Page 73 of Shine: Sins of the Father
“Say no more.” Kyle jumps up and shields his eyes. “Love you. Dylan is beautiful. You did awesome.”
“I’m not going to whip them out this second. You can come give me a hug.” I roll my eyes.
“Ugh, don’t say whip them out. It’s just wrong.” Rafe cringes.
“You’re the one who didn’t get the hint.” Tori shoves his shoulder.
After saying goodbye and feeding my hungry little man, I admire him.
“Well, it’s just you and me, kid. I wish I could give you a dad. Maybe one day, but for now I’ll have to be enough. Of course, in this world, we’ll never really be alone. That’s one of the perks of the life you were born into. You’re going to have about fifteen bonus uncles and aunts to dote on you and help you through this crazy thing called life. They’ve done it for me, and I have to say they’re pretty great.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Fiona—
“How’s that?” Tori asks from her position on top of a ladder, holding theHappy Birthdaybanner stretched across the pool table to the wall.
“Perfect,” Harley Jean says, then whirls around. “What am I missing?”
Harley Jean and the girls have worked hard to make the clubhouse ready for Reckless’s surprise birthday party.
“Nothing,” I say, Dylan on my hip, chewing on his fingers. He’s two weeks away from being six months old. “Everything looks great, Harley. The cake is gorgeous, there’s tons of food, and the place looks fantastic. I especially love the streamers.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes!” we all answer in unison.
The door opens, letting in the setting sun, and my mother walks in, pushing her sunglasses on her head. She spots me and Dylan and walks toward us, her arms stretched out.
“There’s my little man. Come to Grandma.”
His little face lights up when he sees her. He’s starting to recognize faces.
I pass him to her. “His bag is over there. Are you sure you can keep him for the night?”
“Of course. I love having this precious little angel. Besides, you need a night of fun. Between the shop and the baby, you haven’t had a night to yourself. And don’t feel like you have to rush over to get him in the morning. Dad and I love having him.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I lean and kiss my son’s cheek, and they leave.
“How much time do we have to get ready?” Tori asks.
I check my phone. “People should start arriving in about an hour. Let’s go in the back and get ready.”
“When are Billy and TJ bringing Reckless here?” Harley asks Melissa.
“I think Marcus is supposed to call him when we’re set.”
“Where’d they take him?” Tori asks.
“Out to Sonny’s, is what TJ told me. I think they want him to think that’s his birthday celebration,” Gigi replies.
“Are you pissed about that?” I ask Harley Jean.
“Hell, no. I trust him completely. Let him have some fun, I say. He’ll be all wound up for me tonight.”
I chuckle. “Good thinking.”
We use Cole’s room to get ready and change into our party clothes. I’ve got a black skimpy top with a sheer black tank over it with silver sparkling embellishments. I pair it with some tight spandex leggings with a sheen to them that goes perfectly with the loose tank. I add a pair of high-heeled sandals.
