Total pages in book: 174
Estimated words: 172061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 574(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 172061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 574(@300wpm)
Affection rushed and wound.
“It looks like you had a ton of fun,” I whispered as I climbed the steps with Cash ushering me up from behind.
“The best time, Mom.” Addy tipped her face up toward me. “Maci got to stay, too, but her mom and dad already came to pick her up.”
“I’m so glad.” I brushed my hand down her cheek.
Piper reached for me and pulled me into a hug. “I’m so happy for you,” she whispered in my ear.
Emotion crested, brimming to the point of breaking. I clung to her, my voice hushed, “I’m really happy, too.”
“I mean, I knew it earlier yesterday, but after that wedding kiss? There was no faking what was behind that.”
My chest buzzed with the memory. With the memory of the way it’d felt like I’d tipped over an edge into a dream.
Piper took my hand. “Come on, I want you to meet my grandmother.” She dragged me toward the woman behind her. “This is my Nelly.”
“Well, aren’t you the prettiest gift to ever walk into Cash’s life.” Nelly stepped forward with a mischievous smile, reaching out for me and giving my free hand a squeeze.
Some of that timidity tried to rise to the surface, but instead of succumbing to it, I sent Cash a flirty glance. “Cash thinks so.”
Nelly’s chuckle was low. “I bet he does.”
“Oh, I’m betting he does, too. The man looks the most relaxed I’ve seen him in years,” Theo razzed. “Not a grunt in sight.”
Only Cash gave him a warning grunt, though there was no irritation behind it. “You’re lucky I’m feeling extra affable today.”
“Ah, we know who got lucky, brother.”
I ducked my head a fraction, fighting the laughter that crawled up my throat, and I peeked over at Cash.
Maybe I was surprised to find the most adoring expression shining from his rugged face. Those hazel eyes brimming with something that had never been in them before. No denial left.
Peace swelled. This joy that I never expected when I came here wrapping me in a blanket of security.
Colin hopped over to Cash and took his hand. His little face filled with so much innocence I didn’t know what to do with myself. “Well, I guess that means you gotta be my dad now, right?”
I was sure it would be fear that held Cash’s expression when he looked over at me.
But no.
I swore he was asking me for permission as he squeezed my son’s hand.
Moisture burned at the backs of my eyes, and my throat and chest felt so full as we stood there beneath the bright summer sky gazing at each other.
The energy between us whipping and stirring. Winding and winding until there was no chance we weren’t completely one.
Tied.
Tethered.
Found.
I gave him the slightest nod.
His thick throat bobbed as he swallowed, his hand eclipsing my son’s as he finally turned to look down at him. “Yeah, Colin. That’s exactly what it means.”
FIFTY
DAISY
“Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“Did you read your text thread?” Cash asked with a telling arch of his brow. “Pretty sure there is no getting out of it.”
I glanced back at my phone that was on the bathroom counter.
Raven
Celebration tonight at Kane’s. 7 o’clock, bitches. Daisy didn’t get a party for her wedding, and as her new sisters and besties and basically her most favorite people in the world, it’s our duty to fix that.
Emery
I’m pretty sure she had the exact kind of party she wanted.
Raven
Obviously, which is why we delayed this shindig until tonight. Now she gets us and Cash. Win/win. Personally, I can’t imagine a better combination. A burly, grumbly Cash and her new amazing sisters. Pretty much all she needs, but just to be clear, there will be gifts. Lots of gifts. Get ready to be spoiled.
Raven
Wear something hot and we’ll do the rest.
Piper
Ohhh, I’ll drop off something super sexy from Ivy Threads.
Charleigh
Good call. That white dress you designed? The short one with that killer neckline? Daisy will look amazing in it, and it’s perfect for a wedding reception.
Piper
Already done.
Charleigh
Which is why I love you. Well, for a thousand reasons, but also you have superb taste. I would only be wearing pink scrubs if it wasn’t for you and Ems.
Emery
We would never allow that travesty to continue.
Raven
Just like we won’t allow the travesty of Daisy not having a wedding reception to continue. Be there, baby cakes, because really, the only rope that should be involved is for any shenanigans you and Cash might get up to.
Cash’s presence swelled over me from behind.
The man wearing jeans and a button-down with the sleeves rolled up his arms.
So handsome it made my heart ache.
He looped an arm around my waist and released a breath at the base of my neck, the scent of the woods and leather infiltrating. Enveloping me in warmth. “No chance of getting out of that. Have to say I’m pretty partial to this white dress and rope idea myself.”