy when she takes it. “Is it a secret?”
“Oh no. I’ve learned my lesson on secrets after yesterday. This is a surprise.” I tease.
“Surprises are like secrets, I’m not fond of those either,” She grumbles.
“This is a fast payoff,” I assure her. We get to the stairs and I sweep her up into my arms, honeymoon style. “I think we should do another honeymoon.”
“I’m pregnant and we have two kids, Gun.” She laughs.