The Unexpected First (The Unexpected Series Book 2)

Chapter Forty-Five

I’m sitting behind the counter at Inkognito, and it’s like old times with Loki, C, and Niall. They’re chatting away with Dixie, who is animated and excitedly accepting critiques from the seasoned artists. I grin at the sight. Fuck, I’ve missed them.

My phone lights up with a text, and my grin widens when I see the name, grabbing the device off of the desk.

Ryan

Do you think you could sneak away for a few hours this afternoon?”

Greyson

For you, anything. I just need to get another box. We used the last one this morning.

I discreetly adjust myself as the morning”s events run through my mind.

Ryan

I’m not against that, actually. I insist on it, but not until later because Joel said he can make time for us to discuss what our wishlist is for a house.

Chuckling at myself, I type out a response.

Greyson

I’ll be there. Love you, Kitten.

I knew we had people requesting appointments online for the guest spots for the past few weeks since announcing that they’d be here, but I didn’t realize just how popular the idea would be. Even Dixie is booked through the next two weeks after Lo and Niall reposted some of her work on their socials. I’ve been reaching out to other artists I think will be interested in getting guest spots scheduled for every month.

Looking at the time, I realize I’ve got to head out. I walk back to where Dixie is working and knock on the doorframe. She’s got the curtain open while she works on a woman’s thigh.

“Hey, what’s up?” She grins up at me and pulls the tattoo machine away from her client”s skin.

“I’m heading out to meet Ry. I’ll be back later, ok?” I arch a brow at her, it’s the first time she’s been in charge.

“Yeah, we’re fine. Get out of here. Tell her to come by later though. I want to talk to her about a book I got,” she says as she waves me away.

I walk through the door at Mud House to see Kayleigh in an embrace with a man I’ve never seen before. He has hair almost as dark as the night sky and has his arms wrapped tightly around Kayleigh’s body. Ryan is holding a little girl in her arms who is energetically talking about an episode of Bluey. Another man with dark hair is kneeling in front of her, next to a little boy with red hair that matches Kayleigh’s.

Two things happen in quick succession. My heart swells at the thought of Ryan holding our child, and images of our entire future form in my mind. I grin at the thoughts as I approach them.

I lightly press the palm of my hand against Ryan’s back when I reach her.

“Hey, beautiful,” I smirk at Ryan before acknowledging the rest of the group. Kayleigh introduces the man who is holding her: her husband, Liam, and the man with her doppelganger is her ex-husband, Joel.

“Why did you draw all over your body?” The doppelganger, Brady, asks me when his dad stands to shake my hand. “Mommy won’t let Daisey and I draw on our bodies.”

I chuckle, “I had to wait until I was much older to start drawing on myself. Trust me, wait for it. There are some that I don’t like anymore and I want to change.”

“Can I change the ones you don’t like?” He grins up at me like he’s about to win the lottery.

“If your parents are ok with it, absolutely.” I smirk at him.

“Daddy, Dad, Mommy! Can I?” He jumps up and down pulling at whatever garment he can on each of the three adults.

“Maybe later. Right now, Daddy has to talk to Ryan and Greyson about finding them a house,” Liam chuckles as he takes Daisey from Ryan’s arms.

“Bye, sweet girl and thank you again, Kayleigh.” Ryan smiles and waves goodbye to Liam and Brady.

I walk back into the shop to find Loki and Dixie working on practice skin. Lo is teaching Dixie how they do the stippling technique, which is something Dixie has been struggling with. C and Niall are sitting on the couch watching The Great British Baking Show, of course. I can’t help but roll my eyes at the memories of the two of them fighting over the TV.

“What did you have to give up to watch this time?” I ask Niall as I join them on the couch.

“Nothing, we’ve come to an understanding.” His smile is unnerving.

“Um, should I be scared?” I arch a brow and glance between the two of them.

“Nope, I’ve just decided that I’d like to buy Urban Ink.” His smile grows. “If the offer is still on the table.”

“Absolutely, man! I’m so happy for you. I’ll call my lawyer in the morning.” I reach over and shake his hand.

C shakes his head in disgust.

“I can’t believe I’m going to have to watch this shit,” he groans.

“I listen to you and Lo fuck all the time. You can tolerate my obsession with baking.” Niall snorts.

Lo walks over to us and presses a kiss to C’s temple before turning on their heel. “He’s right, sir. Plus, I’m a fan because it just means that you’ll spend even less time in front of the tv and more time inside me.”

“What the hell did I just walk in on?” Ryan’s face is redder than a lobster fresh out of a steaming pot.

I snort and close the distance between us. “Something I am thankful you just interrupted, Kitten.” I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her in tight to my chest. Raising my hand to caress her cheek, I grip her chin between my fingers and tilt her face for easier access to her lips. Our lips barely brush against each other when she whimpers into my mouth. Chuckling softly, I pull away from her.

“On that note, I’m out. Dixie, lock up.” I stand, shaking Niall’s hand again.

“Woohoo! Get it, bossman,” Lo cheers behind us. I flip them off as Ry and I walk back out the front door.

“Were you and Joel able to find anything you liked?” I ask as I walk with her to my truck.

“Yea, there is one I really liked, but I want you to see it before we make an offer.” I open the door for her to slide in, but before I can step back she pulls me in for another quick kiss. “Take me home.”