Chapter 13
CHAPTER
THIRTEEN
Brogan
“Ready?” Maddox asks as we pull in front of the building and park. He’s practically bouncing in his seat.
“I’m ready.” I smile at him and his enthusiasm. He reminds me of the girls at Christmas or their birthday.
“I can’t wait to show you.” He reaches for his handle and looks back at me. “Stay put.”
I salute him. “Sir, yes, sir.” I laugh.
His eyes heat. “You can’t get me all turned on before I show you around,” he says, before climbing out of the truck and skipping to my side. He literally skips to get to my door, and his smile is infectious. “I can’t believe this is the first time you’re seeing it.” He nods toward the new Everlasting Ink building we’re parked in front of.
“Well, I’m here now, and I’m excited to see it.”
He grins, links his fingers with mine, and leads me inside. “Where is everyone?” I ask him.
“We’re early. Like an hour early.” He chuckles. “I just wanted time with you to show you around. So, this is the entrance.” He grins, waving his hands around the grand waiting room. “That’s where Drake and Lyra will work. We’re probably going to need to hire more people, considering we have more space for guest artists to work.”
“How does that work?”
“The shop has gained a lot of recognition over the years. We have artists reaching out all the time wanting to do a guest spot. It’s more to help get their name out there. We require them to submit their work, and we vet them before agreeing to let them come to work in our shop. We’ve built this place on blood, sweat, and tears, and we aren’t willing to let someone who is shit at tattooing come in and tarnish our name.”
“So, they come and work for an undetermined amount of time?”
“Sometimes it’s a day, a weekend, a week, or even longer. It just depends on the situation. We didn’t really have room for it at the current shop, but we built extra rooms to allow for it here. We get a lot of walk-ins, and our lists are out six months and longer, so having guest artists come in helps keep that under control.”
“That’s amazing, Maddox. I’m so proud of you. Of all of you.”
He pulls me into his chest and wraps his strong arms around me. I feel his lips press to my temple. “Thanks, babe. Come on. I want to show you the rest.” He leads us down the hall, pointing out offices, and the guest artists' offices. “This is the kids' playroom,” he says, pushing open a door.
“You have a playroom for the kids?” I ask, surprised.
“Yeah, I mean, our family is growing, and if the guys ever need to bring the kids to work with them, we wanted a safe place for them to be. It has its own bathroom and tub. That was Roman’s idea. Something about diaper blowouts.” He chuckles. “Through that door there are a couple sets of bunk beds and some baby beds too. This is the play area.”
“Maddox, this is incredible.” I walk over to the three small vanities that I know my nieces would love to play dress-up at.
“That was Emerson’s idea. She thought Lilly, River, and Rayne would enjoy dressing up.”
“They’ll love it. You all have embraced them as a part of your family. I can’t tell you what that means to me, and I know Briar too.”
“They’re Forrest’s daughters. Of course they’re family,” he says, not missing a beat. “The workbench is for Kane, and I’m sure we’ll need to add more as we add babies.”
“You’ve thought of everything.”
“We tried to. We put a lot of time and thought into this. Come on. There’s more.” He leads me down the hall to a large meeting room and another break room. “This is the family break room. The guest artist and staff use the other one. This is a place our wives and kids can be. It’s a little extra, but we wanted it to be our space, if that makes sense.”
“I love it. It’s amazing.”
“We have Legend to thank for all of this. The business is thriving, but he used his inheritance to purchase the land, and he refuses to let us pay him back.”
“He’s a good man.”
“The best. He and the guys, they’re my brothers.”
“I love that for all of you.”
“Okay, let’s go to my office.” He flashes me a playful grin before bending and tossing me over his shoulder, causing me to shriek with laughter.
I smack his ass. “I know how to walk.”
“Yeah, but this is more fun. You’re turning me on with all of that spanking, baby.”
“St—op,” I say, sputtering my words filled with laughter.
When he steps inside a room, that must be his office, he slides me down his body and turns me so that my back is to his front. “This is ours.”
“Ours?” I look back at him over my shoulder.
“Yeah, so this is something else that Roman and Legend insisted on. They wanted our offices to be a space for our families too. So over there”—he points to a couch and a small refrigerator with a TV—“is our little living room area or whatever you want to call it.”
I step away, and he lets me as I walk around the room, taking it all in. There’s a blanket in my favorite color, baby blue, draped over the back of the small couch. I move around, taking it all in, and freeze when I get to his desk. My eyes lock on a picture of us. We’re both smiling. He’s looking down at me, and me up at him, and we look happy. So incredibly happy.
“Where did you get this?” I ask him.
“Emerson. She took it at Lilly’s birthday party. I had to have it. I wanted you here with me when I’m working.”
“Maddox.” My voice cracks. This man continues to surprise me at every turn.
He walks over and wraps his arms around me. “What about now?”
“What?” I ask, confused, my mind still on the fact that he took the time to print and frame a photo of us for his desk.
“Do you believe me now? Do you believe that I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything? Do you understand that I want a life with you? This life we’re building… I want it so bad, Brogan.”
I don’t know what to say, so I turn in his arms and hug him tightly. I let his words wash over me, and they build up a confidence in me I’ve never felt before. Maddox is open with his feelings and what he wants, and I’m not giving this a chance if I don’t do the same.
Lifting my head, I find he’s already peering down at me. “Will you—” I pause and lick my lips. I’m nervous, but I know I don’t need to be. He’s already agreed to come with me, but still saying the words causes anxiety to spike inside of me. “Will you come to an appointment with me?” I close my eyes, not wanting to see his reaction.
“Open those beautiful green eyes, wife,” he murmurs.
I do and see him wearing a soft smile. “There is nothing you could ask of me that I’d say no to. Well, one thing, but I hope I never hear those words out of your mouth.”
“Now, I’m curious.” I chuckle, grateful for the break in the heavy.
“The D word, baby.”
“Dick?” I blurt, and his body shakes with laughter. I know that’s not what he meant, but I love to see his smile and the way his eyes crinkle in the corners.
He grips the backs of my thighs and lifts me. On instinct, I wrap my arms and legs around him. “Divorce,” he says, leaning in close. “You want my dick, baby?” he asks as he trails kisses up my neck.
“That totally backfired.” I tilt my head to give him better access.
“Everything I am is yours,” he says, nipping at my ear.
“Kiss me.”
“Yes, ma’am.” His lips find mine, and just as with every kiss before this one, I melt into him. He squeezes my ass and moans when I rock my hips. I can feel his solid length beneath his jeans, nestled between my thighs. My leggings are doing nothing to hide how hard he is, and it’s exhilarating to know it’s because of me.
This sexy, amazing man wants me.
“Brogan,” he murmurs against my lips. “Baby, we need to stop.”
“Don’t wanna,” I say, kissing him again. He moves to the desk, placing me on it, before kissing me softly, and pulling back. He rests his hands on my cheeks and stares down at me, panting.
“This, remember how you feel right this minute, because when I get you home, we’re picking this up again. If our family was not minutes away from walking in on us, baby, I’d have you stripped and laid out on my table so I can take my time tasting every inch of you.”
“I’ll remember,” I assure him, just as someone calls out, “Marco,” making us both laugh.
“That’s Lachlan.” Maddox chuckles. He kisses me one more time before lifting me from the desk and stepping away. He gives me a heated look as Lachlan appears in the doorway.
“Anyone else here?” he asks.
Maddox turns to answer him and Lachlan places his hands over his eyes. “Dude, put that thing away. Warn a guy, why don’t you?” he says, roaring with laughter.
“You’ve seen my wife, right?” Maddox asks.
My face heats, but I’m also laughing. I love the way he and his friends are so close.
“I’ve seen her. Brogan, sweetheart, if you want to know what a real man—” he starts, but Maddox interrupts him.
“Out. Get the fuck out of here,” he says, humor and something else in his tone.
“You know where to find me, Brogan.”
“My wife!” Maddox calls out as Lachlan’s laughter trails behind him down the hall.
I move to stand next to him, wrapping my arms around his waist.
“Mine,” he says, kissing me again.
“He was messing with you.”
“I know. He’d never, you’d never, but fuck, I hate even the thought of another man touching you.”
My heart dances in my chest. Not a single day has gone by where he’s not said something that didn’t make me melt for him. I need to talk to my sister, or Emerson and Monroe. Surely, that’s not normal? But when I look for signs that he’s not sincere, I don't find any. Am I blinded by wanting him?
“Tell me when the appointment is, and I’ll be there,” he says, holding my gaze.
“Thank you.”
“Anything, Brogan. I’ll do anything for you.”
Before I can answer, more voices ring down the hall. The others are here. “Come on, let’s go celebrate you and your friends.”
He weaves his fingers through mine and leads us back to the waiting room.
Everyone is here and taking in the new space. I’m introduced to Drake and Lisa, his girlfriend, and Lyra, who are both receptionists for the shop. The girls race around and once they find the playroom, they’re addicted. Baby Kane takes it all in with a gummy smile as he’s passed from person to person who want their chance to love on him.
There is just something about babies that makes you want to snuggle them close. The day is perfect, and all five guys are on cloud nine, pride showing in each of their expressions as they share the new space with us.
After we eat, which consisted of pizza and wings, I take all three little girls back to the playroom and sit with them. Not long after, Emerson, Monroe, Briar, and Maggie join me. Maggie has Kane in her arms and refuses to let him go.
“Nope. I had to pry him out of his daddy’s arms. My turn isn’t over yet,” she says, making me laugh.
“So, how’s married life?” Monroe asks.
“Good.” I nod. “Actually, I have a question.” I look at each of them and will myself to find the courage. Taking a deep breath, I go for it. “So, you all know we’re giving this a try,” I say, referring to Maddox and me.
“We do,” all four of them answer.
“Well, he’s just—too much sometimes,” I confess.
“How do you mean?” Emerson asks.
“He says, well, the perfect things at the exact right time. Is there a manual?” I ask, only half joking. “I swear there has to be a manual.”
“What kinds of things?” Maggie asks. “I have to live vicariously through the four of you, so I need details.”
“I don’t know. I asked him to go somewhere with me, and he said, ‘Anything for you.’ It’s not just his words, but the intensity of his gaze when he says them. There are a million other instances, but that’s the only one I can come up with right now.”
“I’ve known the guys my entire life. They have been best friends since before I was born.” Emerson chuckles. “I need to remind them of that,” she adds with a twinkle in her eyes. “Anyway, I’ve been around them a lot.”
“Me too,” Monroe adds. “You know, as her bestie and all. I spent a lot of time at Forrest’s house with Em growing up.”
“They’re all good men,” Emerson says. “I can tell you with absolute certainty if anything comes out of their mouth, and they’re being serious and not joking around, it’s the truth, and you can bank on it.”
“Em’s right. They like to joke around and tease a lot, but when they’re serious, they mean what they say. You can trust him, Brogan,” she says gently.
“Trust is hard for me.” They know about that night all those years ago, but we don’t talk about it much. I hear Susan’s voice in my head telling me maybe I should.
“Where did you ask him to go with you?” Briar asks.
“A therapy appointment.”
“Brogan. Really? That’s incredible.” Briar squeezes my hand.
“Susan suggested it, and I gave myself some time to think about it. My heart and my head are in a battle. Maddox, he’s doing and saying everything right, but I still have this heaviness that weighs on me that he’s going to get fed up with having to be so patient and dealing with my insecurities.” I pause, and no one says anything. It’s almost as if they know I need to say more but need time to collect my thoughts.
“I really like him,” I whisper.
“He’s head over heels for you,” Maggie speaks up. “I’ve probably spent the least amount of time with the two of you, thanks to my work schedule, but his eyes never leave you. No matter where you are in the room, he knows where you are.” She points to each of us. “They all do it,” she says. “Makes this single girl’s heart hopeful that there’s a man out there who will seek me out like that in my future.”
“He’s out there, babe,” Emerson assures her.
“We found ours when we least expected it,” Monroe says.
“Tell me about it.” Briar laughs. “I never could have dreamed up my current life.”
“That!” I point at my sister. “It’s like I’m living in a fairy tale.”
“You are,” Monroe says gently.
“A real one,” Emerson adds.
“Found them!” Roman calls out, stepping into the room. Not ten seconds later, Forrest, Legend, Maddox, and Lachlan follow along behind him.
I watch as each man goes to their wives, including mine. Lachlan settles next to Maggie and opens his arms for Kane. She sticks her tongue out at him, but hands him the baby.
“You good?” Maddox whispers just for me.
“I’m good,” I whisper back.
“This is the kids' room,” River says, placing her hands on her hips.
“Yeah,” Rayne says, striking the same pose as her sister.
“Yeah.” Lilly mocks and mimics the older two.
“We’re all just big kids,” Lachlan tells them.
“If you stay, you have to play with us,” Rayne tells him.
“I’m babysitting, but you have an entire room to choose from.”
“Uncle Roman, it’s time for your hair appointment,” River tells him.
“Yeah, Uncle Legend. Your hair appointment too,” Rayne says, clapping her hands in excitement.
“What about me?” Forrest sticks his bottom lip out.
“Daddy, you had an appointment last night,” River reminds him.
I smile, because I have no doubt he’s had a lot of hair appointments.
“Fine, I’ll just play with Lilly. You love Uncle Forrest, don’t you, sweetheart?” Forrest scoops Lilly into his arms and pretends to fly her around the room, making her laugh.
“What about me?” Maddox asks the girls.
“Uncle Maddox, you have to wait your turn,” Rayne tells him.
“Yes, ma’am,” Maddox says.
That’s how we spend the afternoon. In the kids' playroom at the new Everlasting Ink facility with full bellies and the company of our family. For a girl who’s only had her sister and nieces for the past few years, it’s nice, and sometimes overwhelming, to be a part of this group, but I won’t lie and say my heart's not overflowing with love for my new Everlasting Ink family.
And my husband.
“We did it!” Legend hollers, slinging his arm over Monroe’s shoulders.
“Thanks to you,” Roman replies.
Legend waves him off. “I didn’t work for the money. Hell, I didn’t even know my inheritance existed until last year. I couldn’t think of anything better to use it for.”
“The kids’ room was a nice touch,” Briar speaks up.
“I can’t believe they’re all asleep at the same time,” Emerson comments.
“It was my epic storytelling skills,” Lachlan boasts.
He could tell the kids were winding down, and somehow, he managed to wrangle all four of them into letting him read them a story and all four crashed.
“I guess we should get them home,” Forrest says, looking to Briar for guidance.
“Actually,” I speak up, “is this place ready to go? Like open for business?”
“We are,” Roman answers.
I look at my sister and grin, and she nods, flashing me her own smile. I turn to look at Maddox. “What about now?”
Maddox studies me for a few heartbeats and grins. “You’re ready?”
I love that he knew exactly what I’m talking about without me having to tell him. “I am.” I glance over at Briar. “Are you?”
“Let’s do it.”
“I have a picture on my phone, but I can run home and get the original,” I say.
“Nah, just send me the picture and I’ll get it sorted out,” Maddox responds.
“What’s going on?” Maggie asks.
“Briar and I have talked about getting a tattoo for years, we just have never taken the leap.”
“Yeah, I think we were waiting so our husbands could be the ones to do it.”
“For real?” Forrest asks. His eyes light up as if he was just told he won the lottery.
“Yep.” Briar bobs her head.
“What are we waiting for?” He stands, takes Briar’s hand, and pulls her to his room.
Maddox stands, lifts me into his arms, and carries me. “I can walk,” I tell him, laughing.
“Yeah, and I can carry you.” We step into his room, and he sets me on the tattoo table. His hands rest on my cheeks when he asks, “You’re really going to let me put my mark on you?”
“I am. I’m glad it’s going to be you.” Gripping his shirt, I pull him toward me, and kiss him. I stop before we get carried away, pull my phone out of my pocket, and quickly send him the picture. I know Briar has one too, but I send her mine as well, just in case.
Thirty minutes later, we have a stencil that is exactly like my dad’s handwriting. “Where do you want it?” Maddox asks.
Grabbing my phone, I call my sister. I can hear her phone ring and she’s laughing when she answers. “Where are we getting these?”
“What about inside bicep?” I suggest.
“Perfect. Right arm,” she says. “Love you, big sister.”
Tears well in my eyes. “I love it, and I love you too, little sister.” I end the call and look up at my husband, who is waiting patiently. “Inside bicep.” I lift my arm to show him. “On my right arm.”
Maddox smirks. “Take your shirt off, beautiful.”
I do as he says, and lie back on the table, lifting my arm over my head. He gets to work prepping the skin and applying the stencil. “There, want to take a look?”
I shake my head. “No. I trust you.”
“Brogan.” My name is a rasp from his lips.
He knows I mean more than just this moment, because this man somehow knows me inside out. “I’m ready,” I tell him.
He starts and immediately checks to make sure I’m okay, and I smile up at him. “I’m stronger than I look.”
He bends down and presses his lips to mine. “I know you are, baby. But the thought of hurting you, even for this twists me up inside.”
“I can have Lachlan do it,” I say, knowing it will light a fire inside him.
“Yeah, that’s not happening.” He gives me another kiss and gets back to work.
“Why the right arm?” he asks. “Is there some kind of significance?”
“Kind of, but not really. Briar and I always said we would put our maiden name on one side, and our married name on the other.” I wait for him to reply, but it never comes. “We had a few places we talked about, but we always said the left was closer to our heart. To the man we chose to give our hearts to if that day ever came.”
“Beautiful and smart,” he says.
I close my eyes and let him work. Time seems to fly because before I know it, he’s telling me he’s done, and helping me sit up. I move to stand in front of the full-length mirror and tears prick my eyes.
“I love it, Maddox. Thank you.” He steps behind me, wraps his arms around my waist, and kisses my neck.
“I’m glad you love it. Come on. Let’s go check on Briar.”
I quickly put my shirt back on, and we go to see how things are progressing with my sister, but I already know. She’s getting two tattoos today.
One day, that will be me too.