Page 64 of The Ranger
Cassy gave me a smile from across the room.
“Thank you.”I smiled at the two women, grateful.“I mean it, thank you.”
Finally, everyone was saying their goodbyes, and I could stop damn crying.I glance at the door when I hear male voices.
Walking over, I see Cole hugging Maggie on her way out.“Bye, darling.She loved the elephant.”
“Yeah?”I watch his face light up, and when his eyes land on me, I’m surprised to see his confidence waver.Just for a split second.“That’s cool, Mom.I’ll call you tomorrow.Drive safe, sis.”
“Why do you say that every time?”Caylee huffs and gives him a quick hug.“It was one road cone.”
What is he doing here?
“We’re heading out.You okay?”Cassy says, carrying some empty dishes and trash, with Briar and Trina by her side.
“Yup.Tired.Thank you for today; it was amazing.”I hug them as Cole hovers, then we both walk inside.
I collapse on the sofa and lay my head back against the cushion.
“Wow, look at all the gifts.”Cole walks to the table covered with things for me and our wee alien.
He picks up the elephant and gets lost in his thoughts.I stare at his profile, taking in his gorgeous jawline and long lashes.I hope our kid gets those.His skin is darker than mine, and I’m sure if she’s a girl, she’ll thank me for that one day.
“Scar,” Cole turns, and a shiver runs through me.“Did your mom show?”
I groan and turn my head, staring at the ceiling.
“No, she was playing bingo,” I reply, ashamed.
He walks over and sits on the armchair, not beside me as he normally does.Leaning his arms on his knees, he stares at the elephant and then back at me.
“You aren’t close.”
“She’s a narcissist.I don’t think she has a maternal bone in her body.”
“Your dad?”
“I dunno.Prison.Dead.The president.Could be anyone.”
He laughs at that.“Probably not the president.”
I smile.“Unlikely.”
Then something occurs to me, especially after spending more time with his lovely family.“Are you worried?About me?I don’t know if I’ll be a good mother, but I promise I’ll be better than her.”
He knows who I’m talking about.
“I know you will.Your tough girl act doesn’t fool me.”
I know.
Pisses me off.
“It’s not an act.I am tough.I’ve had to be.I’ll hurt anyone who tries to hurt our baby.”I run my hand over my belly.“Including you.”
When I glance up, his eyes are smiling.
“See,” Cole says.“Proof in point.You are already a much better mother.”
