Page 132 of Roses and Skulls

“And the cherry on top, a new grandbaby,” William adds, kissing me on the cheek.

Elijah clears his throat. “Um, hello, what about me? Don’t I get any love? I mean, I know she’s carrying the baby and all, but it did take my amazing little spermies to get in there.”

This is his way of letting everyone know that this baby is one hundred percent his. There will be no discussion of it being any other way. He has established himself as our protector and I love him all the more for it.

My mom rushes over to him, wrapping him up and pressing kisses all over his cheeks, exaggeratedly.

He pushes her away playfully. “Ugh, okay, okay, I’ve had enough love.”

She purses her lips, and we all laugh, everyone except the grumpy looking asshole standing next to us. My dad stomps forward, his boots thudding across the floor and then he stops directly in front of Elijah. I watch as my fiancé braces for a punch but then my dad hugs him.

Hugs him.

And then he whispers something in Elijah’s ear that makes him tear up. My dad pats him on the back a little harder than normal, gives his shoulder a squeeze before walking away.

My mom and Penny chat happily about all things baby as they clear the table and William follows my dad out to the patio with two glasses and a bottle from the top shelf.

“What did he say to you?” I ask, taking his hand and pulling him down into our seats.

Elijah presses his thumbs to the corner of his eyes. Shaking his head, unable to speak.

“Please tell me,” I beg, hoping that my father did not just crush the man I love.

His hand falls from his face and he stares at me with red rimmed eyes. “He told me I’m a good man and that he will be proud to be my father-in-law at home and my brother on the road. He told me he would forever be in my debt,” Elijah half laughs and cries. “And then he added that he will kill me if I ever hurt either of you.”

I try to stifle a giggle with a hand to my mouth, but I can’t hold it in. A chuckle bursts out of my mouth. Our mother’s both turn and smile. “Of course, he couldn’t just leave it on the upbeat.”

Elijah grabs my hand. “Don’t blame him. I think I understand the man a whole lot better now.” He stares at my stomach. “In fact, I feel a whole lot better knowing he’ll have my back if anyone ever hurts our child.”

Our child.

Never once has this man faltered.

The night remains an upbeat and happy one. After everyone retires for the evening, I ask Elijah to drive me over to Dan’s.

On the way, I tell Elijah about the day I asked Dan to take me to the pharmacy.

“You should have come to me, Rosie. I would have helped you get through it.”

I stare at the dashboard lights. “I was scared, Elijah. Everything happened so fast, and I was confused. Dan has always been more than an uncle to me, he’s been my friend.”

His gaze bounces between the road and me. He raises our entwined hands and kisses the back of my hand. “I’m glad you had him. He is one hell of man.”

“And that’s why I need to tell him before everyone else learns about it at the party tomorrow. I owe him that.”

“Do you want me to go up with you?”

I shake my head and reach for the handle as the car rolls to a stop. “I won’t be long.”

He dips his head. “I’m not going anywhere.”

My hand trembles as I knock on the door. There is a light on upstairs, so I know someone must be awake. Dan swings the door open and when he sees me, he scoops me off my feet and carries me into the house. “You made it home!” he says excitedly.

“Yeah,” I smooth my shirt as he sets me down in the middle of the living room.

Dan’s eyes bounce over me, as if he can’t believe I’m really here. “Shit, I’ll go wake the rest of the fam. Everyone went to bed early, excited for the party tomorrow.” He makes a beeline to the stairs.

“I came here just to talk to you, uncle.”

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