Hot Shot (Hot as Puck Book 2)

38. Branton

Wife.

The word holds so much emotion. A thin trace of resentment underscores the pleasure, the rightness of having a wife.

I know I shouldn’t let thoughts of the past intrude on today but it’s hard to keep them out. Especially when Landon looks at me like I kicked his puppy.

The only consolation I have is Mason Watts has gone out of his way to apologize to me for all the ‘bad things’ he’s thought and said about me in recent years.

I wasn’t shocked when he cornered me to talk. More shocked when he told me Landon had confided in him about our situation. That he’s here for me if I need someone to talk to. I’ve never had that from Mason before but I’m relieved. Happy he’s looking at our marriage favorably.

Sutton has also been appraised of the situation with Laura, another shock, although I do know Landon and Corbin have always had close relationships with all of their siblings.

The subject of Laura has been a hushed murmur between myself and all the Watts throughout the day. The only one I haven’t spoken to about it is Landon.

Mason thinks in spite of Landon disappearing after the ceremony that he’ll be okay, that he’ll come around quickly.

I’m not so sure.

We haven’t seen him since he left a couple of hours ago and now it’s time for him and Corbin to fly back to New York.

I know Corbin is worried; we all are, but in my experience, it doesn’t matter how concerned those around you are. You need to find your way through on your own.

Corbin did mention he caught Landon on the phone with the woman he’s been seeing a couple of times throughout the day. And I’m hopeful she can help him navigate this emotional upheaval.

I’ll be here waiting when he makes it through, when the time comes for me to help him find answers or wants to know about Laura.

“Why are you looking so serious, husband? What are you thinking about?”

Grinning at Blake, I wrap an arm around her and yank her against me. “The usual shit, wife.”

“It’s weirdly right to call each other that, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“I know it’s not the time, but I still think Mom’s suggestion to find a grief counselor is a good one. The right one.”

“We can look into it when we get home.”

“Home?”

“Baton Rouge.”

Her eyes search mine and I know she’s trying to decide if she should say something or not.

“Just say it.”

“What about your house in New York? The things you said you have in storage?”

“I have no personal effects in the house, had it shut up, furniture covered before I left. I’ll sell it as is. The contents of the storage locker I’ll have shipped to Baton Rouge as soon as we’re settled there. You can help me sort through it.”

“You don’t want to go back to the house?”

“No.” I tap her temple with a finger. “I see your brain working. I don’t need or want to see the house again. It was never my home, and I removed every personal item, everything of Laura’s, I had there when I packed up to head north.”

“If you want to take some time, on your own?—”

Pressing my fingers to Blake’s mouth, I smile. “Never on my own. I will never need you to step back for anything ever again. Things don’t turn out right when I do them without you at my side. I don’t intend to go it alone in the future, not even for a day.”

“If you’re sure.” She’s pensive for a moment. “I’d understand.”

“You would but it’s not necessary. I told you, you are my light, day and night. Without you I’m in a dark, depressing place. One I never want to see again.”

“Okay, okay. I get it. And I hope you know I don’t want to do anything without you either.”

“Good. Because I have no intention of letting you.”

Blake glances around before leaning in to whisper close to my ear. “Do you think they’d notice if we disappeared for the night?”

“I think if they did, they’d forgive us but don’t you want to say goodbye to everyone? I thought they were all heading out tonight.”

“Everyone except Mason and Cash. He said he needs to talk to Mom and Dad about something.”

“Is something wrong? He seemed okay when we spoke earlier.”

“I think it has to do with Cash. Or Cash’s mom, Emma.”

“I don’t remember much about her, and Cash has grown so much since I saw him last.” My eyes find him across the room. He’s laughing at something Sutton is saying.

Blake follows my gaze and smiles. “Yeah, he shot up this past summer and with his voice starting to crack, he’s no longer the little boy who used to follow us all over the place.”

“No, he’s not. What is he now, thirteen?”

“Fourteen last month.”

“I guess we’ll find out if we’re supposed to. But enough about your brother and nephew, let’s revisit the getting out of here comment. Why don’t we do the rounds and say goodnight to everyone, ask your mom if she needs any help tidying up.”

“I’ve got enough recruits for cleanup if you two want to call it a night.”

Turning, we find Larissa has come up behind us, a glass of sparkling wine in hand, a smile on her face.

“Go on. Get out of here. I’ll see you both in the morning.”

“We should say goodbye.”

Giving a shrill whistle, one I haven’t heard since I was a teenager and Larissa used to stand on the back patio and whistle so we could hear her out at the pond, she gets everyone’s attention. “Say goodnight to the newlyweds!”

A chorus of goodnights ring out and Blake and I are laughing when Oakley blows a bunch of bubbles over us. In seconds everyone else has joined in and we’re leaving the living room in a shower of glittering bubbles.

And when we make it to my suite of rooms, to where fourteen-year-old me worked out what the way I felt about Blake meant, I take her hand and turn off the lights as I lead her to my room.

“I know the size isn’t ideal and we should probably head up to your room, but I want our first night to be here, in my bed.”

“Of course. Besides, if we haven’t got much space, that just means we’ll need to be closer.”

Palming her face, I tip her head back and meet her gaze. “I love you. Thank you for forgiving me. For letting me love you in the open.”

“There was nothing to forgive. I never really thought there was. I only wish I could have been there to love you through your darkest days.”

“You were.” I place a hand on my chest. “In here. You were always in here. Will always be in here.”

“I want to take your name.”

I bring my hand up and cover her lips. “No. Well, yes. But I have something else in mind, something I spoke to your mom and dad about earlier.”

When she tilts her head, her gaze urging me on, I explain.

“I think we should take each other’s last names. The same as Laura. Blake Cary Lattimer Watts and Branton Davis Lattimer Watts.”

“Oh, Bran.” Her eyes fill. “It’s perfect.”

“It feels right. Your parents agreed, thought it would be the perfect way to join us all together. When we get home, we’ll work out how to make it happen.”

“Before you sign the contracts.”

“What?”

“We need to do it before you sign with Drake or the Rogues. Today is the first real day of your new life. And Branton Davis Lattimer Watts has one hell of a bright future to look forward to.”

“He does. But before that…” Lifting her up, I toss her over my shoulder. “He’s got a wedding night to get to.”