Page 84 of Barron

“Daddy!” The little boy released his mother’s leg and ran to Blade, who tossed him high and caught him while he giggled ecstatically.

“What a beautiful ring.” Now free to move, Cel walked closer to Yoanni and gently picked up her left hand. “Congratulations. Have you decided on a date?”

Yoanni blushed deep red. Blade gave him a knowing glance and a nod. Barron guessed his prez remembered yesterday’s comment about shopping when he left the coffee shop.

“I proposed last night,” Barron answered Cel. “And she accepted me, but we didn’t get too far into the plans. Once her cottage is fixed up and returned to the leasing agency, we can check out a few places and maybe set a date. Right, baby?” Heremained evasive on purpose. He wasn’t ready to spill all his surprises.

“Whatever you say, Daddy.”

She kept her gaze lowered; her voice revealed simmering irritation. Fuck, she was still testy with him because he wouldn’t let her work. He’d take care of that tonight. Ten minutes staring at the corner would settle her down.

At least the smile she gave Cel was genuine.

“You know?” Yoanni glanced around the room. “I’ve only seen this part of the clubhouse. I’ve always been curious. Where do you spend most of your time?”

“Let me show you,” Cel said right away, then glanced at Blade. “Daddy, do you have Little Jerrod? I want to show Yoanni the place.”

“Of course, hun. Take her around. Show her every room.” Blade emphasized the wordroom. Barron knew he referred to the Little play area Blade had built for Cel years ago. Some of the brothers had mentioned the room as something special. He’d never seen it himself.

“I’ll take care of our baby,” Blade continued. “Barron and I have a couple of things to discuss before he joins the others.”

Cel beamed at Blade. “I love you, Daddy.” Focusing her attention on Yoanni, the much-taller Cel put an arm around her shoulders. “This place is a lot bigger than it appears from the outside. Our living quarters are to the left of Blade’s office. Come.”

“Sounds like a maze.” Yoanni allowed Cel to lead her without resisting.

“Pretty accurate statement,” Cel said. “The first time I went around the clubhouse, I almost got lost. Blade made fun of me.”

“I heard that, and I didn’t make fun of you,” Blade shouted as the two women disappeared into the connecting passageway. Cel’s distant laughter responded to his comment.

Blade picked up a transformer toy from the coffee table andhanded it to Little Jerrod, who immediately wiggled the piece in different positions and sat down on the sofa. “Take a load off.” He signaled at the recliner facing him. “The brothers can get a head start without you. They know what to do.”

“I’m so grateful for their help.” Exhaling, Barron sat. “And for Cel’s too. Yoanni lost her only friend when Emily moved in with Cutter. I have my brothers’ support and she’s missing that connection. It’s okay for her to lean on me, but she should have her own friends, especially women who think and feel like she does.”

“Cel’s pretty special. You and I can encourage their friendship. Bring her around more often. You rarely did in the past.”

“Don’t remind me. I was a real jerk. I kept her at arm’s length because I was a know-it-all. You have no idea how I regret my actions.”

“Lessons learned from the past. You’ve turned the corner in the right direction. Congratulations on your engagement. It’s about time. Does she know you’re house hunting?”

“Dude.”

Blade laughed. “They can’t hear us, and I didn’t miss the paint, ring, and house comment. The ring is on her finger, and the painting is happening as we speak. The only thing missing is the house.”

“I stopped by a couple of new developments and checked out the model homes. I also took information from a few more. I can’t wait to see her face when she realizes we’re buying a home. I’ll take her around the site once the cottage is returned to the leasing agency and she’s settled in with me.”

“How long before you’re all squared away?”

He shrugged. “If we work quickly, by tomorrow night, we can pack up the rest of her belongings, which isn’t much, and the deal is done.”

“I’m curious: why did you wait to move her things until after the cleanup?”

“Analise left a mess. I didn’t want Yoanni to see the destruction.” He shook his head. “Not a happy memory to have.”

“Makes sense. You’re on your way.” Blade nodded. “I’m happy for you both.” Little Jerrod squealed a protest. Blade calmly took the toy from the little boy, wiggled a resisting arm into place, and gave it back. Jerrod glanced at his daddy with adoring eyes.

“Thanks for watching over Yoanni. With Analise on the loose, I’m not comfortable leaving her alone in the house, and hanging out with a bunch of guys, even if they’re my MC brothers, is out of the question.” Barron glanced at his watch. “I have to go soon. Do you know how the feds figured out Killer’s location? And what happened to the cartel guys?”

“The cartel guys went underground without a trace. But the Killer situation is going to bite us in the ass. Don’t ask me how he did it. Deacon convinced Killer to meet him at one of the squares in Savannah, then he snitched the place to the feds. When I confronted him, Deacon said payback was way overdue.”

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