CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Avery
M
y afternoon nap turns into a full-on hibernation session. After the very enthusiastic morning I had with my guys, I needed the extra rest—and apparently, so did my body. To their credit, they handled everything while I slept, including fielding Roman’s relentless calls and keeping the house as quiet as possible so I could properly recuperate.
When I finally shuffle into the living room, still warm and a little dazed from sleep, I find all four of them sprawled across the couches like a pack of lazy wolves after a feast.
Lennox is the first to notice me. He immediately jumps to his feet and meets me halfway, his hands gentle as he guides me over to the couch like I’m made of glass. “How’d you sleep, baby?” he murmurs, his voice low and soothing as he gently tucks a plush blanket around me, then slides in close, sandwiching me between him and Liam on the couch like I’m something precious they’re keeping safe.
“Thank you,” I murmur, curling into their warmth and sinking into the cushions. “Really good, actually.” I glance around the room, noting the absence of one very familiar face. “Has my dad been by?”
Kam nods from the opposite couch, his posture tense like he’s fighting the urge to get up and wrap himself around me. “Yeah. I took him over to his place earlier to grab a few more things. We were able to convince Roman to postpone his dramatic entrance until tomorrow. We’re hosting a barbecue at your dad’s instead, so everyone can come visit you in one place, away from here.”
I nod slowly, chewing on my bottom lip as my stomach twists with unease.
Jaxton catches the hesitation instantly and leans forward, forearms resting on his knees. “What’s the matter, Kitten?”
“I don’t know…” I sigh, running my hands over the blanket covering my belly. “I’m excited to see everyone, I really am. But I’m nervous. Being out in the open at Dad’s? It just feels… risky. What if Sarah shows up? What if she’s watching?” My voice dips at the end, and I hate the vulnerability that creeps in—but it’s real.
“I don’t really feel safe being out at all while she’s still out there.”
Their easygoing postures shift instantly. Kam’s jaw tightens, Liam straightens where he sits, and Jaxton’s eyes narrow just slightly—protective instincts igniting like a flare.
“You won’t be unprotected, Avery,” Kam says firmly, his voice laced with steel. “Security is already doubled at your dad’s. We’ll be with you every second. There’s no way in hell she’s getting anywhere near you.”
Lennox brushes a stray piece of hair from my cheek, his touch a balm to my nerves. “And if she does show her face, baby, she won’t leave in one piece. That’s a promise.”
I nod again, a little more confidently this time. Because I believe them. I believe in them.
But the fear still lingers like a shadow I can’t quite shake.
“Look, I don't want to overwhelm you,” Kam says gently, his eyes searching mine, “but there are a few things we need to talk about—including your agreement to marry us.”
My mouth drops open and closes again like a fish out of water. “Wait… you were serious?”
Kam chuckles, not mocking, just warm and patient. “I told you I was. Every word.”
“But… I thought you were just—” I trail off, shaking my head, unable to form a complete sentence. “That wasn’t just pillow talk?”
He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees as the other guys mimic his movements, faces serious, eyes locked on mine. “First, we need to talk about what happens next. Especially once Sarah’s caught. About us. Where we live. How we live.”
I blink, trying to keep up. The air shifts with the weight of something big, and I brace myself.
Jaxton speaks next, his voice calm but steady. “We’ve been holding off on telling you until you were ready. But the truth is… we’re not going anywhere.”
Liam nods. “We stepped away. From everything.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, eyes bouncing from face to face.
Kam answers. “I handed over day-to-day operations of my restaurants. Sold off partial ownership to become a silent partner. Aside from the occasional business meeting, that’s it for me.”
Lennox jumps in, “Liam and I canceled every contract we had lined up. Indefinitely.”
Jaxton shrugs like it’s no big deal, but I know it is. “I told Hollywood to fuck off. Walked away from the next film. Gave back the paycheck and everything.”
I stare at them, stunned into silence. “You… all of you… walked away? Just like that?”
“We didn’t make the decision lightly,” Liam says, his voice steady but full of emotion. “But when you disappeared, everything else faded into the background. Nothing else mattered—not work, not money—just bringing you home.”
Jaxton leans in, brushing his fingers along my jaw. “New relationship or not, you’re it for us, Kitten. Endgame. No backup plan. No doubts.”
Kam squeezes my hand. “We want to be here. Permanently. With you. With Dan. With our baby. Your place? It’s home.”
Tears blur my vision. I try to blink them back, but it’s useless. My throat’s tight, my heart is pounding.
“You really mean that?” My voice cracks, fragile with disbelief. “You’re really doing this? You’re all in?”
Lennox leans his forehead against mine. “We were in the moment you said our names the way only you do. We just had to catch up to what we already knew.”
The laughter that bubbles from me is part joy, part disbelief. “This is crazy,” I whisper.
“But it’s happening,” Jaxton says with a grin. “And you better get used to it.”
I laugh again, wiping my eyes. “I just… I knew what I wanted. I dreamed of this. All of you, staying here. Us building something together. Me working on landscapes, staying close to my dad. I just never thought I’d get to have it all.”
“Well,” Kam says, gently tilting my chin until I’m looking straight at him, “it’s time you start believing it—because you’re ours, and we’re not going anywhere.” His thumb brushes across my cheek. “Actually, we were hoping we could be part of your new business… if you’ll have us? You know, for the heavy lifting.” He grins, but there’s something softer in his eyes—something real. “We spent a lot of time in the yard while you were gone. It was one of the only things that kept us grounded. Kept us sane. We poured everything into it, hoping we were doing it justice, bringing your vision to life.”
I blink, emotion clogging my throat as he continues.
“Don’t be mad that we finished it. We just... we needed to feel close to you. Once we’re cleared to head back, we’ll show you the surprise. But fair warning—we’re all dying for your professional inspection. Fingers crossed we pass.”
My heart squeezes painfully in my chest—in the best way. I blink back more tears, overwhelmed by everything they’ve done—everything they’ve sacrificed—and now this.
My voice comes out barely above a whisper, thick with emotion. “God, I can’t even tell you how much that means to me. If you’re serious about joining my business, I’d say that’s one hell of an interview technique.”
They chuckle, but I’m not joking. “I mean it,” I say, glancing at each of them. “Being this far along in the pregnancy, I won’t have the energy—or let’s be honest, the ability—to do much. And once the baby’s here, I’ll want to soak up every second. There’s no way I would’ve been able to finish the yard myself.”
Lennox squeezes my hand. “We didn’t want you to.”
“Exactly,” Kam adds. “We wanted to take care of it. Of you.”
I shake my head in disbelief, the love in my chest swelling like a balloon. “Now we’ll just have to update everything again soon... you know, baby-proof it. Soft edges, no sharp corners, secure fencing. Toddler-safe, not just pretty.”
“Oh, we’ve already got ideas,” Liam says, that mischievous glint in his eye making my lips curve.
“Don’t worry,” Jaxton smirks. “We’ll build the best damn toddler-safe oasis you’ve ever seen.”
I laugh, the sound bubbling up before I can stop it. “You guys are seriously nesting more than I am.”
Kam grins. “We’re just excited to be a family. To have a family.”
Lennox leans in, voice softer now. “I can’t wait to meet them. To see our baby for the first time.”
My chest tightens at the raw sincerity in his words. I look around at all of them— my guys, my home, our future—and smile.
“Neither can I.”
~~~~~
The next day, the nerves hit me the moment I roll out of bed. My anxiety is practically buzzing beneath my skin as we prepare to leave the hotel for the barbecue. Just the thought of being out in the open makes me uneasy—too many people, too many what-ifs, and Sarah still out there. But I also crave a taste of normalcy. And I need to see Roman. Honestly, I’m shocked he hasn’t already broken down the metaphorical gates to get to me.
The guys explained he’s been holding back out of respect—giving me time and space before unleashing his signature dramatic entrance. I’m not sure whether to be grateful or terrified.
Before I can spiral too far, Jaxton shows up with what could only be described as a pregnancy feast . He sets a massive tray across my lap like I’m some kind of royal. Eggs, toast, fruit, protein bars, even mini muffins—all arranged like it’s brunch at a five-star resort.
“You need to eat enough to get through the drive and make it to lunch,” he says, leaning down to kiss my forehead. “And just in case, I packed you a snack bag for the car.”
I grin up at him. “I love you.”
“I know,” he smirks, and then walks off like the cocky bastard he is.
Kam leans around the corner from the hallway, a box of supplies balanced effortlessly in his arms. “Don’t worry, Sunshine,” he calls out with a grin. “Your dad’s been up since the crack of dawn smoking the meat, and I knocked out most of the sides last night. We’re talking loaded potato salad, pasta salad, slaw—you name it. It’s gonna be good. ”
Spoiler alert: He wasn’t lying .
The moment we arrive and I step out of the car, the rich, mouthwatering scent of smoked meat and spices hits me like a freight train. I practically float toward the patio table like a cartoon character following an invisible scent trail, my body moving of its own accord. If there were a visible smoke finger curling in the air like in those old cartoons, I’d be chasing it.
By the time I make it to the table, my mouth is practically watering, and my eyes go wide with pure, unfiltered delight. Kam and Dad have seriously outdone themselves. There’s an appetizing lineup of juicy burgers, sticky ribs, charred veggies, creamy homemade mac and cheese, and perfectly roasted corn on the cob. It’s not just a meal—it’s a full-on feast.
The guys burst out laughing at my awestruck expression.
“You’d think we didn’t feed her like a queen all morning,” Lennox nudges me gently as he hands me a plate.
“What can I say?” I grin as I pile food on with zero shame. “Pregnancy hunger hits different. And this—” I point at the table like I’m worshiping it, “—this is holy.”
Kam bows dramatically. “Only the best for our girl.”
The distant sound of car doors shutting and footsteps crunching across the gravel instantly snags my attention, sending a ripple of tension down my spine. My instincts flare—just for a moment—until I hear a very familiar screech pierce the air.
“Giiiirl! It’s like trying to strike a deal with the devil to get in to see you! I barely clawed my way into this invite!” Roman’s dramatic voice cuts through the breeze, and I barely have time to brace myself before he barrels into me, wrapping me in the fiercest hug imaginable.
Several of my guys immediately grunt their displeasure—quiet but unmistakable warnings. I feel them shift behind me, ready to pry him off if necessary. Which is honestly hilarious, considering they’re a lot rougher with me in other, far less clothed scenarios.
I shoot Kam a sly smile over Roman’s shoulder. His eyes catch mine, his mouth curving into that familiar smirk that shuts down the tension instantly. He gets it. They all do. I’m not made of glass. But after everything that happened, it’s like their alpha instincts have been dialed to max volume. I don’t mind it, though—not even a little. If anything, it’s comforting. I’ve spent too long fighting on my own. Now, it feels good to be protected. To be theirs.
“I’m sorry I didn’t reach out sooner,” I murmur once Roman lets me go, guilt pressing against my ribs.
Roman and Marco both wave off my apology like it’s ridiculous. “Please,” Roman says, clutching his chest. “After everything? We’re just happy to see you breathing and vertical. Honestly, I didn’t expect you to be out in the open so soon. You’re braver than I am.”
We spend the next hour eating and catching up, laughter flowing easily around the table. Kam and my dad tag-teamed the food like seasoned pros, and there’s enough to feed an army—or seven hungry males and a very pregnant woman. Roman sits beside me, his voice soft as he fills me in on something unexpected.
“Hey, I wanted to tell you myself,” he says, glancing over to Marco. “A couple of months after you disappeared, Mrs. Fry decided to sell The Sweet Tooth. Said it was time to retire and move down to Florida with her sister.”
My breath catches. “She sold it?”
He nods, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “To me. She said she knew I’d take care of it the way you would’ve wanted. I hope that’s okay.”
Relief floods my chest, and I smile through the emotion welling in my throat. “It’s more than okay. I’m glad it stayed in the family.”
Roman exhales dramatically. “Thank God . I’ve been sweating that moment for months.”
As the sun dips low and the day winds down, Roman and Marco say their goodbyes. They both hug me tight, Roman kissing my cheek with a dramatic flair.
“We are so going to be the best uncles ever,” he promises, wiping an imaginary tear. “Just wait till the baby’s old enough for glitter.”
Marco just chuckles and pulls me into one more hug. “We’re so happy you’re back, Avery. You’re exactly where you belong.”
And as they head to their car, I watch them go with a full heart, my hand resting protectively over my bump. I am exactly where I belong—with my family, and this little life growing inside me.
Home.
Later that evening, I’m parked cross-legged on the hotel couch in the oversized living room, surrounded by cozy blankets, binging a feel-good Netflix show, and devouring leftover chicken legs from the barbeque like it’s my last meal on Earth.
The TV plays in the background, but I’m way more invested in this chicken than the storyline. Kam’s homemade barbeque sauce is a religious experience—sweet, smoky, tangy perfection—and I swear it gets better with every bite. My face is probably a disaster, coated in sauce, but I couldn’t care less.
Lennox and Liam are sprawled on the right of me, watching me like I’m the most entertaining thing in the room. They’re loving this messy, unapologetically pregnant version of me—greasy fingers, sauce-stained lips, and all. And honestly? I kind of love it too.
“This sauce is actual magic,” I mumble around a mouthful of chicken, licking my fingers with zero shame. “Kam better teach me how to make it or I’m staging a kitchen coup.”
Liam chuckles and gently rubs my belly with one hand. “What do you think, little one? You like this food as much as Mommy does?”
I grin, not even bothering to wipe my face before answering. “What’s it look like?” I ask with my mouth half-full, causing everyone to burst into laughter. Even I join in, knowing I probably resemble a toddler post-birthday cake.
Kam strolls over from the kitchen with another leg in hand like the hero he is. He settles beside me and places a kiss on the crown of my head before handing it over. “She can eat whatever the baby needs… and then one more just for herself,” he teases, rubbing my belly as he winks at the others.
“Dick,” I mutter playfully, grabbing the leg with enthusiasm. “But thanks.”
He grins and leans back on the couch, still massaging my belly in slow, calming circles. “Are you excited for the baby? You hoping for a boy or girl?”
I pause, letting the question settle. The laughter quiets as the room softens around me.
“Honestly?” I say, gazing down at my bump. “It doesn’t matter. That’s why I didn’t want to find out the gender. As long as this little one’s healthy, I’ll be the happiest person alive.”
Everyone nods, the moment turning quietly tender. And then—because I’m nothing if not a woman ruled by cravings—I take another bite of chicken and moan dramatically.
“Oh my god, Kam. You better never break up with me or I’m taking this recipe in the separation.”
Kam’s laughter rumbles beside me, warm and rich, his hand still resting protectively on my belly. The room is filled with an easy kind of happiness, the kind that wraps around you like a blanket and makes you feel weightless.
But then his tone shifts—still playful, but laced with something deeper.
“Which reminds me…” Kam manages through the last of his laughter, his eyes locking onto mine with a spark of mischief and something more serious beneath. “When you agreed to marry us—did you actually mean it?”
The question hangs in the air, and my breath stutters—not because I’m caught off guard, but because it lands differently this time. Not tangled in the heat of passion or shouted into the ceiling as my world came undone and rebuilt itself around them. This time, it’s spoken in the quiet aftermath, wrapped in laughter, love, and barbecue sauce.
I blink up at Kam, searching his face. For a split second, I wonder if I should meet his teasing grin with sarcasm. But the look in his eyes—the steady, grounded certainty—makes the decision for me.
My heart speaks before my lips can form the words.
“Yeah,” I breathe. “I meant it. Every word.”
Kam’s smile spreads slowly, that signature smirk turning into something soft and sincere. Behind him, Lennox makes a strangled sound like he’s trying not to cry, while Liam mutters something about needing to find a ring pop. Jaxton, ever the drama king, wipes away a tear and sniffs.
I roll my eyes, but my chest is full to bursting.
Because this? This chaos, this love, this beautifully tangled family—it’s everything. Everything I never knew I needed… but now, can’t imagine living without.
I reach for Kam’s hand and squeeze it, then look around the room at all of them. “I love you,” I say, voice strong and clear now. “All of you. So yeah, I meant it. You’re stuck with me.”
Kam leans in and kisses me—barbecue sauce and all—slow and reverent, like I’ve just handed him something sacred.
And maybe… I did.