Chapter 29
Done
Trevor
“You havesomething you want to talk to me about?” Uri asks as we finally get a moment to talk alone.
We’re in the rec hall of the Billings ranch. It’s a huge barn-like structure they’ve turned into a recreation center for guests. This large group is definitely taking it to task.
I sit at a round table with Uri, thinking over my words carefully. I want answers. I’m not trying to trigger anything else.
“Yes, I want to ask you to look into something for me if you can,” I reply.
I haven’t seen LaSalle yet. When I think of it, I haven’t seen Tasha either. We’ve only been here an hour.
Lynn insisted on coming with me for this meeting. I had planned to come alone because I need to ask questions I don’t want to ask in front of her. However, not only has Lynn come along, but somehow Mrs. Agatha and Snacks are here at the Billings ranch as well.
I have chuckled every time someone has called out for Paige and my little girl answers only to become frustrated when she realizes they’re talking to the adult Paige.
I know at least one of the Black brothers by name. Toby is one of the redheads. He’s married to the gorgeous African woman with the twins. Their children are cute. I think at least one of the others belongs to them as well.
I know Toby by face because I’ve looked up for my son each time they call him. His red hair and golden eyes cause him to stand out.
I turn to look over at Cakes as her laughter rings out. She’s been talking with Nate’s wife and his sister. There are twice as many children here than last time and twice the adults.
I note that Brad seems unfazed by this. He looks pretty used to it. Again, that family vibe surrounds me.
“Ask and I will tell you if I can help,” Uri says.
“I want to know what else my ex-wife has been up to. I believe she’s behind some of the financial trouble Lynn’s family ranch has run into,” I say.
“Done.”
I look at him and lift a brow at how easily he agrees to help, although I’m grateful. Something in his eyes tells me he might already know something I don’t.
LaSalle walks into the huge barn converted into a rec space with a satisfied smile on his lips. It’s when Tasha enters with the same grin on her face with disheveled hair, that I know what they’ve been up to and why I haven’t seen them.
LaSalle saunters over to where some of the nannies are sitting and plucks up a little bundle then heads our way. Tasha heads over to Lynn and their little group. A little girl and two boys run over to get her attention as she sits.
“I’m glad to see you, Trevor,” LaSalle says as he sits beside Uri. “I don’t believe you’ve met my youngest. This little guy is Sunny.”
I take in the baby in his arms. He can’t be more than six or seven months old. Tasha looks great for having a little one this young.
“How many do you have?”
“Seven in total. Three from my first marriage, four with Tasha. I’m trying for one more, but I don’t know if it will happen.” He smiles mischievously.
“I can only hope to have three more.”
“You want more children?” Uri asks.
“I’m going to tell you the truth. I don’t remember conceiving not one of my children. I feel like that’s something I’m supposed to have experienced. I want that with Lynn.
“I want her to tell me we’re expecting and then have that moment when I think oh, it was that night. The one when I drew her that bath and gave her a massage, then made love to her.
“I don’t know, it just don’t seem right that I don’t have one of those moments but I have four kids,” I muse aloud.
I don’t miss that a look passes between Uri and LaSalle. I wonder what that’s about. Sunny begins to cry, and Logan comes over to pluck him from LaSalle’s arms.
“What has yer da done to ya?” he coos at the baby. “Or are ya just missing yer uncle? Yer a handsome bugger, ya are.”
Misha comes over with two babies strapped to his chest. I smile to see these hardened men surrounded by little children. They are gentle with the children, but it’s clear that in the blink of an eye, that all could and would change.
“So Trevor, do we still have a problem?” Logan asks as he turns his attention to me.
“Not at all. Nate gave me a call this morning. I’m confident I can make this happen. I gave Paige the signed contract,” I reply.
“Grand, I like ya. Wasn’t looking forward to breaking yer legs,” he says and releases a deep laugh.
While we all laugh, I don’t believe he’s joking at all. Misha stares at me with his icy gaze as he strokes the top of one of the baby’s heads and rubs the other’s back.
A cute little girl runs over to Misha, stealing his gaze away from me. She looks to be about ten. Looking at her, I think of Ellie and can’t help but wonder what my children with Lynn will look like.
“Papa, where’s mommy? Mishutka Mishyenka is misbehaving,” the girl says to Misha.
“She went to bathroom. This why she tells me no more. Tell Mikhail come here,” Misha replies.
“I told ya naming him after ya was a bad idea. I don’t care if ya choose a different version. Ya gave the poor lad yer energy,” Logan taunts.
“And you have all angels, da?” Misha snorts and gives Logan the finger.
“Ya see yer uncle. He’s not to become yer favorite. Ya stick with me, Sunny me boy,” Logan coos to the baby still in his arms.
The little girl comes back with the little brown icy-blue-eyed blond boy I saw with Misha the first day I met him. He glares at his sister before he moves closer to his father.
“Milane, go back. Play with others. Mikhail, you stay here. Time out.”
Mikhail stomps his foot and whimpers, throwing his head into Misha’s side. LaSalle picks him up and brings him into his lap, whispering something in his ear. He abruptly stops his tantum and sits quietly.
“You will stop threatening my son, da,” Misha grumbles to LaSalle.
“It works.” LaSalle and Logan roar with laughter.
I definitely want more children and hope they get to become a part of this family. I understand why Brad has taken to them.
* * *
Lynn
“Lookat your butt coming in here looking all freshly fucked,” Pam teases as Tasha comes to sit with us.
“Mind your business,” Tasha sings with a smile on her face.
Before Pam can say anything else, three adorable little ones run over singing “Mommy.”
Tasha pulls them onto her lap one by one. The oldest-looking one sits on one leg and the two younger ones sit together on the other.
“You have beautiful children,” I say.
“Thank you.”
“Are these your only ones?”
“No, I have one more with LaSalle and we have our babies from his first marriage. My husband and his wife had three before she passed.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“It’s been about six years now. It was hard in the beginning, but we’re a happy blended family now. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“You and Trevor will have a blended family of your own,” she says as if it’s a fact.
“I hope so. I’m worried that time might be ticking for me.”
“My son told me to tell you all will happen as it should. You will have your heart’s desire. You and Trevor have a lot to look forward to.”
I look at her questioningly. Pam bursts into laughter beside me. I turn to her and frown.
“Girl, if you could see your face. Sammy is clairvoyant. That little boy be all up in everyone’s business.”
“Oh,” I say as I let that sink in.
“Who let Nanna and Cassidy Black get together?” Rita says as she freezes in her tracks.
I turn to find Nanna with a little redhead. The two look like the best of friends. I shake my head as Nanna folds her arms over her chest as she seems to be scolding one of the little ones.
The redhead kicks off her flipflop and catches it like some grandma ninja. The little kids take off running as she and Nanna laugh.
“Oh, that’s trouble but I like it,” Tasha snickers.