61. Zander
CHAPTER 61
ZANDER
The house is in chaos. You’d think we were throwing a major party with the amount of noise in here, but I guess that’s what happens when your woman insists that we invite the entire crew from Hockey House over as a thank-you for helping us get Zoey back.
It’s kind of a miracle that they were all free. Even Lani walked through the door with a determined look on her face. I patted her arm, a silent show of support as her eyes darted down the hallway and then quickly shifted to Asher.
“We can bail if you need to, Boo.”
“No, I’m okay.” She nodded, pulling in a breath. “I'm not going to let him touch me anymore. Even metaphorically.”
“Never again,” Asher promised her, and I sent her a silent promise of my own.
The fact that she got raped in this house during one of our parties still makes me see red. I fought sleepless nights for weeks after I found out, but my angst faded over the summer, and when the school year started, I made the guys promise that we wouldn’t slip up like that again. Any parties we throw this year are going to be invite-only.
We’ve actually been so busy this season, we haven’t even had the time or energy to organize a party.
Until today.
As soon as Wily got in touch with Ethan, he made sure everyone could make it. So here we are at Football Frat, drinking beers, waiting for the meat to finish cooking on the grill, and watching a four-year-old Kai chase after my screaming two-year-old.
“They are so adorable.” A short Asian woman whose name I keep forgetting laughs with Sienna as she watches her son leap around the couch and roar like a lion.
Zoey lets out another gleeful scream and takes off running, using Wily’s legs like tree trunks and hiding behind one of them before darting between them and shooting past Casey. He’s taken over the biggest beanbag and is sitting on it with his redheaded girlfriend whose name I can’t remember either.
Shit, we need fucking name tags in this place.
I know all the guys, but I’m struggling to remember the girls. I think that’s Mikayla—or is it Michelle?—talking to Teah. They both look kind of nervous for some reason. Grady’s standing nearby, his arm around Teah’s waist, and Rachel is on the other side of Mikayla, looking kind of protective. I have no idea what that’s about, but at least I remember her name, right?
I only know it because she used to work at Eat Your Faves diner, and they serve the best milkshakes in Nolan. She wore a name tag, and I’d say hi and smile at her every time she served me. See? Name tags, people. They fucking work.
“Oh, you wanna bet?” Mikayla’s head jolts back, her voice rising by a few decibels as she looks up at her boyfriend.
He gives her an incredulous frown. “I’m smart enough to never make a bet with you, lil’ mouse. I don’t want to end up getting my left nut tattooed because I can’t win whatever ridiculousness you’re about to throw at me.”
She snorts and starts laughing, tipping her head back before leaning against him and patting his stomach. “A tattoo on your left nut. That’s funny. What would you even get down there?”
“Dude! Nothing! You don’t put needles near the love cannon and ammunition, are you crazy?” Casey calls from the beanbag. “What’s this bet anyway?”
Teah giggles. “Ethan doesn’t think Mikayla can handle the Sig Be party I’m inviting everyone to without getting completely wasted.”
Rachel grins. “And now we’re just waiting to hear if Mick has a counter bet for her man.”
“How about we just hold all bets and get through one meal together without anybody losing anything?” Lani raises her glass. “To acting like normal human beings when we’re guests in someone else’s home.”
“Are we even capable of that?” Mick raises her glass with a dubious frown.
Ethan laughs while Casey yells, “Puck yeah, we are!”
Everyone cheers and takes a drink except Mikayla, who bulges her eyes and mutters, “Just proving my point here, guys. Nobody normal says, ‘puck yeah.’”
I can’t help laughing as I shake my head and share a quick look with Grady. These hockey guys are entertaining if nothing else. As are the two little squirts jumping over outstretched legs and giggling up a storm.
“You know, if you ever want to hang out, we could do a playdate for Kai and Zoey. I’m sure he’d love that.”
Sienna spins to look at Tara. No. Tyler?
“Tammy, that would be amazing.”
Tammy! Got it.
Stop forgetting, you douche. Especially if your daughter is going to be hanging with her son.
“Yay.” Tammy grins, her dimples popping into place. “We live out at the Ponderosa Villa now. I can give you directions. It only takes like twenty minutes to get there, and there’s a big backyard, and Baxter’s building a playground castle thing for Kai. Plus, Rachel bakes the best muffins. You should totally come hang with us. We’d love it.”
“Oh my gosh.” Sienna wraps her arm around Tammy’s shoulders. “You just made my day. Seriously. Thank you. I’ve been trying to find some little buddies for Zoey, and I’ve gone to one playgroup, but it’s kind of awkward, and I know it’ll probably get easier and I should keeping trying, but…” She winces. “I’m like the youngest mom there by so much, and it just feels?—”
“Weird. I totally get it. I had Kai when I was eighteen, and people don’t always understand what it’s like being a teenage mom. They look at you like the babysitter, and then when they find out you’re the mom, they treat you like you don’t know what you’re doing or you’re a complete screwup for getting pregnant in the first place.”
“I know, right?” Sienna’s blue eyes glisten with relief. “Oh my gosh, it’s so good to talk to someone who gets it. I’m so glad you made it today. It’s seriously so nice to meet you.”
“You too.” Tammy’s smile is golden, and I’m so fucking grateful for her right now.
“Hey, Zan-Man?” Wily calls across the room. “Got any more drinks, or should I make a quick run to the store?”
“Let me check the fridge first.” I head toward the kitchen, checking our stock and getting out a few more beers and sodas to pass around.
The grill is fired up outside, and I poke my head through the window, grinning at Liam, Baxter, and Tyrell, who are manning the barbecue.
“Smells good, guys.”
“Brats will be ready in about five.”
“Sounds good.” I’m about to walk back through the kitchen and play best host when I’m stopped by a sexy-ass smile on the most gorgeous blonde I’ve ever seen. “Hey, you.” I put the drinks down on the table so I can wrap my arms around her waist.
Pulling her close, I nuzzle her neck.
She lets out a sweet little moan, so I do it some more until she’s giggling against my shoulder.
Damn, I love this woman so fucking much.
Considering the shit we went through a week ago and then the pending visit from my parents, she still manages to find a way to laugh and smile through it all.
Russell was immediately fired from Nolan U and is dealing with kidnapping charges. I haven’t heard the latest, but I think his lawyer is trying to plea some kind of insanity-type deal. He lost his mind for a minute. I don’t know if that’s just a rumor. All I care about is that he stays away from my family .
Sienna never wants to see him again, and it’s been hella awkward considering her dad is best friends with Russell’s father. I have no idea how things will unfold, but I’ll be protecting my girls at every turn.
A squeal bounces off the walls as Zoey darts into the dining room. I can’t see her from this angle, but her laughter is my favorite song, and I smile down at Sienna, who is obviously enjoying the sound just as much as I am.
“It’s so cute watching her play.” Sienna looks toward the doorway. “It makes me want another one.”
“I want another three.”
“What?” She whips her head back to gape at me, and I can’t help grinning at her shocked expression.
“I want a big family with you, Sparks.” I squeeze her hip. “But I know you had a really shitty pregnancy, so I’d never ask that of you. Unless, of course, you wanted to.”
She keeps gaping at me, like she’s still trying to process my first comment.
I lightly pinch her earlobe, brushing my fingers down her face. “When I picture our future together, we’re surrounded by kids. Our house is buzzing with laughter and Taylor Swift.”
She laughs. “There’ll be football on the TV and Nerds scattered on the coffee table.”
I wrinkle my nose and tease her right back. “We’ll be serving hot dogs for dinner.”
She sticks out her tongue and dry retches. I laugh and kiss her lips, then lean back and soften my voice. “I know our future is kinda uncertain. If I get drafted, who knows where we’ll end up. Going pro will be a busy life for me, and I’ll be away. It’s asking a lot of you, but?— ”
“I’ve always imagined us having a bunch of kids,” she interrupts me with a grin. “And I know you’ll be away and traveling, but I can do this. My parents will support me, and I’ll make it work. I have to make it work, because I want to be with you, and I want Zoey to have siblings. I love being a mom.” She wraps her arms around me, rising to her tiptoes. “And I love making babies with you.”
My laughter is low and husky as I pull her tighter against me and kiss her deep. “I love that part too.”
Her breath whistles across my chin, and I peck the tip of her nose. “So, you’ll get me pregnant again?”
“When you’re ready, yeah. I’d love to do that… on one condition.”
“Oh yeah, what’s that?” Her eyes twinkle with that playful sparkle I love so much.
“Marry me.”
She gasps. “Are you proposing right now?”
I shake my head. “No, I want to come up with something way more romantic, but I just… I’d love you to be my wife before we have any more kids. I know that’s old-fashioned, but I’ve wanted to marry you since…” I tip my head, memories flooding me, but the truth is… “Our first date. Watching you devour that insanely sweet dessert, teaching you how to play mini golf. I knew then that I wanted you forever. I just…” I wince. “I lost my way in the middle there for a little minute. But I promise, I am never letting you go again.”
“I know.” She jumps up, wrapping her legs around me and kissing me until I can’t see straight.
I groan, palming her ass and giving it a light squeeze while gliding my tongue across hers and forgetting that we’re in a house full of people .
“Food’s ready!” Tyrell hollers, walking through the kitchen with a steaming tray of brats.
I take my time, finishing up my kiss before pulling away and smiling at Sienna.
Baxter eases past us, and I barely notice him until he lets out a “Whoa” and catches a missile with blonde curls as she races through the kitchen.
“No running in the kitchen,” Sienna reminds her.
I reluctantly lower my woman to the floor. We’ll pick this up later, and I seriously need to come up with a decent proposal. And a ring. Shit, I need to find the perfect ring. I’ll get Monica to help me with that.
My mind is ticking over while the bustle of activity in the dining room grows. Sienna gathers up the drinks and is about to take them through when she’s stopped by Carson. He frowns down at her, and I give him a warning glare, which he doesn’t notice because he’s too busy taking in Sienna’s unimpressed scowl.
Okay, so we still have a few kinks to work out with our living situation.
But I’ve yet to think of a decent solution. I wanted to get the girls settled after that clusterfuck with Russell.
“Ah!” Zoey lets out another scream, diving in front of Carson to hide from Kai.
Carson winces at her earsplitting volume and tries to move away from her, but she wraps her little arms and legs around him, sitting on his foot when Kai makes a move to tickle her.
Carson darts his foot away so Kai can’t reach, and Zoey laughs.
“Again! Again!”
“No! Get off me, kid. ”
Kai stiffens at Carson’s grumpy voice, shrinking away from the guy and darting out of the room.
Sienna tuts. “Carson, be nice. You tone is too harsh. You just scared him.”
“I don’t give a shit,” he grumbles.
“He don’t give tit.”
“Zoey!” Sienna frowns. “Do not talk like Carson. He uses bad words.”
Confused, Zoey stares up at Carson like she’s thinking, He wouldn’t do something bad, would he?
I fight my grin as he stares right back at my adoring daughter.
“Get off my foot. I’m leaving.”
“No.” Zoey shakes her head. “Stay. Pay.”
“I don’t want to play.” Carson lifts his leg and gives it a shake, but Zoey holds on tight, giggling like this is a fun ride. “Seriously, would you get her off me?”
His exasperation is hilarious, but I don’t want him accidentally hurting my little girl, so I grab her around the waist and help my buddy out. Pulling her against my chest, I give him a smile, but all he can do is narrow his eyes at me and growl, “This isn’t working, Donohue. Either you find some new digs or I will.”
I wince, hating that idea. Carson can’t leave. He’s too unpredictable, and he needs us to keep an eye on him.
But I don’t want to go either.
Unfortunately, that’s the better choice. Sienna and I will need to figure this out sooner or later.
“Sorry, man,” I mutter. “I’ll try and come up with something soon.”
“I still say we convert that garage out back into a studio apartment.” Wily walks in on our conversation. “ You know Baxter’s thinking about starting up a reno business. Maybe we could give him some work.”
I hiss. “Not sure I can afford that, man.” Especially now that I have a ring to save for. I still have some funds left in my college account, but it won’t be enough for both.
“We can try pitching it to the landlord. Maybe he can cover the cost, or we can go halves with him. I’ve got the money.”
“Your family has the money,” I counter.
Wily rolls his eyes and ignores my comment. “It’ll definitely up the resale value of the house. Right now, it’s just an empty, wasted space filled with junk. I’ll help empty it out and prep it.”
Wily’s getting all excited, and I look across the room at Sienna, who’s nodding with a little grin.
Yeah, that could be a fun project.
I move out of the kitchen with Zoey and start hunting for Baxter while Carson mutters, “Thank fuck,” behind me and heads for the front door.
It slams a few moments later, and then Zoey and I watch him rev his motorcycle and shoot out of the driveway.
Shit, I have no idea where he’s going right now, but I hope he doesn’t do anything reckless.
He’s been off for a few weeks now, and I put it down to Sienna and Zoey being here.
The problem is, when Carson’s off… trouble always follows in his wake.
“You okay?” Sienna’s arms wrap around me from behind. Leaning her cheek against my arm, she stares out the window with me .
“Yeah.” I nod, turning so I can put my arm around her. Giving her a reassuring smile, I kiss her head. “Come on. Let’s go talk to Baxter and see if we can’t make ourselves a little studio apartment out back.”
She gives me a happy grin, kissing Zoey’s chubby little hands before heading into the dining room. I trail after her while Zoey pokes my cheek with her little finger and asks, “Daddy pay?”
“Yeah, of course I’ll play with you. Let’s just have some food first. Hey, how about a hot dog. I bet you’ve never had one of those before.”
I grin, walking into the dining room while Zoey cheerfully shouts, “Ho dogs! Ho dogs!” making everyone in the room but her mother laugh.
Giving Sienna a little wink, I prepare lunch for our daughter and see how easy it’s gonna be to get used to this.
Marrying Sienna. Making babies with that beauty. Raising Zoey and however many other kids we have.
Damn, if that idea doesn’t make me the happiest man on this planet.