Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 88895 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88895 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
The object is transferred into my possession as I usher her into the house. “This hall, first door on the left.”
Joey squeaks her thanks and scurries off to do what I’ve learned pregnant women do all the time, especially when they’re this close to popping.
Pee.
Curiosity cross-checks me right in the face to check out the bag’s contents but considering that she said it was job related stops me from actually exploring.
She used to be a nanny – one of the best according to the Slayers – and now does something with early childhood education.
What exactly?
Don’t know.
Don’t understand.
Don’t have to understand because I don’t have kids.
Or nieces.
Or nephews.
An unexpected puck-sized uncertainty plummets into the pit of my stomach.
Do I even want kids some day?
Do I have to know that now?
Is there something wrong with not wanting them?
Is there something wrong with not having even considered the notion prior to this moment?
Shit.
Is this something Tanner and I should’ve talked about?!
I mean…yeah no.
I’m on birth control.
I’ve clearly got a plan in place at the moment to help faceoff against unplanned preggers but like in the long run of shit…I don’t know.
And I don’t know how he feels.
And I don’t know if I’m supposed to know either.
Maybe I should make it a random question for this docu?
Be sneaky about getting the info instead of an awkward convo that will undoubtedly ruin whatever wings or crockpot concoction he’s whipped up.
Although, he used the new cookware set I got him for Christmas to make us grilled chicken pesto pasta salad, and I gotta give him the dub.
That shit was probably better than anything we’ve had out of the cauldron – minus his father’s chicken tortilla soup.
It’s embarrassing how much I’ve bragged about that shit.
Joey joyfully pops out of the bathroom the same way she popped into it yet frowns when she spots me and Bear simply waiting for her. “Why aren’t you changing?”
“What?”
“The drive back into downtown Dalvegan is gonna be such a bitch that we don’t really have time to waste.”
“Why would I be going back into downtown?”
“For the event.”
“What event?”
“The roped off rooftop one for the team.”
“Yeah, I’m not needed for that.” I struggle to keep my tone from displaying disappointment. “It’s like the one day of the year the Slayers are responsible for all soc’ shit.”
“Right. And as a Slayer – particularly one that’s in town – you should be present, hence why I’m here bringing you that and transporting you there.”
Panic swiftly pierces my expression. “I’m not-”
“Don’t.” Joey holds up a very firm finger in front of her. “Use your truth words or no words.”
Furrowing my brow mindlessly occurs.
“Truth is tied to trust, and if you can’t tell the truth, you can’t be trusted, and if you can’t be trusted, you can’t be part of this family. And I don’t mean the one with the boys, I mean the one that consists of those of us that are there for them.”
“The Slayers…”
“Exactly. And it’s my job, as Cap’s wife, as ‘head Slayer’ – a term I don’t even really like – is to provide the assist for all of you and do what I can to make it easier for you all to be there for them, which sometimes means arranging events like the fighting cancer beaded bracelet giveaway for the foundation – I know you were the one who made Snowman’s – and the Christmas cookie decorating thing we did with the hatchlings – I know he brought you home the one that Bella made with his number on it – and outings like tonight’s NYE rooftop celebration – which is becoming the new standard tradition so you better just mark your calendar for next year now.”
She really is a remarkable woman.
From organizing family events to charity events to simply providing advice when others would simply let you take the hit, Cap’s woman is top cheddar.
Even if I’m not in a position to openly appreciate it.
“Joey-”
“I’m aware of the no fraternization policy; however, I’m also very aware, you and Snowman are very together and as much as it upsets my growly husband, it upsets him more to see his second in command sulking.”
I loathe the girly tone that taints my voice. “He’s sulking?”
“He keeps sulking.” The corners of her lips curl slightly upward. “And he thinks no one notices, but we do. Anytime the Slayers are around the boys, he always gets the same look in his eyes. He wishes you could be there for him like that instead of for work like you are.”
“You…” my teeth steal a tiny bite of my bottom lip, “can…see that?”
“We can all see it,” she giggles on a shake of her head. “And we all agree to not say anything to the GM. ”
“And if she asks?”
“Truth words or no words, remember?” An impish smirk slides into place. “I’ll choose no words.”