Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 93683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
“She called yesterday askin’ would I take him shoppin’ for clothes and supplies when I brought him back ‘cause she’s fightin’ this chest cold that’s got her wheezin’ and feelin’ exhausted and the cold meds she’s on have her forgettin’ basic shit, and it got me thinkin’ that maybe it’d be better for her health if she didn’t have to run herself so ragged all the time trying to take care of both of ‘em. So…I said somethin’ and she said somethin’ and next thing I know we’re talkin’ about movin’ him here to be with us fulltime.”
As much as I wanna hate him for saying us instead of him, I can’t.
Because it’s not that I’m an afterthought with him.
We’re just already one in his mind.
One unit.
One team that already has the “us” mentality when it comes to decision making.
Which I adore.
I just don’t want to lose the voice I’ve been working really hard to have.
That he’s been encouraging me to have.
“And I was gonna tell you about it before makin’ anything official, Gillybean. Honest to Gloria Gaynor.”
“The issue is you telling me, Thayne.” I relinquish the mirror to grab another metal tool to finish poking at a few spots of concern. “This isn’t a tell situation. This is an ask and discuss type.”
“Except there is no discussion to have.”
At that, my face yet again cocks itself over my shoulder.
“I am gonna do whatever I gotta do to take care of my family.” His gray sweatshirt cloaked arms fold firmly over his massive chest. “Family is the one thing that’s more important to me than hockey, music, and coffee.” Unyielding passion pumps through his hazel stare. “It has – and will always – come first.”
This time it’s me that slightly shrinks underneath the weight of shame.
“Now, do I want you to help me raise the hellion whose mouth you have your fingers in? Of course. Do I think he wants that too? Yeah, though he’ll never say it.” One quick glance at Bronny reveals a less than innocent expression. “Do I think you’d be the best guardian anyone could ever ask for? Absolutely, baby.”
I thoughtlessly soften at the compliment.
“But if that’s not the journey you wanna take or feel ready to take, then that’s fine. I’ll figure shit out on my own. I’m not gonna force you into it. I would never force you into somethin’. You know that’s not the type of man I am.”
And he’s not.
Never has been.
Never will be.
Just not in his gentle giant nature.
“Of course, I wanna be there for you and Bronny,” swiftly leaves me in a sweet tone. “I just also want us to talk about things and decisions, especially ones that affect both of us and/or our relationship.” One eyebrow lifts itself higher than the other. “Fair?”
“Fair.” The corner of his lips curl upward in playfulness. “I promise not to turn you into ‘Good Hearted Woman’, aye.”
“You know that song was actually written about Tina Turner?” My prodding resumes. “Probably the only reason I know it.”
“It’s a good song,” Jukes appreciatively states. “Bittersweet.”
“Igoonnniiikkk,” interjects Bronny between pokes.
“That’s also what your teeth are screaming about,” I sassily pronounce prior to one final push on his gums. “And if you don’t make some diet adjustments, you’re gonna be back here in six months, needing a bunch of cavities filled.”
“Nohuh,” argues the teen at the same time I discard the pointy object for my final diagnostic tool. “You’re jus’ tryin’ to scare me into eatin’ better.”
“Hey, if you want me to go all Little Shop of Horrors on you, that’s your call.” Turning on the device is attached to a teasing smile he can’t see because of the mask. “Open.”
Bronny lets his nose scrunch, looking almost identical to his older brother. “What’s that thing for?”
“Gotta test your bite.”
“To make sure it’s stronger than his arf?”
“Bark,” huffs the teen.
“Not what I would call that shit on my cameras.”
Redness pierces his cheeks prompting me to regain control over the conversation. “This’ll help me test your bite force dynamics more accurately and precisely.” Carefully adjusting the device with my right hand is followed by me extending my left to wake up the computer screen. “It gives me the ability to analyze lateral movement, chewing, and the state of your teeth on a deeper level, which is what I want on your first comprehensive exam or if you’re coming in for one of the other things we do here like the moldings for your,” my hand gestures in my boyfriend’s direction, “gumshield.”
“I love it when you talk dentist to me,” he saucily winks getting me to giggle and his brother to gag.
“And now that I am talking dentist to you,” I meet his gaze one more, “when’s the last time you got fitted for a gumshield?”
“Pre-Trade.”
“That was like forever ago!”
“’In Blue Jeans’,” cheekily adds the man that undoubtedly holds my heart in his glove.