Page 105 of Mouse
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Ingram
“Why do you guys look so strange right now?” I asked as I breezed into the kitchen to grab a snack, Chry right on my heels.
“What?” Chris asked sounding surprised, but it seemed a little fake.
They were sitting on the couch trying a little hard to look casual. I couldn’t figure out if this was one of those moments where I walked in on them being all lovey-dovey or if they were trying to hide something from me. It was sometimes hard to tell with them.
“Nothing,” they both said almost in unison.
I eyed them while I blindly peeled a banana for Chry.
“I don’t believe you but I’ll let it go.”
I got Chry set up with his snack then snagged a banana for myself.
“So, I have to talk to you both about something,” I said. I took in a deep breath because I knew this was going to be hard.
“We’re all ears, Ingram,” Chris said as I took a seat on the other couch so I could face them.
“I’m going to get a place with Mouse. I know you might think we’re crazy and I’m sureoneof you is ready to jump up off the couch and go insane with rage.” My eyes pinned my brother with a knowing stare. “But this is what we both want. We want to make a family with the four of us.”
Chris pinched his lips between his teeth and I could tell he was trying his hardest to hold back a laugh. Ky, well, he didn’t look as shocked or enraged as I thought he would be. I guessed that maybe Chris had given him the heads up about what I’d been thinking about. I should have known he’d talk to my brother about it. Which I couldn’t really be mad at. Maybe it was a good thing because this way Ky was sort of prepared.
“You’re an adult now, I trust you to make the right choices for yourself and Chry,” Ky ground out and I would have believed he meant that wholeheartedly if his fists weren’t clenched by his sides.
“I have thought this through. I really have, Ky. There is something with Mouse that I can’t shake. And I don’t think I could if I tried. He is a good man. Just like you. Just like Chris. Just like the rest of your brothers.”
His chest rose and fell with a soft sigh. I had him and he knew it.
“I just wanted to warn you,” I went on, “because he will be here shortly. He called me and said he found the perfect place and he wants to show me today.”
Just then the doorbell rang. How was that for timing?
Chris cocked a brow at me as a smirk tipped up his lips.
I danced to the door with excitement and stole a kiss from Mouse before he came in carrying Sparrow in her car seat.
“Hey, guys,” Mouse greeted Ky and Chris and I hated how things suddenly felt a little strained.
I really hoped we could move on from all of this at some point.
“Hand her over,” Chris said making a move to get Sparrow out of the car seat.
She was awake and alert and I was pretty sure that was a real smile on her face. Though it was hard to tell at this age.
“Damn,” Ky said as he reached out and gently snagged Sparrow right out of Chris’ arms. “Cute fuckin’ kid.”
I laughed as I watched my brother melt over her like he did Chry.
“Thanks, brother,” Mouse said in a light tone.
I walked over and stole kisses without taking her out of his arms. I didn’t even try because I could tell he wasn’t going to give her up any time soon. I had no clue how we were going to get out of here to see the house now.
“Row! Row!” Chry called out from his highchair.
Mouse was moving across the room before I had a chance to. I watched with a smile on my face as he cleaned him up. Then Mouse set Chry free so the little guy could go see his new favorite person.
