Page 30 of Vengeful Pawn

Waving my fingers at him, he shakes his head and gives a slight grin. As we pull out, Hadley looks at me. “You make him happy.” There is emotion in her tone. “Thank you.”

I nod in response. If I speak,myemotions will get the best of me. Hendrix has come so far since I met him. I can’t imagine how his family has felt with his struggles and being kept in the dark, for the most part.

“When we were younger, Lake and I used to climb trees like crazy. We’d go so high that the branches would become slimmer and start cracking, and the top of the tree would sway. Hendrix and Saint would get so mad.”

“Did it ever break?” My eyes shift from the road to Hadley’s amused face.

“Once, but it was a small tree, and the fall was maybe ten feet. I had a few scrapes and bruises, but Hendrix was even more vigilant after that.” She’s telling me this for a reason, so I remain silent. “He joined the military because of his insane protective instincts. I know he thinks he screwed up on that last mission. Maybe he did; he won’t share the details with me. But I know he’ll protect the four of you with every breath in his body.”

“I know that, too.” That’s never been in doubt.

“Please, just don’t break his heart.” The affection in her tone, the fear that I could ever do that, is something I struggle with as well.

Reaching over, I grip her arm as I pull into the grocery store parking lot. “I have every intention of protecting him just as fiercely.”

“Yeah, I figured as much.” She wears the grin of a girl who proved her point. “So, did we decide on dinner?”

“Well, Char and I decided on spaghetti, but with so many people, I’m thinking of just tossing it on the counter.” Three confused looks focus on me, and I laugh before explaining. “Cover the countertops with tin foil or parchment paper, toss the cooked noodles and meat sauce over it, and grab a fork! No dishes. Well, barely any.”

The girls giggle in the backseat, and there’s the widest grin on Hadley’s face. These girls are going to get me into some troubling situations with Hendrix in the future, and I won’t have a single complaint.

The more I get to know Hendrix’s family, especially the women, the more comfortable I feel about settling down in Florida instead of closer to home. It won’t take much to get a transfer for my job, especially with the outreach work I do. Now, convincing Castle and the guys that the move is the best choice for the baby and me is another story.

After our shopping is done, I’m beyond exhausted and ask Hadley to drive us home. Minutes later, I’m asleep but waking to the feeling of Hendrix’s arms around my body as he carries me inside.

“Next time, just order it to be delivered.” He kisses my head as he places me in our new bed. “Sleep, I’ll cook and come get you once it’s ready so you can do this spread the girls are so excited about.”

My eyes close before he’s finished speaking. For the first time in my adult life, I’m surrounded by people who genuinely care about us, and it feels like the family I lost out on in my youth.

“Mom, wake up.” Whispers surround me as I break free of my nap and the comfort of a warm bed. “Dinner’s ready. Dad figured out how to do the counter toss thing.” Coral’s happiness shines brightly on her young face as I reach a hand out to touch her cheek. She leans into my touch and smiles.

“I’m sorry for what happened to you girls, but I’m so happy to have you both in my life.”

Climbing into bed, Coral’s tinier body cuddles into me as I wrap an arm around her and let her cry. She hasn’t done this nearly enough in my opinion, and I’m glad she trusts me to hold her through the storm.

A few minutes pass before Charlotte and Hendrix come looking for us. Sharing a worried look, Hendrix settles in at my back, while Charlotte lies behind her younger sister. I don’t know how long we lay like this, but eventually my grumbling stomach breaks the mood, and everyone laughs as we climb out of bed.

“We good?” Hendrix looks each of us in the eye, waiting until we nod before ushering us downstairs, where everyone is enjoying dinner off the large island and chatting and laughing about it. These are the kind of family nights I want for the rest of my life.

“Everywhere you go, you make an impact.” Hendrix kisses the shell of my ear, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“I love your family,” I say, then turn in his arms and inhale his scent. “But I love you more.” Holding my breath, I await his response.

Brushing his hands through my hair, he tilts my head and brings his lips to mine. “I love you too, MiaBella, my sweetprincess with a heart of gold. I love you more than I ever thought possible and the life you’re creating for us.”

Lifting to my toes, I take the kiss I so desperately crave. This man holds me while I explore his mouth, not stopping until the catcalls and hollers to get a room interrupt and make me blush furiously.

“Forever, Mia. We have forever.” Of course, he’s right.

Epilogue

HENDRIX

Eight Months Later.

“Jesus, princess, are you trying to get me to commit a felony?”

The kids are at my parents for the weekend, and we came up to Mobile to spend some adult time at Mia’s brother’s clubhouse. Currently, she’s dancing her way through the room in a skimpy crop top and short skirt, never allowing anyone to touch her but me. What no one else likely notices is the tiny pregnancy bump of the twins she’s carrying. We only found out last week, hence the trip. Exhaustion already calls her name quite frequently, and she wanted a safe night out after a close call a few months ago with Hadley, Noelle, Bea, and Aria.

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