Page 126 of Holiday Hostage
Joy burst in my chest.
All the lingering echoes of pain I’d felt since Jack shot me and Tarron did surgery fell away.
There was no place for pain when I’d been given such amazing news.
I joined Tarron and Payton in the center of the living room and hugged her from the side. “I love you, Payton.” I pressed a hand to the back of her head.
She startled slightly and spun to face me. Her elbow caught Reed in the stomach when he closed in on her other side.
He grunted and rubbed his abs while grinning like a fool. “Damn it, Mav. You beat me to it.”
“Course I did.” I didn’t fall into his and Tarron’s petty antics and poke him in the chest or anything so juvenile.
But I wanted to.
Maybe I’d find that part of my youth again at some point, but I’d spent so long being in control and being responsible for their lives, that I’d stopped allowing myself to relax. “I’m the oldest, wisest, and best-looking. It’s up to me to lead by example.”
“Take that, Reed.” Tarron snorted out a laugh and clapped Reed on the shoulder. “He found his funny bone.”
I gathered Payton into a snug embrace and kissed her temple. “I love you. And before you ask, it’s not because you’re pregnant. I’ve been in love with you. Knowing you're pregnant is a separate kind of love.”
“Yeah?” The quiver in her chin put a wobble in her voice.
I tipped her chin up and stared into her beautiful eyes. I needed her to hear me, to listen to every word, and understand that I did not make promises lightly.
“The fact that you are pregnant makes me feel more protective than ever. I’ve wanted you to be part of our family since the day we rescued you from the old fort. I didn’t say anything becauseit seemed like things were happening too quickly. Knowing you’re pregnant means I’m more certain than ever that I will do anything to keep you.”
A beat of silence passed.
Payton blinked up at me, her eyes taking on a glittery sheen.
The tremble in her chin stopped, and she locked her arms around my hips.
She’d dropped the clothes Tarron handed her, and they lay in a puddle at our feet.
The borrowed robe gaped open when she inhaled deeply. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
“Damn it, Mav.” Reed tore both hands through his hair. “You’re killing me here. I’m supposed to be the eloquent one, and you’re stealing all my words.”
“Tough.” I winked at Payton, and she gave a watery laugh.
“He’s right. I’m not sure how we’re supposed to follow that, except to back you up. We’re in. One hundred percent.” Tarron gave me my moment alone with Payton the same way we’d allowed him one.
He took a step back and nudged Reed to do the same.
Reed perched on the back of the couch and draped his hands between his bent knees. “I’m going to be a dad.”
The awe on his face spread through the room. We were going to be fathers. I’d dreamed of this for years.
Longer than I cared to admit.
The more time that passed without anyone coming into my life whom I could see myself spending the rest of my years with, the more I gave up on the dream of family.
I’d reached the point where I almost considered myself too old for kids.
Too old. Too set in my ways. Too stiff and unyielding.
I’d have to make some changes to prepare for being a father. I’d do it.
