by Jenna Gunn
Raven smiles, “Borrow, not hardly. They gave this to you.”
“That’s incredibly nice.”
“Think we can carry this thing? Since the men are busy with the kids?”
“I do, we’re strong enough, don’t worry.” I squat down and grab the lower rails and hoist up my end at the same time Raven does. We make our way slowly up the sidewalk.
“Good lord, what are you two doing?” Brandon jogs over.
“Moving furniture. What does it look like?”
“Put that thing down.”
I laugh. “Why in the world?”
“Because you’re making me uncomfortable.”
Rave just shakes her head and we keep moving.
Brandon pulls out his phone. My suspicion is confirmed when he says, “Ty, come out front. I need you for a minute.”
Tyson hops over the stairs leading to his place and arrives on scene less than a minute later. “Good lord, no. This is not happening.” He bumps Raven out of the way as Brandon takes over my end.
I toss my hands in the air, “Jeez, guys, we are not helpless.”
Brandon waves me off, carrying the bed with just one hand. “I never said you were helpless. But there’s no use you two carrying this when we can. Right, Ty?”
Ty nods. “You should have just asked.”
I forgot what it was like to be surrounded by Archers. I always appreciated it. I never slogged heavy groceries, or dragged a heavy suitcase without one of them offering their service.
“See why I have to go to the gym,” Raven jokes.
“I do. But it is nice to have so much good help.”
I open the door, and the guys easily navigate the opening. They carry the bed to the back bedroom.
Brandon says, “Where do you want this?”
I shrug, “I guess along that wall, please.”
They're done in an instant. Brandon smiles. “What’s that amazing smell?”
“Dinner, Spaghetti Bolognese. You’re welcome to join if you like.”
“I appreciate the ask, but it’s date night. Taking Anya out for Thai.”
Tyson rubs his stomach. “You guys have got to stop talking about food. I’m starving.”
“Come join us then,” I say. “We have plenty.”
“Would, but I’m meeting a friend at the beach gym.”
“Oh, I forgot all about the workout equipment down on the beach, I need to go check it out. I’ve got to get back to the gym myself. I’m going a little stir crazy without training.”
“You can go with me sometime when you’re not in the midst of making a feast.”
“I’d love that.”
I nearly jump out of my skin when Bishop’s hand lands on my shoulder. “I swear—I leave for a few minutes and when I come back, there’s a party in the bedroom.”
Brandon eyes Bishop and shakes his finger, “We were moving furniture for your woman.”
“Well, thanks. I appreciate that. I was busy.”
Tyson laughs, “Yeah, yeah, funny how you got busy right when it was time for the heavy lifting.” He smacks Bishop on the shoulder, “Kidding of course. You’ve got your hands full. So this must be Bruno. I’ve been hearing all about him.”
“The one and only,” says Bishop with a proud smile.
“Welcome to the craziness, little guy.”
Bruno giggles.
“Guess he’s already settling in.”
“Doing great,” I say, "and I must admit it’s nice having so much help around.”
Brandon says, “Speaking of help. I mentioned we are going on date night, but when you’re ready for a night out, just let us know. We’re getting tuned up to this parenting thing, so any practice we can get is helpful.”
Bishop holds Bruno out. “Here you go, you can start right now.” Then he laughs, and tucks Bruno against his side again. “Just joking, tomorrow night though, we’ll take you up on the offer. Date night for us.”
I know I make a funny face because Raven laughs. “Guess it was a surprise until now.”
“You got that right,” I say. “But, you don’t hearing me say no.”
Chapter Eleven
I serve up two big pasta bowls full of Spaghetti Bolognese with a side of fresh bread and a salad. It was always one of Bishop’s favorite meals.
Luckily, he had the ingredients on hand.
When I sit down, it’s in the chair I used to eat in all those years ago. Somehow everything feels familiar and so different all at once. I can even tell you what Bishop will eat first. I smile as he takes a chomp out of his bread, just like I knew he would.
The house is quiet—Bruno zonked out after all the visiting.
He’s so handsome sitting across from me. The heavy muscles of his shoulders bunch beneath his t-shirt. The light glistens off his sun kissed hair. My fingers itch to touch him. A gentle stir of heat pools between my legs. Everything about Bishop appeals to me. Especially those stormy blue eyes that flash from hot to cold in an instant.
“This bread is really good. I forgot you were such a good baker.”
“Thanks. It’s been a while. I hoped I’d remember.”
“Like riding a bicycle, huh?”
“Something like that. You still have all my favorite kitchen tools.”
“Of course, why would I get rid of them?”
I shrug and decide to change the topic.
“How was it with your dad?”
He shrugs. “Maybe a little better than I expected.”
“What did Bruno do?”
“Held Dad’s hand.”
I smile, relieved. “That’s a good thing.”
“Dad was sad that Mom didn’t get to meet him. He likes kids, so of course he was happy to meet Bruno.”
Bishop looks away, stirs at his food. There’s more he’s not saying.
“Was he upset about me being here?”
“He’s worried for me.”
I pick off a tiny piece of bread. “I knew he would be. I can understand that. Any father would be concerned when his son’s ex-wife shows up with a kid and moves into his house after disappearing for three years.”
Bishop nods. Stabs his fork into his pasta.
“Are you worried?”
His eyes flick to me. “I’d be lying if I said no. I sway back and forth between just being in the moment, and wondering what the hell is happening.”
“Me too.” I admit. “But you and Bruno seem to get along well, that makes me really happy.”
“He seems like a pretty easy kid.”
I nod. “Yes, I’m lucky. Bishop, do you want me to start asking him to call you Daddy?”
Bishop swallows hard. The look in his eyes nearly crushes me. “I do.”
“I’m glad.”
Bishop breathes a big breath out and goes back to eating. Just like that, the gravity of the moment seems to ease, and I feel equal parts giddy and worried about the future. I need to get some plans in place for myself. Work and getting a car, before I feel like I’m on stable ground. So I can stand on my own feet if I need to.
“How was work?”
He nods. Chews, and nods again. “Usual stuff. Busy day. How about you?”
“Good. I enjoyed talking with Raven and Maddy. We had lunch on the lawn. Actually, they said they might be hanging out there again this evening if we want to walk over.”
“I could do that. I need to drop some pliers off at Bryce’s house, anyway.”
My phone starts ringing for the third time today. I had my hands full every time. This time I’ve got my mouth full.
“Your phone is ringing.”
I suspect it’s Franco, but I say, “Someone from the troupe, I guess. I got a couple messages today. Wanting to know where I was and how I am doing.”
“Where’d your uncle take off to?”
“Egypt, I heard last.”
“He stole the money from the show?”
I nod.
“That’s a crappy thing to do.”
“He got weirder and weirder over the last few years. By the time that happened, it wasn’t that much of a surprise, honestly. The industry was getting pretty tough, more competition. More expenses.”
Bishop sips his glass of water, watches me as I fiddle with my fork. “Do you miss it?”
I shrug. “Of course I miss the thrill. Miss my friends in the troupe. We were close.”
“Can you be happy without doing that?”
Frowning, I say, “I guess. It’s all I’ve ever known. And I like it.”
“But you like being a mom?”
“Of course. I guess I really want to be both.”
Bishop finishes eating and cleans the dishes off the table. I slide into the floor, and play with Bruno and his little stuffed toys.
“Let’s go to Bryce’s. I’d like to hang out with him for a while.”
“Sure.” I gather up the toys and follow him and Bruno out the door.
Bryce, Raven, Christian and Maddy are setting on the front stoop of Bryce’s house when we arrive.
The men are holding the babies, and the women are chatting about something. “Welcome to daddyville,” says Christian.
Bishop grins. “Damn, look at us. Christian, this is Bruno, by the way.”
Christian looks Bruno over. “Wow, yours is way bigger than mine.”
“For now,” jokes Bryce. “Mine is going to be the biggest and strongest of all. Pull up some chairs and join the party.”
Brandon appears on the sidewalk. Anya, his wife in tow. Her belly is bulging beneath her t-shirt.
Bryce laughs, “Here come the almost parents.”
The pretty redhead smiles and extends her hand to me. “I’m Anya, by the way.”
I shake her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Bishop says, “Might as well get this over. This little guy is Bruno, our son.”
Brandon grins. “He’s a good looking little kid. I’m surprised given that he’s yours.” He punches Bishop on the shoulder.
Bishop knocks his hand away and grins. “Whatever.”
Anya tugs on Brandon’s hand. “Now be nice boys.”
“Good luck with that, remember who these guys are.” Raven laughs and the rest of us join in. Some of the tension I’ve been holding eases.
Bishop drags over four lawn chairs and we all gather around.
I just try to breathe and remember that I know these men. I did live here for four years before we split, but I can’t help be unsure how they feel about me now.
Thankfully, Bruno provides a little distraction. He wants to look at the babies again, of course. But he soon goes back to playing with his car in the grass.
Maddy says, “Mia, I made some calls about a job for you.”
“Awe, thanks for doing that, I really appreciate you taking time to do that while taking care of two infants.”
Bryce asks, “What are you looking for?”
I laugh, “Acrobat work would be my first choice. But the chances of that are low.”
“What about teaching Yoga or something?” Raven asks.
“I like that idea, I’ve always thought about getting my certification. Maybe now is the time for me to do that.”
“What about teaching pole dancing?” Christian offers. “I mean, there are classes in that stuff now, I hear.”
Maddy pokes at his arm. “When did you become an expert in pole dancing?”
He chuckles. “You know, I’ve seen the ads.”
The guys all laugh.
“Actually, I was thinking about calling the Fox Hole to see if they want to add an aerialist show.”
Brandon starts coughing. I look over and realize Bishop’s face is a dark angry red. “The hell you will.” He barks.
My skin prickles at his tone. “Why not?”
Bishop’s eyes blaze fire and his jaw ticks. “Because I said you won’t.”
I huff. “I don’t ever recall you telling me what I can do for work before.”
Suddenly I realize everyone else is dead silent. All the laughter is gone.
Bishop rises, “Could you guys keep an eye on Bruno for a minute while we have a short conversation?”
“Of course,” says Anya.
Embarrassment stings my face, and irritation fuels my steps as I follow Bishop down the walk toward his place.
He shoves the door open and storms inside.
“Bishop. What is going on with you?”
“You’re not going to work there or any other place like that for that matter.”
“You’re being an ass.”
He crosses his thick arms. “Ass or not, you’re not working there.”
“Jesus, Bish. You can’t just act like a barbarian.”
He takes a step toward me. “I can and I will.”
I hold my ground. I’m not intimidated by him. He’s not a violent man and I know that I’m safe, but he’s not going to tell me what to do. “You can’t bring me here and tell me what I can and can’t do. Remember how this works? You respect me and my choices. I respect yours.”
“Bullshit, Mia. I don’t respect this choice. You’re not thinking like a logical person. You’re a mother now, you need to think like one.”
Fury sets my insides on fire. My voice comes out way too loud. “Mother! I have been thinking like a mother ever since I knew I was pregnant. And I managed fine.”
He scowls. “Until now. Now you need me.”
I grind my teeth so hard my head starts to pound. What do I say to that?
We’re frozen in a standoff with the air sizzling between us.
He’s just as hard-headed as I am. This could go on a while, but it’s not like we have all day. His family is waiting on us to return after our awkward departure.
“We can’t stand here like this forever.”
He sighs, drums his fingers on his crossed arms. “I know of a place that might have a job. Not at the strip club.”
“What’s wrong with the strip club?”
He growls, “Mia…”
“I wasn’t going to strip.”
“Still, it’s the clientele. I don’t want you there late at night when you should be home with Bruno and me. We are a family now.”
I open my mouth with a sharp retort. But nothing comes out as his last words sink in. I snap my mouth shut because I’m honestly stunned speechless. Family. It hits me right in the gut.
He thinks we are a family.
And he watches me try to get my composure. The look on his face says he knows the impact his words had on me.
When I catch my breath I ask, “What do you have in mind.”
“Tomorrow, we’ll go talk to a guy I know.”
I shake my head. “What, are you going to do? Put me in some back room folding napkins or something?”
He chuckles. “Mia, don’t be ridiculous. I know you have a unique talent and should be able to use it.”
I fold my arms and look away. “Do you realize that you can’t act like I have no say in my life?”
“Don’t push my buttons then.”
“Bishop. Stop. You don’t own me.”
His eyes narrow and a second later I see hurt there. “I don’t own you. I never did. But I did marry you. And now I think we need to figure out where we stand.”
My heart squeezes hard. For some stupid reason, his protectiveness and demands turns me on. But I know I have to stand my ground too. “I agree. But whatever is happening. You have to respect my decisions.”
He nods tightly. “It goes both ways. Don’t be suggesting crazy shit like that.”
My eyes go wide. “That wasn’t a crazy idea, at least it never would have bothered you before.”
He frowns. “Now it does.”
I bite my lip.
If only I could read minds, this would be a whole lot easier.
Chapter Twelve
Bruno smiles as he falls asleep. My heart nearly melts right out of my chest as I look at his sweet little face. If you’d have told me I would be such a sap, I’d have
probably punched you in the teeth.
“He’s sound asleep,” I say as I pass through the living room. Mia’s eyes fall to the envelope and laptop I have in my hand.
“I’m going over to the garage to get together with the guys for a while. Don’t wait up on me.”
“Are you showing them the—,” she points but doesn’t finish her sentence.
“I am. I want their thoughts on it. I might be late.”
Her eyes are luminous and worried as I leave. I slip out the door and quietly close it.
It’s kind of unusual for the five of us to get together these days. Babies. Work, and all that shit, so I’m surprised when I see everyone hanging out in the garage.
“Bout time.” Christian grumbles.
“Whatever. You don’t seem to be too uncomfortable.” I nod toward his beer. “Any more of those left?”
Tyson points. “Fresh twelve pack in the fridge.”
“Thank god. I think I need a beer for this.”
I grab one, pop the lid with the bottle opener I hung on the wall years ago.
I toss the envelope to Brandon. “Might as well get this over with.”
He fishes out the photos while I sit down on the old car seat that’s now one of our hang out couches. I fire up the laptop, “Throw me that thumb drive.”
He tosses it over.
Tyson takes a photo as Brandon passes it along. “Hey, I know this place.”
“You were with me that night. Remember, I told you some girl just walked up and rammed her tongue in my mouth. Guess what, that’s what someone photographed.”
Bryce chuckles as he accepts the photos. “Holy shit, dude.”
I scrub my hand over my face. “It gets better.”
Tyson says, “Man, I thought you made that shit up.”
“I told you. It was weird. And I just totally forgot about it. Until Mia threw these photos down in front of me.”
Christian says, “I think you’re right about being set up.”
Bryce shakes the envelope, and the other papers fall out. “What are these receipts? Damn. Have you ever been to these places?”
“Apparently nights I was hooking up with my lover. And no, I haven’t ever been to any of them.”
Brandon’s eyes show his concern. “Does Mia believe you now when you say these are lies?”