by Lucia Grace
Tracey backhands him in the stomach at his swearing. “Seriously? Do you want her first word to be a dang curse?” she huffs out.
“Sorry, sweetheart.” He kisses her again. Not as long as before, but he gets his point across and serves his purpose. Tracey is now breathless and blushing. Again.
“It’s okay, Kase. Just support her head,” Em encourages as she hands over the precious little life my best friend will slaughter me over if I so much as hurt a dark curl on her full head of hair.
Em softly places Hadley in my arms. Her little head cushioned into the crook of my elbow. Her little body only half the length of my forearm. I hear a sniffle and look up from the sleeping baby to see my wife holding back tears. “This looks good on you,” she says quietly, as she leans in to get a closer look at Hadley in my arms.
I look down again, and the feeling I had earlier, when looking at Em holding this little bundle, intensifies from both her comment and the feel of the baby in my arms.
This. This is what we need. Ember and me. A little bit of both of us wrapped into everything fucking perfect and good in this world. Boy or girl. It doesn’t matter. But this is what I want. Ember in that hospital bed, me by her side while she brings the life we created into the world. Ember home, raising our child; children if she wants more and I’m lucky enough to give them to her. Me providing for my family, our family.
We’ve been married for more than three years now and with each passing day I’ve had this feeling in my gut that I was ready. But with what happened with KJ and not being around, I didn’t want to bring up old wounds for Ember. But now, now I can’t wait anymore. It’s something we need to discuss and fast. If she decided she didn’t want to try for another, I’d be upset but I’d get over it, because Ember is more than enough for me in this life. And any that follow. But this right here, a baby in my arms, our baby in my arms, would just make everything right.
I look back up to Ember, hearing Tracey and Damon having a quiet conversation, giving her a heated and fierce look I know she can feel to her bones. “Why don’t we get out of here and let them rest?”
“That’s probably a good idea.” She swallows after replying. Nodding her head.
I gingerly stand up from my seat next to Em and slowly walk to the corner of the room where Tracey lies in her hospital bed and Dame sits next to her. Almost lying with her. He stands when he sees my intention, and just as carefully as I hand her over, he takes Hadley from my arms.
“She really is beautiful, you guys. So precious,” Em tells them again. I wrap my arm around her waist, dragging her snug into my side as we watch Damon curl his daughter to his chest. My own getting tight at the thought of wanting the same thing.
“She is. Good thing she looks like Tracey and not your ugly mug,” I joke and Damon just glares. The girls laugh, knowing I’m only riling him up. “Or maybe that isn’t such a good thing…ya know? Since she’ll have the guys after her.” His glare turns lethal at that reminder. I just smile like the asshole I can be as the girls laugh a bit harder.
“Then it’s a damn good thing I’m trained on how to handle a gun and my fists then,” he growls out. Lighthearted Damon from earlier gone out the window now as he hands Hadley over to Tracey.
“We’ll just leave you three to it. Let you get some rest,” Em cuts in so Dame doesn’t kill me. I just keep smiling as I follow her in saying good-bye to Tracey, kissing her cheek then Hadley’s, all while dodging Damon’s balled fists.
I pat his shoulder after my wife softens him up with a hug and a kiss to his cheek. “You did good, man.” He nods his head as I bring him in for a guy hug and then we’re out the door. Ember’s small arm around my waist, my much larger one around her shoulders.
I kiss the top of her head as we walk down the hallway, my mind running rampant on how I’m going to broach the subject of kids with her without upsetting her.
Kayson helps me climb into the passenger seat of his jacked up truck. One large hand spanning my hip while the other holds my ass up. He squeezes before I’m seated and I squeal out a giggle. Swatting his hand away, I catch sight of his smirk and that damn dimple as I try to glare at him.
Sigh. That damn dimpled smirk.
My mock glare gives way to what I’m sure is a goofy smile as he slams the door shut and walks around the front of his truck. My nerves from seeing baby Hadley intensified as we made our way back to the truck. Now, surrounded by silence, they are all-consuming. And my butt isn’t being grabbed.
“You okay, baby?” Kayson’s concerned voice breaks me from my thoughts. I didn’t even realize he’d climbed in and started the truck. The deep rumble vibrating through me just registering.
“Yeah. Yeah, I’m good, babe.” I try to play it off. My nerves growing even more.
“I didn’t buy it before, but now I really don’t, baby. Not with you nibbling on this thumb of yours,” he replies. Grabbing my hand and kissing the back of it.
We drive in silence for a few minutes while I gather my thoughts. Trying to figure out how I’m going to bring this up.
I clear my throat and squeeze his hand that’s clasped with mine in his lap. “Hadley’s beautiful, isn’t she?”
Kayson looks over at me quickly before focusing back on the road ahead. He slows down a bit, puts on his blinker, then takes the turn down our street before answering. “Sure is.” He smirks. “Damon is so fucked.”
A chuckle rumbles past his lips and I sigh. Because nothing makes me happier than seeing my husband smile and laugh.
“That’s what has you so upset? The baby?” Kayson’s tone is full of confusion.
My eyes widen before I reply, “Of course not. I’m so happy for them. They deserve that kind of love.”
It’s silent again before Kayson speaks up. “We deserve that kind of love, too, baby.”
My heart explodes with hope as I look over at him across the bench seat. He’s pulling into the driveway and sliding the truck into park. Then leans back in his seat and looks over to me.
I breathe a deep breath before I admit, “I want that kind of love.”
He blows out a breath and my tears start building. Oh God, he isn’t ready yet. Then he’s smiling and my tears are falling because he’s grabbed my face and— “Fuck, baby, you have no idea how glad I am that you want kids now.”
A hiccupped giggle rushes out of me before his lips are on mine. Devouring me right here in the cab of his truck. “Yeah?” I ask when he releases my lips for much needed air.
“So much yeah.” But then his smirk slowly drops. “I just wasn’t sure if you’d be ready, considering…” He lets his words taper off, letting his meaning hang in the air.
KJ.
My heart hurts for a split second, but then the love I feel for this man, and the love he feels for me, invades every part of my soul. “Nothing would make me happier than having another baby with you, Kayson.”
He hears the absolutely certainty in my voice and his eyes light with determination and excitement.
“Then let’s fucking do it. I’m ready,” he exclaims. Punctuating it with another kiss.
“You are? You do? Want to start trying for a baby right now, I mean?” His forehead rests against mine now. His steel gray eyes more blue than gray.
“I didn’t take you for the public sex type, baby. And I really don’t want anyone else seeing what’s mine, but I can never say no to you. So if you want to start now, who am I to deny you?” He smirks again.
I smack his shoulder as my happy tears keep falling. “Not literally right now. I just meant soon.” I can’t help but giggle through my giddiness. I was so afraid he’d shoot me down, tell me he wasn’t ready yet. If ever. But he just made me the happiest woman in the world, yet again.
“I say right now is as good a time as any, baby.” He smirks. Flashes his dimple. And my damn heart is falling all over itself from that one look.
Then before I know what’s happening he’s opening his door, dragging me along the bench seat, t
hen pulling me out of the truck behind him. Before my feet can hit the ground, his shoulder is in my tummy and he’s toppling me over in a fireman’s hold.
I shriek. “Kayson, what the hell are you doing?”
“I said now was as good a time as any, didn’t I?” he replies. Slapping my ass as his feet eat up the pathway.
“But I need to get off the pill first,” I reply through a laugh.
“Well, we can practice,” is his rushed response. I just shake my head.
He’s at the front door, unlocking it, then setting me on my feet and slamming me up against the inside wall before I know it.
Bending slightly, his lips crash down on mine. Hot and wet and so good. Large hands roam over my body and strip me bare in no time.
Stepping back, Kayson eyes his handiwork then starts stripping himself. Not letting me have any of the fun. I pout. “Oh, don’t you worry, baby. I’ll have you screaming in no time.”
He grasps the back of my thighs as he kisses my gasped moan. Then he lifts. My legs automatically wrapping around his lean waist.
Ripping his mouth from mine, he groans. “Fuck, baby. I can feel the heat from your pussy rubbing against my stomach. I need in.”
He drops his fingers to the lips of my sex, spreading me wide, before thrusting two fingers in as I run my fingers through his thick, dark hair. Piercing gray eyes stare intently into mine as he works his fingers, bringing me higher and higher. Leaning in, he places a gentle kiss against my lips through panting breaths. “I love you,” he whispers.
My heart melts into a puddle of goo as a sudden orgasm shocks my system when he pinches my clit. I gasp and moan and whimper through it. My face pressed into the slick skin of his neck.
Before I can say anything, he grabs hold of his heavy erection then thrusts up into me. I throw my head back in ecstasy at the exquisite feeling of being filled by him gives me. It never fails. Not ever.
A growl rips from his chest. “God fucking damn it. Nothing ever feels as good as this. Not one fucking thing.”
My back scrapes along the wall as he pistons his hips into me. Hitting deeper and deeper with each thrust.
“Kayson,” I moan out long and loud.
“I’ve got you, baby.” Then he’s rolling my clit beneath his thumb in tight, quick circles. Applying the perfect amount of pressure.
Within seconds I’m exploding around his shaft, squeezing and convulsing and quivering right there in his arms. The force of my orgasm takes him over with me.
As he groans through his release, he drops his head to my shoulder and braces us against the wall with one arm.
“That’s some damn good practice.” I can hear the smirk in his voice as he leans his head on my shoulder. Chest heaving. One hand gripping my ass, his big body caging me in.
I giggle and try to catch my breath.
“A few more rounds like that and I know for certain you’ll be carrying our baby in no time.” His words light up my entire world. Then a warm smile lifts my lips when I think about being pregnant again.
“I love you, too,” I finally whisper back. He lifts his head. Nothing but love and want and need swirling in the gray depths.
Then he speaks and has my heart melting for the millionth time that day. Solidifying why he’s my forever and always kind of love. “Forever falling, baby.”
To the love of my life. Thank you, baby. Thank you for supporting me through this crazy dream of mine. For loving me even when I make it impossible to do so. For keeping me afloat when I feel like I’m sinking. For making me laugh when I need it most, for always choosing me, and for living this rollercoaster ride called life with me. I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side. I’ll always choose you. I love you, Bunny. The forever and always kind. LOVE.
To my momma. You’re my biggest cheerleader and my biggest fan. I’d be lost without your love and support. I don’t tell you nearly enough, but thank you for all you do for me. You’re my best friend and my greatest inspiration. I love you!
To my family. You’re my backbone. Thank you for always being there, for the millions of laughs, and for loving me unconditionally. I love you all with my whole heart and soul.
Megan, my fabulous editor. Thank you for making my words shine so bright and for helping me make my dreams come true! I know I can be a handful and all over the place at times, but you take it all in stride. Thank you! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. Love you! XO
To T, my Ace. BOOK TWO! Can you believe it?! I sure as hell can’t! But I do know that none of this would be possible without you. None of it. From day one you believed in me, told me to take this dream of mine and make it a reality. So I did, and I am, and I can’t thank you enough for coming along for this crazy ride with me. I hope Damon has lived up to all that you hoped he would be. He sure loves his ace of hearts a whole lot ;) Biggest, sweetness. Always we.
To my Babycakes. What would I do without you? You are by far one of the most important people in my life. You believe in me. You support me. You encourage me. You make time for me even when you don’t have the time to give, but you somehow find some for me, and you’ll never know how much that means to me. Thank you for all your support, for all your help and advice, but most importantly, thank you for being my friend. A best friend. You’re one of the best things to ever happen to me and you have one of the kindest hearts and warmest souls of anyone I know. Thank you, Babycakes. I couldn’t do this without you. I love you, more than the moon and the stars.
To Cookie. You keep me laughing and smiling unlike any other with your sass and wit. You may be feisty, but you have such an amazing heart. I love you, girl. Thank you for always standing by me and believing in me.
To Bambi. Your beta skills are off the chain! Thank you for scouring my words and taking so much time to talk things out and give me feedback. And you never hesitate to help me out and encourage me. You and your friendship mean more to me than you could ever know. Love you, love bug!
To Trish, the sweetest thing that side of the Mississippi. I’m so thankful we connected and struck up this amazing friendship to last a lifetime. You bring me laughs and joy in heaps and I’m so, so thankful for you. Your excitement over my words warms my heart and your support means so much! You’re my people, girl. And I love you loads!
To Chlo. Girlie, thank you! I don’t think anyone reads my words like you do. Your enthusiasm is unrivaled and your support is unwavering. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. I really couldn’t. More times than not you’re talking me off a ledge and reminding me that I can do this. Thank you! I love the bones of you ;) xx
To Bernie. Thank you for joining this crazy ride with me! Your beta skills are amazing and your support means more than you could ever know. I love your face!
To Buttercup. My other half. I don’t even know where to begin. I love you, boo. So much. The MOST. Thank you for supporting me and always believing in me, even when I don’t believe in myself. You always stand by me, you always encourage me, and you always, always, accept me. No matter what. You just get me, girl, and I’m so thankful for you and your friendship. More than you’ll ever know. XOXO
To Cali Boo, my California Dream, the Sam to my Hunt. I love you the maniest of all the manies in all the land! LOL. For reals though, I hold you and our friendship near and dear to my heart. Our daily chats brighten each day and I’m lucky to count you as a great friend. Thank you for being you and for believing in me. Love you, chickie!
To my British Bombshell. My Soul Sistah. I absolutely adore you. One of the best things about this book world is YOU. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for being you, because you are fucking amazing. You give me hope in this mad world, babe. Your courage and resilience are my inspiration. Fuck the oceans. Soul mates and sisters from other misters. I love you. Mostest, baby.
To Eshia Baby. You rock my world. Thank you for your brutal honesty, for all your support, and for the endless laughs we share. Your friendship is one o
f the highlights of my life, baby love. You’re bacon me crazy. LOL. Love you!
To Tillie. Your words still speak to my soul unlike any other and your friendship warms my heart. Thank you for your support and advice. I’d be lost without you. I love you to bits, Bitty!
To Crys. Your belief in me is unwavering. Thank you! Your pep talks always lift me up and your support means more than you could ever know. I hope this year is full of more love than you could ever know what to do with. I love you, doll!
To Rach. You’re one of the reasons I’m able to say I’m publishing my second book. You believed in me from the very start—before a book was even penned. You told me to follow me heart and that’s what I’m doing. Thank you for the support and for your friendship; they mean so much. I love you bunches, Pumpkin!
To GiGi. Thank you for taking time last minute to be another set of eyes I needed. I appreciate it so much. I’m so lucky that you took the time to read Damon and Tracey’s story, but I’m even luckier to call you my friend! Love ya, girl!
To my Lovelies. Girls, thank you so much for sharing in my joys. For getting so excited when I share any news, from teasers to excerpts to mundane things. For sharing my cover reveal and any of my posts. And thank you for being so damn excited, but patiently waiting for Damon and Ace’s story. It truly means so much. You all mean so much. Thank you, lovelies, for being my safe place. Your support is more appreciated than you could ever know. <3
And finally, to the readers, thank you for taking yet another chance on me and my words. My dreams truly wouldn’t be possible without you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
Lucia Grace is an avid reader and a romantic at heart. Her love for reading is what sparked her determination to put pen to paper and follow her dreams. When she isn’t getting lost between the pages of her favorite books, or cheering on her favorite sports teams, she can be found spending time with her family and furbabies.