After Glow

by Autumn Jones Lake

  “The baby, yes,” Trinity says. “A shower, not so much. Hope hates all that girly shit.”

  Something I happen to love about my wife.

  “How about this.” Trinity taps her pencil against the table. “We’ll have the girly-showery stuff in the early afternoon and then have more of a casual club celebration in the evening.” She glances at Charlotte. “Is that okay with you?”

  “That sounds good.”

  “We can truck the guys up to the property if they get too rowdy,” Trinity assures her.

  Charlotte twists to check out the clock and stands. “I have to get going, Trinity. I’ll call you later.”

  After she leaves, Trinity crosses her arms over her chest. “You look like crap. Everything okay?”

  This is why Trinity’s one of my favorite people in the world. Somehow she’s both sweet and straightforward. “Tell me how you really feel.”

  “I’m serious, Rock. I can’t even imagine. Ugh. It’s such shitty timing too.” She taps the paper in front of her. “You want me to take Willow off the guest list?”

  Sounds like Hope gave Trinity the full and complete version of events. “No. It’s not her fault.” I lift my chin. “Who else is on your invite list?”

  She picks it up. “Well, Mara, of course. She actually offered to have it at her house too, but I thought if we…”

  “If it ended up being a club party, having it at a judge’s house wasn’t the best idea?”

  The corners of her mouth twitch. “Something like that, yes.”

  “You’re probably right. Who else?”

  “Well, Heidi and Charlotte of course. Willow, Winter, I was thinking of inviting Mallory, because I know she and Hope get along well.” She sets the paper down and rolls her eyes. “I suppose we have to invite Tawny.”

  Not that I want to do anything to make Hope unhappy, but, “It’s probably for the best.”

  “Ugh. I’m going to have to make that up to her somehow.”

  “Anyone else?”

  “Well, her mom just… and she’s still not talking to Sophie as far as I know. Lilly’s out in Cali, so I don’t see her flying in. I sent her an invite, though.”

  “Small family.”

  She cuts a serious look at me. “We have all the family we need, Rock.”

  “Yes, we do.” I pause and consider how I want to say what I can’t get out of my head. “I want this to be—”

  “Special? Take her mind off Inga’s lawsuit? I’m not a magician, Rock.” She flashes a softer smile. “I want everything to be perfect for her too.”

  “She say anything else to you about it?”

  She shrugs. “Just explained the procedural parts.”

  “How are you doing?”

  “I’m not worried about becoming a stepmom if that’s what you’re asking.” She glances away. “If there was a possibility, he would’ve told me.”

  “Yeah, Wrath doesn’t sugarcoat anything.”

  She chuckles. “I think he was born without the bullshit gene. It’s why people either love him or hate him.”

  “Truth.”

  “Back to the party. Is there anything specific you want?” She lowers her voice. “Are you telling people it’s a girl yet?” After a quick eye roll, she adds. “I’ve gotten an earful from Heidi about gender-neutral blah, blah, blah.”

  I snort. “We’ve gotten a dose of that in our birthing class.”

  “See, and I thought it was a generational thing because Heidi’s a lot younger—”

  “I think we’re the oldest parents in the class, Trin.”

  The wide eyes and quick, playful shove she gives me makes me laugh. “Stop it. You are not.”

  “We are. We’re fucking ancient.” When she stops laughing, I continue. “Whatever you can do to make it fun for her.” I slip a card out of my wallet one of the moms in the birthing class gave us. “To make up for the Tawny thing, think you can take Hope here for a girls’ afternoon? A woman in our class swears they do ‘the absolute best’ pregnancy massages or whatever.”

  “Aw.” She plucks the card out of my hand and sweeps her gaze over it quickly before setting it next to her phone. “You’re the sweetest. How many husbands would think to do that for their wives?”

  “She’s the one doing all the hard work.” I reach over and tap the card. “I don’t know what your schedule looks like. Do you mind setting up the appointments? I’ll cover the rest of it.”

  “Like you did for us in Mississippi? I can’t keep going to the spa on your dime, Rock.”

  I wave off her concern. “Seriously? With all the shit I ask you to do? Besides, I know she’s more comfortable going with someone else.”

  “You know, they do couple massages…”

  “I’m good.” I pat her shoulder and stand. “Besides, this way I know you’ll slow down and take a break for a few minutes too.”

  “Sneaky.”

  “And you can’t say no to your president.”

  She clutches her chest and throws her head back with a dramatic gasp. “So ruthless.”

  “Thank you, Trinny.”

  Hope

  “What is the holdup? Your client wanted this test. Was very dramatic about it in fact.”

  “Ms. Kendall, I’m working to set this up as quickly as possible.”

  I fight to keep my cool, if only because I need more information from him. “Why is she dragging her feet?”

  A better question is, why am I on the phone with this asshole so early in the morning? Because I woke up to an empty bed for the third morning in a row. After racing to the bathroom, I padded across the hall and called Inga’s attorney. I swear I’ll be his daily wake-up call until this case is settled.

  Never poke at a pregnant lawyer who’s ragey and has lots of time on her hands.

  He hesitates. “Her son’s been ill, and she was waiting for him to get better so she can bring him to the lab for the test. I don’t think she expected this to move so quickly.”

  A note of sympathy stirs inside of me. My maternal side can’t imagine anything worse than your child being sick. As much as I hate giving her feelings any consideration, I assume Inga’s a single parent. That must be difficult for her. Maybe that’s why she threw Rock into her lawsuit? Thinking if he knew, he’d want to help her, even if he wasn’t the father?

  Because he’s just such a nice guy? Doubtful. Rock doesn’t show that nice side to many people.

  Because he’s honorable? Yes, over the years she might have witnessed that side of him.

  And now I’m feeling ragey again, because I really don’t enjoy being reminded that they spent any time whatsoever together, no matter how long ago it might have been.

  If that makes me crazy and irrational, so be it. I’m entitled to a little crazy under the circumstances.

  My rational side says I’m being too generous with her intentions. She’s doing this because she’s a jealous bitch. Plain and simple.

  Maybe I’m trying to think of some noble reason she’s done all of this to stop myself from hopping on a plane to California, tracking her down, and choking her scrawny ass.

  I blow out a long breath, waving goodbye to the last fuck I’m going to give about Inga today. “I’m sorry to hear that. However, we need to have these tests done in a timely manner, or I’m going to ask to have the petition dismissed.”

  “I’m expecting a call from her this afternoon. I’ll let you know as soon as I have more information, Ms. Kendall.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Oh wait. Before we hang up. I meant to tell you, we need to add another name to the list.”

  “What?” I’m way past civility now and practically scream into the phone. “Who?”

  “Hang on.” There’s a shuffling of papers in the background. I close my eyes and concentrate on deep, cleansing breaths while I wait. “An Elias Serrano.”

  Bricks? Seriously? He’s been with Winter since I’ve known him. Seems the least likely of the guys to have had a fling with In
ga. “Fine. Anyone else she may have forgotten?” I ask in my most caustic tone.

  “I don’t think so.” He chuckles as if I’m a buddy he’s having a friendly chat with instead of a woman who wants to poke his eyes out with a pencil. “Honestly, I’ve never had a case quite like this one. I feel like I should be on Jerry Springer or something.”

  “Am I supposed to be amused?”

  “That’s right. You have a personal stake in this, don’t you? I almost forgot.”

  Yeah, well, I haven’t. I’m not worried Rock’s the father. I’m worried about who the father may actually be.

  Teller? What’s that going to do to his relationship with Charlotte? Hello awkward city.

  Dex? He’s usually so quiet, but thoughtful. Finding out he has a son this way might really wound him.

  And the other guys? Sheesh. None of them are prepared to be fathers. Having it thrown on them like this almost seems cruel.

  They’re big boys who made big-boy choices.

  It’s still awful that one of them might not have known about his son all this time. Maybe I’m also a little selfish, because what if whoever the father ends up being decides to move to California to be closer to the boy? What will losing a brother do to Rock, who’s already under pressure to recruit new members for the club?

  So many unknown scenarios. So many different ways this can go.

  “Let me know as soon as you hear from your client,” I say before hanging up.

  Chapter Two

  Rock

  “Hey, baby doll.”

  Hope flings her phone on the couch and settles her fiery gaze on me. “You won’t believe what that asshole just told me.”

  That asshole can only be Inga’s attorney.

  “Why’re you on the phone with him this early?”

  “If I can’t sleep, neither should he.”

  I hold out my hand to her. “You eat breakfast yet?”

  She pouts. “No.”

  “Bad girl,” I tease. “Come here.”

  She rushes over, and I wrap her up in my arms, burying my face in her neck. Instant calm washes over me. Why was I out in the rain this morning when this was what I needed?

  “You feel so good in my arms,” I murmur against her hair. “Fit just right.”

  She chuckles and pulls back, trailing kisses along my jaw. “I’m not so sure about that anymore.”

  I rub my hand over her bump. “Nope, still perfect.”

  A softer smile takes over Hope’s face. “She was busy this morning.”

  Damn, now I’m really pissed I went out for a joyride. Backing Hope against the wall, I crouch down and push her shirt up, placing a kiss near her belly button. “Morning, Grace. Sorry I missed the gymnastics show this morning.”

  Hope sighs and reaches down to run her fingers through my hair. “Are you okay?” she asks quietly.

  I stand and take her hand, leading her downstairs. “Went out for a ride. Thought it might clear my head, but I got rained on instead.”

  She squints at me, and I glance down at the workout clothes I changed into earlier. “Stopped at the clubhouse to use the gym,” I explain. “Ran into Trinity.”

  “Was she planning my shower? Please tell her she doesn’t have to make a fuss.”

  I laugh but don’t answer the question.

  “Ugh, she threatened to make me play Pin the Diaper on the Baby.”

  “What do you want for breakfast?”

  She stops at the stove and grabs her tea kettle, but I take it from her and nudge her aside. After a quick glance down the hall, she lifts her eyebrows. “Are they gone for the day?”

  “Think so. Ran into Murphy on my way back. He was dropping Alexa off at Teller’s. Said Heidi already left.”

  “Good. I know we promised Teller we wouldn’t say anything to Heidi, but that’s getting to be a little complicated. Heidi’s smart enough to handle what’s going on.”

  “As long as Murphy’s not involved, I think she’ll be fine.”

  Hope groans and puts her back to the counter, crossing her arms over her chest. Momentarily distracted by her breasts spilling out of her T-shirt, I miss the change in her demeanor.

  “Rock? Don’t you want to hear what I discussed with the attorney?”

  “Huh? More bad news?”

  “Pretty much. Inga’s now decided to add Bricks to the suit.”

  “Fuck me. Really? He’s leaving for Puerto Rico in a few days.”

  “Damn.” She turns and grabs a notepad off the counter and scribbles down a few words. “That’s the other problem. We settled on a lab out there and one here that can work together, but she still hasn’t taken her kid in for the swab.”

  “What the fuck?” I clench my fists. My thoughts turn dark, picturing Inga cheerfully sitting back and fucking up my life. We have a charter not far from where she lives. Maybe it’s time to make a phone call…

  “Rock.” She grabs a fistful of my shirt and pulls me closer. “Please put your murder face away.”

  My girl always knows how to make me laugh. “Which face is that?”

  “The one you’re making right now.” She frowns at me in what I suppose is her version of whatever face she thinks I’m making. “God forbid this child belongs to one of your brothers, they’re going to be terrified to tell you.”

  “As they should be,” I growl.

  She pats my cheek—harder than her usual love tap. “Well, snap out of it.” She glances away. “Whoever it is will need our support.”

  How can she be concerned for my brothers in the middle of this craziness? “God, I love you.”

  “Well, can you imagine Sparky with a kid? Or Ravage? Sparky doesn’t remember to bathe unless someone reminds him, and Ravage is basically an overgrown ten-year-old.”

  I snort and pinch the bridge of my nose. “Give me strength.”

  “Exactly.”

  “We have our own baby to worry about.”

  “Rock.” She squeezes my hands and stares up at me. “What if whoever it is wants to move closer to his child?”

  “Shit. I hadn’t even gotten that far. I’m still hoping it’s just a crock of bullshit.”

  “Well, I am too. But I’m also trying to think ahead.” Her green eyes shine with love and trust. “Your battle is my battle, Rock. We’re in this fight together.”

  I cup her cheeks and kiss her forehead. “That’s why you’re my queen.”

  * * *

  Hope

  “I feel like a child being dropped off for a playdate,” I grumble as Wrath pulls into Mara’s driveway.

  “Well,” he says, drawing out the word until I smack him and he laughs. “Seriously, it’s not a big deal, Hope. I was headed down here anyway.”

  “Still.”

  “Three hours. If you need me to come back sooner, text me.”

  Wrath’s better than a taxi. He makes sure he helps me to the front door, and even chats with Mara for a few minutes. I could do without the pat on the head he gives me before leaving, though.

  “Aww,” Mara sighs as she closes the door. “Didn’t you tell me once you always wished you had a big brother when you were a kid?”

  “Yes,” I grumble, smoothing my hair back into place. “I’m not sure why now.”

  “Come here!” She squeals and hugs me while jumping up and down all at the same time. “I’m so excited. Look at you! You look amazing. How do you feel?”

  “Good actually. Finally.”

  “Second trimester was so much easier.” She winks at me. “And fun.”

  “God, yes.”

  “Oooh!” She giggles and claps her hands in the air, very much like she did when we were early-twentysomething first-year law students. “Tell me all the deliciously dirty details.”

  “Um, no.”

  She pouts.

  “There’s nothing to tell.” I follow her through their mega-house into the kitchen. “Other than I want to jump on him all the time now.”

  “And I’m sure Rock loves every
second.”

  I can’t help smiling. “I think so.” I stop and consider my words. “It’s weird. I was so freaked out about the gaining weight thing in the beginning.” I poke at my hips. “I’m still not loving it, but in a weird way, I also feel more confident than ever, because I’m actually supposed to be bigger. Like, when I see the doctor, she’s happy I’ve gained weight.”

  “I’m telling you, that’s half the reason the sex is so much more amazing.”

  “Maybe.”

  She sets out ingredients to build my own salad, and I sprinkle about thirty olives over my chicken and spinach.

  “No pickles?” she teases.

  “Something different every day.” I nibble on a hunk of baguette smeared with butter. “But at least I don’t want to barf all the time anymore.”

  “Go back to the confident, jumping-on-him-all-the-time thing.”

  I chuckle. “I thought I’d be more self-conscious, but I feel—”

  “Like a sex goddess?”

  “Something like that.”

  “It doesn’t hurt that Rock’s not some girly-man who’s going to worry about silly stuff like poking the baby.”

  “Gosh no. The second the doctor assured him everything was fine and the baby was perfectly protected, it was game on.”

  She laughs harder and claps her hands together in a prayer pose. “Yes! I love it.” Her smile falters, and she reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. “I’m really happy for you.”

  “That I’m getting laid hard, fast, and often?”

  “Well, yes, that too.”

  “Hello, Hope,” Mara’s husband, Damon says from behind me.

  I glare at Mara. She never mentioned Damon was home.

  Mara tilts her head and bats her lashes at her husband. “Were you eavesdropping?”

  “No need to, lovely. I could hear you all the way in my office.”

  He joins us in the kitchen, wrapping an arm around Mara and smiling at me. “Good to see you.”

  “Thanks,” I murmur, mortified that Judge Oak might have overheard me sharing such intimate details.

  If he did hear, he’s too much of a gentleman to embarrass me.