Page 103 of Wild Card

I open the door and five heads swing my way. “Princess, time to take a load off.”

Her eyes shift between me and Wyatt. The fiery irritation dies as awe takes over. Her lips part, her cheeks brighten, and everything about her body language relaxes.

“Okay, honey.”

I fully expected a debate, but she comes over, lifts up to kiss my cheek, and tickles Wyatt’s stomach. “You hungry, buddy?”

“Daddy said you get to pick dinner.”

“Why don’t you and I pick together?”

He lunges for her, but I yank him gently back. “Let’s get her seated.”

“Sounds good, Uncle Talon.”

My heart stops as Willow’s small gasp fills the space. Many moments in my life stand out, most of them in the last month since meeting Willow. But right now, this little boy cemented another of those moments.

“Ummm, baby, I’m not sure what you heard, but Talon isn’t related to us.”

“Grandma Ro said he is going to be my uncle.”

Rosie is a smart fucking lady. And sly as a fox.Well played. I shoot her a glance of appreciation.

“Damn right, little man.”

“I want macaroni and cheese,” Wyatt declares when I get them settled on the sofa.

“I’d kill for some pasta and a large glass of wine.”

I’m ready to tell her no alcohol when Chase replies, “Normally, I’d say no to the wine, but a concussion is unlikely. And I’m staying tonight so I can watch for any signs of distress.”

My hackles raise. Willow’s guest room has a twin bed, but no way he will fit on that thing. Plus, I’m ready to have her to myself. “Come again?”

“Wyatt’s going home with Grandma and Grandpa. I’ll stay with Lo.”

“No offense, man, but that’s my job.”

“You have to work in the morning,” Willow objects.

“I’ll swap out shifts with someone. You show signs of distress, we’re going straight to the hospital, which means I’m calling out.”

“You can’t call out for me. You just got released for full duty again.”

“I’d move Goddammed mountains for you. But in this case, calling out is not a problem.”

“No need to call out. Rosie and I will be here at six. That okay with you?” Lynden quirks an eyebrow, waiting for my reaction.

“Good for me.”

“What is happening? I can take care of myself.”

“I’ll be here around lunch. We’ll go to the club if Willow feels up to it,” Sterling goes on, disregarding Willow.

“It’s Saturday. Wyatt has T-ball placement at three, but we can meet you for lunch,” Chase adds.

“I’m going to be on the best team, right, Dad?” Wyatt swings an invisible bat through the air.

“Yeah, but let’s not tell everyone it’s the best team yet.”

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