Chapter Fifty-Nine
Melonie
I wake up in Linc’s arms. He’s curled around me with his hand on my stomach, softly snoring. I’ve never felt so content and safe in a man’s arms before. I feel like I’m exactly where I belong. Like I’m home.
My stomach flips as I realize I was nervous about these four walls around us feeling like home, when in actuality, all I needed was Linc to make it feel that way.
I shift to lower my legs to the floor, because of course I can’t sleep more than four or five hours without having to wake up to use the restroom.
“Mel?”
“Hey. I just have to go to the bathroom.”
“Okay.”
I go to the bathroom, wash my hands, and return to bed. I back up against Linc’s chest, and he wraps his arm around me again.
“This is the perfect Sunday morning.”
“I haven’t slept that well in weeks.”
“Good. We should have done this a long time ago. You wouldn’t have had to ask the doctor about insomnia.”
I laugh. “Daddy Linc took care of that problem.”
“Shit, Mel, don’t call me that when we’re naked.”
“What time is it?”
Linc twists to grab his phone. “A little before seven.”
“Is it horrible that I’m wide awake now?”
“Not horrible. Are you hungry?”
“Yeah, but I can make something. You can go back to sleep.”
“I’ll cook, just make some extra coffee.” His hand moves up, and he pinches my nipple. “Or I could put you back to sleep again.”
“Food, then sex.”
He pulls back the covers and gets out of bed, pulling on his joggers. “On it.”
Around noon, Marcus arrives with the gifts from the shower. I answer the door and greet him with a hug. He’s stiff as a board, hands at his side. I let him go, and he gives me a forced smile.
“Hey, Melonie.”
“Hi, Marcus. Thank you for bringing everything over.”
“Of course.”
Linc comes out of his bedroom, pulling on a t-shirt. “Hey, man.” He puts his arms around Marcus and bangs on his back.
“Why are you two like this?”
“We just appreciate you bringing all the stuff over.”
“You could just say thank you with lunch.”
I grab my phone from the counter. “What would you like? You name it.”
“Pizza is good.”
“You got it.”
“Linc, I’ll need help with bringing everything up.”
“Let me put on shoes.”
Linc tugs on his sneakers, then stops by my side, kissing my cheek.
“What was that?” Marcus asks.
Linc and I look at Marcus, and he has a brow raised, waiting for an answer.
“Don’t tell the group, but we’re done being idiots. We’re officially together.” I smile at Linc.
Marcus gives us a rare smile. “Damn it, Gigi won the pool.”
I look at him. “You guys had a pool going?”
“We all knew it would happen. I didn’t expect it to take this long for you two to get there, though. I was out at month two.”
Linc shakes his head. “Mel, we need new friends.”
Marcus slaps his shoulder. “Happy for you guys.”
Linc hugs him again, and Marcus shoves him off. “Thanks. Let’s go get baby stuff.”
Linc walks out the door, and Marcus stays behind for a moment, smiling at me. “I really am happy for you, Melonie.”
“Thanks, Marcus. Now go before I give you another hug.”
He wastes no time walking out the door.