Page 68 of Dagger

Carlie settles into a chair with the other twin on her lap, laughing as he immediately tries to grab for one of the balloons. “We’re outnumbered now,” she jokes, shaking her head. “The boys are already planning their next move.”

Mason takes the baby next, his normally cool demeanor softening as he holds him. “He’s a heartbreaker already, Chloe,” he says with a grin, though there’s a hint of awe in his voice.

Jenny and Piston are next, their two-year-old daughter, Rose, toddling in front of them. Jenny scoops her up with a practiced motion and beams as she takes the baby into her arms.

“Oh, Chloe, he’s beautiful,” she says, her voice filled with warmth. Rose looks at the baby curiously before burying her face in her mom’s shoulder, suddenly shy.

Piston stands close by, his quiet presence steady as always. “Good lungs on this one,” he says with a small nod when the baby lets out a squeaky cry. “Going to be a strong one.”

Evelyn and Frank have been with us the entire time, their support unwavering through every painful contraction and moment of doubt. Evelyn sits beside me now, her hand warm on mine as she gazes at her grandson.

“You were incredible, sweetheart,” she says softly, her eyes brimming with pride. “And look at him—he’s absolutely perfect.”

Frank stands by Dagger, a hand on his shoulder as they share a rare, quiet smile. “You’ve got a good one here,” Frank says, his voice steady. “He’s lucky to have you both.”

Dagger leans down to kiss my forehead, his voice low and meant just for me. “You’re amazing, Chloe. He’s perfect—just like you.”

Tears well in my eyes as I look around the room. Sophie is still holding the baby, her excitement mixing with the quiet anticipation of her own journey into motherhood. Mason and Carlie are trying to wrangle their giggling boys, who are chasing each other around Frank’s legs. Jenny rocks Rose gently while she and Evelyn swap stories about toddlers and sleepless nights. Piston stands back, watching it all with his usual calm, while Dagger keeps his arm firmly around me, his warmth anchoring me in this moment.

Baby Steele is already surrounded by love, and I know he’s going to grow up in a world filled with laughter, strength, and the kind of family you fight to keep close. This moment—this perfect, chaotic moment—is everything.

EPILOGUE

DAGGER

The bedroom isquiet except for the soft hum of the fan and Steele’s tiny snores between us. His little body is stretched out like a starfish, one chubby hand resting on Chloe’s arm and the other flung across my chest. I don’t know how someone so small can take up so much space, but here he is, ruling the bed like a king.

Chloe shifts beside me, her head nestled into her pillow, her belly round and full with our next kid. She looks beautiful—always does—but there’s something about seeing her like this, glowing with life, that makes it impossible to look away.

Beast is sprawled out on the floor by the bed, his massive body stretched across the rug like a hairy landmine. He’s snoring too, low and rhythmic, and for a moment, I can’t help but smirk. He’s a big softy most of the time, but I’ve seen what he’s capable of. If anyone tried to hurt Steele or Chloe, they wouldn’t make it five feet before Beast turned into a nightmare.

Chloe shifts again, her eyes fluttering open, catching me staring. “You’re awake,” she murmurs, her voice still heavy with sleep.

“Couldn’t sleep,” I admit, running a hand over Steele’s soft hair.

Her gaze softens as she watches me, then shifts down to Steele, her fingers brushing over his tiny arm. “What’s on your mind?”

I take a deep breath, glancing at the ceiling for a second before turning back to her. “I bought us a house,” I say, letting the words hang in the quiet room.

Her eyes snap up to mine, widening in shock. “A house?”

I nod, shifting onto my side to face her. “Yeah. We’ve been in this rental for a few years now, and it’s been good, but with the baby coming, it’s time for something bigger. Something that’s ours.”

Chloe stares at me for a moment, her lips parted like she’s trying to figure out what to say. “You… you bought a house?”

“Yes, woman. A house,” I reply, grinning at the disbelief on her face.

Her hand comes to rest on her belly, and she looks at me like she’s trying to see if I’m serious. “When did this happen?”

“Been working on it for a while,” I tell her, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. “It’s got plenty of space for us and the kids. Big yard, fenced in. Beast will love it, and Steele can run wild without us worrying.”

She stares at me, still processing, but I can see the wheels turning. “I don’t even know what to say,” she whispers.

“How about we ride over and check it out?” I offer.

Chloe nods slowly, still looking like she’s caught in some kind of dream.

The sun is high in the sky by the time we pull up to the house. Steele’s strapped into his car seat in the back, chattering about everything he sees out the window, while Beast sits in the cargo area, his head pressed against the glass, watching everything like a hawk. Chloe’s been quiet most of the ride, her hands resting on her belly, her eyes distant.

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