Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 130512 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 653(@200wpm)___ 522(@250wpm)___ 435(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 130512 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 653(@200wpm)___ 522(@250wpm)___ 435(@300wpm)
Logan intercepted her first, giving her a kiss on the cheek and saying something into her ear before throwing me a wink. He was almost skipping out the door. Like me, violence was in his blood.
Sam finished her walk toward me and glanced at the group of guys now lingering on the sidewalk. “You found her?”
“We know where she is.”
Her eyebrows pinched together. “What does that mean?”
“They took her to an underground fighting ring.” I didn’t mince words. This would give Sam time to decide on the best punishment. Maddy was allowed to hang out with friends, but she was never, under no circumstances, allowed to turn her phone off. And she always had to notify us where she was. She’d broken three rules—the last was roping Max in with her. Because even though Broudou hadn’t mentioned him, I was a hundred-percent certain he was with her and she’d gotten him to turn his phone off too.
Our girl was going to be grounded.
The blood drained from Sam’s face, and her eyes widened.
Maddy earned a strike for putting that look on her mother’s face. I was tempted to take a picture so I could show Maddy later. It would haunt her.
She chewed on her top lip. “Okay. Be safe. Bring her back. Don’t kill anyone, hmm?”
I cupped Sam’s elbow and stepped in, kissing her forehead before flashing her a grin. “It’s like you don’t know me. Telling me to be safe.” I was teasing.
She caught my hand as I began to pull away and gave me a mock glare. “I do know you so do I need to repeat what I just said?”
I gave her another kiss before giving her a smirk. “Don’t worry. No heads will literally roll, and I’ll collect our daughter. You can start thinking how to make her next two weeks hell. That should be fun.”
She growled as her eyes flashed. A hint of a grin lifted up the side of her mouth. “I love my daughter, but you’re right. Instead of worrying about her, I’ll channel that into brainstorming. Heather will help.”
I winced, now almost feeling sorry for my daughter, but no. I remembered the look on Sam’s face only a moment ago. Maddy knew not to turn her phone off. She needed to regret that decision.
I headed out, and Logan fell in step with me. Just as I opened the door, Malinda called our names. She was weaving through the tables, coming our way.
I moved to the sidewalk. Logan was beside me.
Malinda joined us.
The others waited to the side.
I started to ask her what was up, but Malinda shook her head. Tears filled her eyes and she opened her arms. Stepping to us, she pulled both of us in for a hug at the same time. “Nothing. I’m not here for anything. Just—I love you boys. Men. You’ve both grown into remarkable men. You take good care of your wives and I’m proud of you. I wanted to tell you that. When I fell in love with David, I had no idea that I’d be getting Samantha and the both of you as well.”
She tried to squeeze us close before letting go. She swiped at a tear that fell down her cheek.
Malinda stepped in as a mother to all of us, not just Samantha. We were the ones grateful for her. I opened my mouth, intending to tell her that, but the words got choked in my throat. There was a lot of repressed emotion in me at the moment. The words couldn’t come out.
She shook her head again, catching my hand and giving it a last squeeze. “You don’t have to say anything. I mean it. I just wanted a moment to let you know that I love you both. That’s all. David and I love you both. We don’t need to get anymore mushy, but just know I’m here for you. David too.”
Tenderness washed through me. I tugged Malinda in for another hug and said softly, “We know. Trust me, we’re the lucky ones here.”
“Oh.” Her hand flung out and Logan caught it.
She hugged me back, one last time, before waving us on. She was blinking, trying to stop more tears from falling, but they were already trickling down her face. She used the back of her arm to wipe at her face. “Okay. Go on. Do your thing. I need to get myself under control here.” The corner of her mouth lifted up. She gave us a wink. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on the rest for you.” She went back inside, and paused on the other side of the door for a moment. Then, her head snapped up and seeing Sammy running for her, she moved forward to sweep the little guy up.
“Damn,” Logan said quietly. “We lucked out getting her in our lives.”