Page 114 of Coast

Eddie was at the stove, flipping fried eggs in a skillet while bacon sizzled in another. And judging by the starchy, greasy smell in the air, I bet hash browns were in the oven.

He lifted his spatula, pointing out the back door.

“I clean up,” I told him.

“Careful, I’m gonna get used to that,” he warned with a warm smile as I made my way out back.

I’d expected to find Jade or Sass.

But it was Coast who’d taken my little girl.

He was sitting on the top step of the pool with Lainey in a float in front of him, slowly turning her in a circle as she giggled.

“She screams bloody murder when you put sunblock on her,” he said as I moved to sit next to him. “Wasn’t even putting it on her face yet.”

“She does it with lotion too,” I agreed, leaning my head into his shoulder.

I lived for quiet moments like this.

Just the three of us.

Together.

Sharing something that should have been ordinary, but meant the world to me.

“Why didn’t you wake me?” I asked.

“I was already up when she started fussing. No reason to wake you up.”

It really was that easy for him.

For a man who’d claimed he lived for the fun, easy parts of life, he was really good with the practical, responsible parts.

“Besides, Levee said they were heading over for breakfast. So I knew if I didn’t get time with her now, I wouldn’t get any. Jade’s got baby fever something fierce.”

“I love her. I love all of them. This family of yours. It’s really amazing.”

His gaze slid to me, watching me with an intensity that made his blue eyes stormy.

“Dunno if I really noticed that was what they were until you.”

“Your family?” I asked.

“Yeah.”

“I adore you, Coast, but how can you be so blind to what is right in front of you?”

“Think I was focusing on the easy shit. The partying. The work.”

“The women?” I prompted.

“Not gonna lie—yeah.”

“We both have pasts,” I said, shrugging.

“I think connections were intimidating after a whole life of avoiding them. I mean, I’d ride-or-die for the men in this club. But sitting and having a meaningful conversation? Fuck no.”

“It’s a shame, because you’re really nice to talk to. You’re a lot wiser than people would otherwise give you credit for.”

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