He nodded, watching me go, still standing sentry on our front porch as I went back inside.
****
Grandpa! Grandma!” Riley hollered, racing for Thorn and Roxy as they walked through our door that evening.
“Baby, slow down.” I chuckled as I balanced Margo on my hip.
“Give me that sweet baby.” Roxy beamed, reaching out to take her granddaughter. Roxy was the definition of a doting grandmother and came up often to visit and to help with the girls.
The girls and I made the drive to Vegas when we could to visit them, though Cash traveled there much more frequently, helping Thorn with club business when he needed it.
I handed her over, smiling as she deftly balanced Margo while listening to Riley fire off details about her day. “Thank you for coming,” I murmured. Getting out for a date night was something we tried to do when we could.
“Are you kidding?” Thorn snorted affectionately. “This one’s been looking forward to it all month.” He hooked a finger toward his wife.
“And you weren’t up at five wanting to get on the road?” Roxy fired back with a grin.
“Only five?” Cash lifted a brow as he walked in to the room, looking delicious in black Levi’s and a white tee.
Roxy smacked him on the arm as he wrapped an arm around her, kissing the side of her head.
His eyes turned to mine, taking in the leather jacket and tight pants I wore with obvious appreciation. “You ready?”
I nodded, momentarily at loss for words at the hungry rasp of his voice as he wrapped his hand around mine and towed me out to the bike.
“Where’s your head at?” he asked quietly. It was hours later, after a delicious meal in town, and we’d ridden to one of the beautiful overlooks on the outskirts of town.
I turned to him as we sat side by side next to his bike. “About my brother? I’m good.” At his skeptical look, I continued. “I didn’t realize I needed that closure until today. I needed to say those things to him. And on some level, regardless of if he cares or not, I needed him to see that we’re good. That Riley has the family she deserves. She has the father she deserves,” I finished as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer. “And I’m not worried about him coming back. Somehow I know that won’t happen.” I shrugged.
“He’s not coming back.” Cash’s reply was final. At my questioning look, he sighed and continued. “I have strings, you know this. I just hadn’t pulled them until he overstepped. Soon as he left, he had the Highway Patrol on his ass within a mile of our house. Between the DUI and what they found in his car, he’s locked up and he’ll likely stay that way. If he doesn’t, I’ll take other measures. Either way, it’s dealt with.”
“Good,” I replied without regret.
He looked out at the skyline, looking lost in thought.
“You know, when Riley was left with me, I honestly wasn’t sure what the future held. I knew I would take care of her. That I loved her and I’d do the best I could. But I honestly wasn’t sure what happiness beyond her would ever look like. Then came you.”
He looked over at me, his eyes shining with the love I’d never tire of having envelop me. Any distraction over my brother was gone in that moment, and it was again as it should be, only us.
“You’ve given us more than I could have ever imagined. Having someone to share the beauty that is Riley, of growing our family with Margo. I could have never imagined I’d be so lucky,” I rasped. “When my nan left me the house, I can only think she’d hoped as much. Hell, maybe she planned it.” I laughed. I wouldn’t put it past her to matchmake beyond the grave. “But I figured I’d give you something more.” I smiled.
He nuzzled my ear. “Baby, there’s nothing you could give me that would make me any happier, except….” He pulled back as realization sunk in. “Wait.”
I laughed, nodding at his unspoken question.
“Holy shit, you’re pregnant?” he demanded, cupping my face in his hands.
“Just found out this morning,” I confirmed.
He took my mouth in a passionate kiss, only pausing to demand, “Do you feel okay? When is the first appointment?”
I placed my hands on his wrists, squeezing gently. “I just found out, honey. But I feel fine.”
He pressed his forehead to mine. “Another baby,” he breathed. “I need to get to work on that guest room.”
“Good thing we have room.” I grinned.
“Good thing,” he agreed, his hand moving to my flat belly. “Christ, you’ve given me a life I didn’t even know I’d dreamed about. I love you, baby.”