by L. Wilder
“It hasn’t been two hours yet.”
“Actually, it’s been three.” He kissed my forehead, and then turned his attention to JT. “How’s it going, big man?”
“He’s been changed and fed, so I’d say he’s doing pretty good.”
He leaned down and gave me another kiss before asking, “You want some coffee?”
“That would be great.”
Beckett nodded, then went into the kitchen. He was just starting to make us a pot of coffee when there was a knock at the door. As soon as he opened it, I could hear Clay say, “Damn, brother. You’re looking a little rough around the edges.”
“Lack of sleep will do that to a man.” As he started back into the kitchen, Beckett continued, “Y’all come on in. I was just making some coffee.”
“Where’s JT?” Landry asked sounding excited. “I can’t wait to see him.”
“He’s in here with me.” As she made her way into the living room, I told her, “He’s been waiting to meet you.”
Landry rushed over to me, and as she looked down at JT, her eyes filled with emotion. “Oh, Alyssa. He’s so precious.”
“Thank you.” I carefully picked him up and offered him to her. “Would you like to hold him?”
“Are you kidding?” She took him in her arms. “I’d love to.”
She carried him over to the sofa and sat down, then cradled JT close to her chest as she stared down at him with the biggest smile. When Clay walked in, he went straight over to Landry and sat down next to her, peering over at JT. “Boy, he’s really something, isn’t he?”
“Yes,” Landry replied. “He makes me want to have a baby.”
“I’d be good with that.”
Surprise crossed Landry’s face as she asked, “Really?”
“Absolutely.” Clay ran his hand over JT’s little head. “Bet the big guy here would like to have some cousins to play with it.”
“I’m sure he would.” I smiled as I added, “And I would love to have a couple of nieces and nephews running around.”
“Well, it’s definitely something to think about.” Landry turned her attention to me as she said, “The girls and I were talking, and we’d really like to have a baby shower for you and JT next week. We could do it over at the clubhouse so we’d have enough room for the guys to be there too.”
“That’s really sweet, but you don’t have to do that.”
“We want to, and I know the guys would love to meet JT.”
It meant so much to me that she’d even thought about having a baby shower for us, especially after the way I’d behaved, but I was still in that overprotective mother mode and wasn’t sure that it was a good idea to have him around so many people. Sensing my concern, Clay looked over to me and said, “I’m sure you’re worried about JT just getting out of the NICU and all, but Mom’s supposed to be coming down this weekend for a few days. Think of it this way…she’d be an extra set of hands while you’re opening gifts, or she could take him down to one of the spare rooms and watch him if it gets to be too much and he starts to fuss.”
“Umm ... well.” I turned to Beckett as I asked, “What do you think?”
“I think it’d be okay.” He brought me a cup of coffee as he continued, “But it’s completely up to you.”
“Come on, Alyssa,” Clay pushed. “It’ll be fine. Besides, it will be good for you to get out of the house for a bit.”
“Okay, I’m in.” I smiled as I told them both, “I really appreciate you guys going to the trouble.”
“It’s no trouble, Alyssa.” Landry looked down at JT with a smile. “We’ll use just about any excuse to have a gathering, and there couldn’t be a better one than for this little guy right here.”
Clay and Landry stayed for a cup of coffee and doted on JT for just over an hour, then headed home.
Over the next couple of days, Beckett and I slipped into a manageable routine. In the morning, he’d get up and take care of changing JT and giving him his bottle before he headed into work, and while he was gone, I took over. JT was a good napper, so I was able to get a few things done around the house while he slept. I even had time to get a little cooking done. Being in the kitchen made me miss working at the restaurant but not enough to make me want to go back. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do after my maternity leave was over. I was tempted to just stay home with JT, but I’d really worked hard to secure my spot on the line. It was a thought that made me think back on the day I’d presented my dish to Boucher and Bisset. I’d spent hours making the perfect Coq au vin, which was basically chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, pork, and a drop of brandy. To my surprise, they were both so impressed that they offered me a full-time position on the line. I couldn’t have been more proud of myself,
But now, I was really enjoying my time at home with JT. I had a tough decision ahead of me, but thankfully, I had plenty of time to think it over.
When the day came for the shower, I was still feeling a little apprehensive about taking JT out and about, especially when we pulled up to the clubhouse and I saw how many people were there. Thankfully, having my mother with me helped set my mind at ease. A warm smile crossed her face as she said, “It’s going to be fine. Let’s let everyone meet him, and if he happens to get fussy, I’ll take him to one of the spare rooms.”
“Okay, sounds good.”
As we started walking up to the front door, Beckett looked over to me and asked, “You ready?”
“I think so.”
I repositioned JT in his sling carrier, and with him nestled close to my chest, I followed Beckett inside the clubhouse. When we entered the family room, I was surprised to see that the entire room was filled with Beckett’s brothers and their ol’ ladies. Not only that, it was also beautifully decorated with blue balloons, streamers, and a gorgeous bouquet of flowers resting in the middle of all the food and drinks on the back table. It couldn’t have been more perfect. When Landry saw us walk in, she rushed over and asked, “What do you think?”
“It’s amazing, Landry. I can’t believe y’all did all this.”
“We wanted to make today special for both you and JT.”
“Well, you did a fabulous job.”
We hadn’t been talking long when Murphy and Riley came over. They both took a moment to meet JT and congratulate Beckett and me once again on the birth of our son. As soon as they walked away, Shadow and Alex came over, keeping their distance as they met our son for the first time. One by one, each of the brothers and their wives came over to congratulate us, being careful not to bombard us all at once. After everyone had said their hellos, Mom came over and took JT, and once they were settled, Beckett led me over to one of the tables where Landry and Clay were sitting. As I sat down, he asked, “You want me to grab ya some food?”
“Yes, please, and a glass of punch?”
“Sure thing.” He leaned down and kissed me before saying, “I’ll be right back.”
When he walked away, Landry leaned over to me and asked, “How ya making it?”
“Good. Really good.” I looked around the room, watching as everyone ate and talked amongst themselves. “I still can’t believe you guys did all this.”
“I know it’s a lot to take in, but this is just one of the many advantages of having such a great family,” Landry replied. “We’re there for each other. Celebrate the good times and support one another during the bad. It’s hard to really understand until moments like these when you can experience it for yourself.”
She was right. I hadn’t fully understood what Clay and Beckett had been trying to tell me until that very moment. Seeing how they took care of their own and treated one another like family gave me a sense of peace I hadn’t expected. I was glad that these men were going to be in our lives and that they would be there to share in the ups and downs of raising our son. I looked back over to Landry as I said, “I think I’m finally starting to get it.”
“I knew you would.” She gave me a wink as she said, “Welcome to the
Fury family, Sis.”
Epilogue
Six Months Later
I was standing in the living room, gathering up everything we’d need to take with us to the church when Alyssa walked into the room wearing a knee-length black dress that hugged all her curves in just the right places. Damn. The woman looked absolutely incredible, making it impossible for me to keep my focus on the task at hand. When she started walking out of the room, I followed behind her. Once we were in the bedroom, I quickly locked the door behind us and smiled as I went over to the dresser where she was putting on her earrings. I slipped my arms around her waist and pulled her close as I started kissing along the curves of her neck.
“Beckett!” Alyssa fussed. “What are you doing?”
“I’m kissing you.”
“Ummm, I see that.” She turned around to face me as she said, “I’ve got to finish getting ready.”
“You still have plenty of time to get ready, babe. This won’t take long.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“What can I say? I just can’t help myself.” I put one of my hands behind her neck as I pressed my mouth against hers. Her lips parted in surprise as I backed her up against the bedroom wall. I ran my tongue across her open lips before delving deep into her mouth. The kiss was urgent, full of need and uncontrollable want, and all her little whimpers and moans spurred me on even more. She gasped into my mouth when my hands grabbed her ass, pulling her hips closer to mine. A light hiss slipped through her lips when she felt my throbbing cock pressing against her. I lowered my mouth to her shoulder, trailing kisses along the curve of her neck as I whispered, “You’re just too damn beautiful.”
“Beckett,” she breathed as she glanced over at the door.
“Don’t worry. Your mother has JT,” I assured her between kisses. “And it’ll be at least a half hour before we have to leave.”
“But I still need to put on my makeup and fix my hair.” She placed her hands on my chest, pushing me back as she scolded, “And we’re about to take our son to his christening ... at a church ... with a preacher and bibles and holy water and—”
“I’ve been to church, freckles. Know all about it.” Smiling, I lowered my mouth to her ear as I whispered, “There’s no sin in making love to my wife.”
A few weeks ago, Alyssa and I had taken JT up to Gatlinburg, and with Landry and Hyde by our side, we said our vows. Alyssa and JT officially took my last name, making it known to everyone around that they were mine.
I began kissing her once again, and it didn’t take long for all of her inhibitions to fall away and her desire to take over. She reached for my t-shirt until I pulled it over my head and tossed it to the floor.
I couldn’t help but smile as she lifted her arms and waited for me to make my next move. I slipped my hands around her back, quickly unfastening the clasp of her dress before carefully lifting it over her head.
I let my hands roam over her bare skin, only stopping when I reached her full, round breasts. My fingers slipped inside the cups of her bra, pulling her breasts free. She licked her lips in anticipation as I took a step back, my eyes devouring every inch of her as she squirmed from the heat of my stare. A low growl rumbled in my throat as my hands ran up Alyssa’s back and unhooked her bra. Her fingers gripped my shoulders when I lowered my head to her nipple and surrounded the sensitive flesh with my lips, nipping and sucking with just enough pressure. Her breath quickened as I moved to her other breast, and I couldn’t take it a moment longer. I had to have her.
A rush of anticipation surged through me as I placed my palms on her outer thighs and slowly eased them up to her waist, hooking my thumbs in the band of her lace panties. Goosebumps prickled across her skin as I slowly dragged them down to her ankles. I eagerly watched as she stepped out of them with an inviting look on her face. My hands flew to her waist, and she gasped as I spun her to face the wall and pinned her wrists above her head. With my free hand, I took a hold of her hair, twirled the length around my hand, and gently tugged it as I whispered, “You have no idea what you do to me.”
She bit her lip as she looked back at me over her shoulder, leaning slightly forward, just begging my fingertips to trail up the inside of her thigh. My hand slowly slid across her silky skin toward the wet heat, and her breath caught as my fingers drifted against her center, circling her sensitive clit. “Beckett!”
“That’s it, baby.”
I dropped my free hand to the buckle of my jeans, and Alyssa groaned with need as I continued to torment her with my fingers. Even though I knew the door was locked and her mother was in the nursery with JT, there was an added bit of excitement at the thought of getting caught. I quickly lowered my jeans and freed my throbbing erection before adjusting my grip on her wrists. I took a step towards her, sliding my hard, thick cock between her legs. She moaned passionately as she rocked her hips, gliding me against her center. I lowered myself between us, spreading her thighs, and positioned my cock at her entrance before thrusting inside with one hard, smooth stroke.
A growl escaped my lips as her body clenched down around me, her head falling back as she gasped in pleasure. I moved with slow, deliberate motions and relished the feeling of being buried deep inside her. I reached up, cupping her full breasts in my hands as I started to increase my pace, rolling my hips in a firm, steady rhythm while Alyssa desperately grasped at the wall.
I could feel her entire body start to tremble as I began thrusting into her over and over again. Her breathing became ragged as her climax approached. I lowered my hand between her legs, and a deep moan vibrated through her chest as I used the pad of my thumb to massage her clit. The rhythmic pressure overwhelmed her, sending her over the edge, as she cried, “Don’t stop!”
The waves of her orgasm had her body clamping down on my cock like a fucking vise, making it impossible to hold back. I could feel it building inside of me as I continued to drive inside her. Her muffled groans of ecstasy echoed in my ear as I lowered my mouth to her shoulder, lightly biting her as I finally came deep inside of her. “Damn ... Gets better every fucking time.”
“That it does.” She turned to face me and slipped her arms around my neck. “Totally worth being a few minutes late.”
“Glad you agree.” I leaned down and kissed her briefly before saying, “You keep tempting me like this, then I’m gonna have to hit the gym.”
“Oh, really? And why’s that?”
“Only way I’m gonna be able to keep up.”
“Yeah, right.” She shook her head and started towards the bathroom. “If anyone needs to hit the gym, it’s me. You’re looking all hot and buff, while I’m still carrying around this extra baby weight.”
“You’re kidding me, right?” I zipped up my jeans as I walked into the bathroom. “You’re fucking hot, and I happen to love every fucking inch of you.”
She looked over at me with a bashful smile. “You’re too sweet, Beckett.”
“Hey, don’t say that too loud,” I fussed. “I have a reputation to uphold.”
“Oh, yeah.” She shook her head and laughed. “I forgot about that. I’ll be sure to keep it under wraps.”
We both got cleaned up and dressed, then gathered up JT along with everything we’d need and headed to the church. When we pulled up, I saw that most of my brothers had already arrived and were waiting for us inside. I was helping Alyssa get JT out of the car when Gus and Moose walked up. Gus was all smiles as he said, “Congratulations on your big day.”
“Thanks, Prez.” It was good to see that Gus was back to his old self. He was finally done with therapy, and his scars were fading more and more each day. While Moose had done a great job filling in for him, all the brothers were pleased that Gus was back where he belonged—leading Satan’s Fury the way he always had. “We appreciate y’all coming out to be with us.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” Moose and Gus both gave Alyssa and me a hug, then Gus looked over to me and said, “Glad things worked out for you, brother. Nobody d
eserves it more.”
“Thanks, brother. That means a lot coming from you.”
“Wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true.” Gus motioned his hand towards the church. “We best not keep ’em waiting.”
“We’ll be right in.”
When Gus and Moose turned to leave, Alyssa and I grabbed the rest of JT’s things, then headed inside to join the others. I had to admit, seeing all of my brothers sitting in that church wearing their cuts and sporting all their tattoos was a sight to behold. I could only imagine what the preacher was thinking as he stepped up to the pulpit. As we made our way further up the aisle, my brothers each greeted us, giving their congratulations and wishing us well, and as soon as we reached the front, Hyde and Landry came up to join us.
Once we were all in position, the preacher wasted no time getting started with the ceremony. As I listened to him welcome our family and friends, I looked over to Alyssa and JT and couldn’t have been more proud. For so long, my brothers were all I had, and I’d always thought they were enough. But now, looking at my wife and son, I realized just what I’d been missing. With them and my brothers at my side, I finally had everything a man could ever want.
The End
Acknowledgments
I am blessed to have so many wonderful people who are willing to give their time and effort to making my books the best they can be. Without them, I wouldn’t’t be able to breathe life into my characters and share their stories with you. To the people I’ve listed below and so many others, I want to say thank you for taking this journey with me. Your support means the world to me, and I truly mean it when I say appreciate everything you do. I love you all!
PA: Natalie Weston
Editing/Proofing: Lisa Cullinan-Editor, Rose Holub-Proofer, Honey Palomino-Proofer
Promoting: Amy Jones, Veronica Ines Garcia, Neringa Neringiukas, Whynter M. Raven