“You did?” Frankie stops mid-bite. “When?”
“When you were feeding Maddyn. Taylor and Landry helped.”
“Barely,” Landry says around a bite of pancake. “Holy shi—” he catches himself. “…man, this is good. Yes, please open a restaurant.”
I catch Gabriel eyeing Frankie as he chews. Slowly he reaches out and touches her. Her head pops up, and her megawatt smile is all the confirmation I need. Whatever’s been going on with them is all good now. My best friends are fine.
I smile at my Kitten, hopeful that whatever’s been making her sick this week has run its course. She’s eating well. I think she may be enjoying the pancakes as much as me.
“Ree?” Gabriel has everyone’s attention, waiting on his sister to look up from wiping Kill’s sugar-coated face.
“Hmm?” she absentmindedly replies before she realizes all eyes are on the two of them. She reaches for my hand that I gladly offer. “What’s going on?”
Gabriel pulls Frankie into his side. “I really am interested in pursuing this restaurant idea with you further—partnering with you and seeing how we can fit Mom’s baked goods into the equation. But I think it will have a better chance of succeeding in a few years after I quit fighting and our kids are older—yours and mine.”
“Agreed.” My girl is happy and relieved he’s interested but not wanting to pursue it right away.
“Count me in as a silent partner—or whatever you need,” Cap offers, kisses Cher hand and continues to eat.
“I think it’s a lovely idea.” Cher looks on the verge of tears. I don’t think she ever imagined her life—the life of her kids—could have turned out so fruitful and loving.
Cap has amassed an amazing family. One we’re all blessed to be a part of. “I’m in. Whatever you need.”
My girl kisses my cheek and laughs as Kill adds, “I’ll helwp too!” Which brings in rounding support from Maddox, Cade, and Wade, with a head nod from Iris. Only little Maddyn appears oblivious to the potential multi-family, generational business waiting to bloom.
“I’m in no rush. I love the idea of our kids having so many options to work, grow, and succeed in—if they choose.” Reese beams.
Her happiness is all I need to feel complete, but our kids growing up in Black Ops MMA, Sugarplum’s, or Stone Café—or whatever they name it—sounds like the perfect conglomerate of talent and success.
“Don’t leave us out of the deal,” Taylor chimes in.
“Never,” Cher assures her. “We’ll need a good lawyer too.”
“We’re gonna need a bit before we start planning. Angel and I are gonna be a little busy with a new baby on the way.” Gabriel drops a bomb that has the room exploding with cheers and a meaningful look between Frankie and Reese.
“What’s that look about?” I whisper in my Kitten’s ear.
“Um, I’ll tell you later.”
I turn her to face me. “Tell me now,” I grouse, then soften it with a kiss and a tamer, “Please.”
“It appears you and I are also going to be busy with a new baby—”
“Holy, shit. You’re pregnant?” I can’t hide my excitement. We’ve been trying. But—
“Yeah, Shadow, you knocked me up.” She nods to Frankie, whose elation only grows.
“Yeah?” Frankie asks.
“Yes,” my girl confirms.
“You hear that?” I bellow to the room. “We’re having a baby too!”
More cheers, hoots and hollers from everyone except Maddyn, who gets scared and starts crying.
My Kitten is pregnant. We’re having a baby.
I bend down to Killian’s level. “You’re going to be a big brother, Kill.”