Page 47 of Tru Blue
Truman swept the alcove, and they rolled out the shag area rug and set up the bed.
“No bed frame?” Bones asked.
Truman shrugged. “What do I know about bed frames?”
Bullet ran a hand over his beard and took a swig of his beer. At six five, he had a good two inches on Truman and his brothers. Colorful tattoos snaked along his arms, and Truman knew he had tats on nearly every inch of his chest and back, too. “This little gal’s got your nuts in a knot, huh?”
Truman smiled. “You could say that. It’s nice to be with someone who actually cares.”
“I believe our little boy is growing up,” Bones teased. He’d come from work, still dressed in his white button-down and slacks. No one would guess that beneath that professional attire were tatted-up shoulders and a badass biker.
“Hey,” Bear said. “We care.”
“Yeah, but he doesn’t want you sucking his dick,” Bullet said gruffly, then more amused, “Or do you?” He waggled his brows.
Truman laughed. “Man, I don’t want you bringing that nasty beard anywhere near my junk. You might have mice living in it for all I know.”
“Hey, sweethearts love my beard.” Bullet stroked his beard. “Tickles their thighs.”
As Bullet’s brothers gave him shit about shaving his beard off when he was asleep, Truman pondered the rest of his surprise for Gemma. “Y’all know anything about sheet forts?” The saleslady had told him to buy sheers. He’d had no idea what the hell a sheer was, but once she showed him, he knew he had to buy them along with the sheets. The sheers were more feminine, which reminded him of Gemma, so he bought extras to use as curtains.
The three brothers exchanged a look of confusion.
Truman pulled out his cell phone and texted Dixie. A few minutes later she came through the door with Kennedy at her side and Lincoln in her arms.
“Oh my gosh! This place looks so different without all the shop stuff up here.” Her high-heeled boots tapped across the hardwood floor.
“Tooman?” Kennedy said, lifting her arms for him to pick her up. “Gemma coming over?” She’d been talking more each day, and it warmed his heart to know that she was settling in okay. Gemma had stayed for breakfast, and Kennedy had been over the moon about seeing her.
“Yes, princess. But you might be asleep when she gets here. Want me to send her in to give you a kiss?” He lifted her into his arms and she nodded forcefully. “You’ve got it.” He kissed her cheek and showed her his bed, which was now draped in layers of earth-toned sheets and blankets. “What do you think of my new bed?”
“Pwetty,” she said.
“With a little paint, curtains, and a few plants, you’ll have a romantic little nook.” Dixie sat on the mattress and ran her hand over the blanket. “That’s really soft.”
He didn’t have time for paint, but one day…
“‘A romantic little nook.’ I think that’s my cue to take off.” Bullet lifted Kennedy from Truman’s arms and kissed her cheek, rubbing his beard over her chin. She giggled, and he handed her back to Truman. “Even Kennedy likes my beard. See ya, squirt.” He gave Truman a one-armed hug, then leaned down to kiss Lincoln, who was still in Dixie’s arms.
“Me too. I’ve got a date. Let me know if you need anything.” Bones slapped Truman on the back, kissed the top of Kennedy’s head, and gave Lincoln’s foot a shake.
“See you guys. Thanks for the help.” Seeing his buddies love up the children made Truman’s heart feel full. He set Kennedy down and Bear scooped her up.
“Be-ah.” Kennedy giggled.
“Don’t Be-ah me.” He rubbed noses with her, making her giggle again. “Are you going to be good tonight?”
She nodded.
“Good, because if you’re not, you know what happens.” He wiggled his fingers in front of her belly.
“Tickle monstah!” she squealed. “Tooman!” She leaned toward Truman and he lifted her into his arms.
“Good luck tonight, buddy.” Bear patted him on the shoulder.
“Thanks for your help.”
“No sweat. Oh, and I talked to Crow. He’s having the fencing delivered tomorrow, and the rest is on order.”
