Mia
We’d been at the club for several days when Wrath came to my room and announced that we could finally go home. I should’ve been thrilled by the news, but I wasn’t. I’d liked being able to spend so much time with him. But then, he hit me with a second announcement.
He wanted me to move in with him.
In fact, he demanded.
I was both thrilled and terrified by the thought.
I liked the idea of living with him. I wanted that more than I could describe, but at the same time, I was worried that it was too soon.
We hadn’t been together all that long, but the time we had spent together had been phenomenal.
I’d never been so happy and content—which is why I agreed to move in with him.
He had some things to take care of with the club and I needed to grab a few things from my apartment, so we agreed to just meet at his place. It took longer than I’d expected to pack my bags. I wasn’t getting everything—just what I’d need for a week or so, and then, we could get the rest later.
I also needed to pick up a gift for Willa, so it was almost dark before I actually made it to his house. When I walked in, I could smell something wonderful cooking in the kitchen, but there was no sign of Wrath. I was about to call out to him when I spotted him in the living room.
He was leaning back in his recliner, napping, and the kitten was curled up in a ball on his chest. I’d gone back and forth on what to name him, but eventually, decided on Milo.
I dropped my bags in the hall, and Willa’s gift on the table then walked over and ran my hand over Milo’s head.
“What happened to you being an outside cat?”
“He was crying at the door.” Wrath kept his eyes closed as he told me, “I think he missed us.”
“I’m sure he did. I bet he was hungry, too.”
“Nah, I had one of the boys come by and feed him.”
“You did?” I gave Milo a scratch under his chin. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you might actually like the little guy.”
“He has his moments.” He opened his eyes and smiled. “Kind of like someone else I know.”
“Hey, you better watch it.” I gave Milo one last scratch, then stood and said, “We’re roomies now, and I know where you sleep.”
“Been here five minutes and already making threats.” He picked up Milo and lowered him to the floor, then stood and stepped over to me. “You get all your stuff?”
“I got what I needed for now.” I slipped my arms around his neck. “I’ll need a truck and set of strong arms to get the rest.”
“Consider it done.” He leaned down and gave me a quick kiss. “You hungry?”
“Yeah, I could eat.”
I was kind of surprised that he didn’t say more about me moving in.
He didn’t seem all that excited about it.
In fact, he didn’t even seem to care. I followed him into the kitchen, and my heart skipped when I saw there was a huge bouquet of white roses and a bottle of wine on the kitchen table.
I stopped in the doorway and asked, “What’s all this? ”
“Just a little something to welcome you home.”
“Awe.” I stepped over to the table and smelled the roses. “This is so sweet. Thank you.”
“Nothing I wouldn’t do for you, baby.” He kissed me on the forehead, then said, “Now sit, and I’ll bring you over some spaghetti.”
“Flowers, dinner, and wine?” I sat down and smiled. “You’re spoiling me already.”
“I’m just gettin’ started.”
We ate dinner; then Wrath carried my bags to the bedroom and helped me get unpacked.
Once we had everything put away, we spent the rest of the night tangled in each other’s arms, celebrating our new living arrangement.
The next morning, we slept in, and after a late breakfast and much-needed coffee, we headed over to Hadley’s for Willa’s birthday party.
When we pulled up to the house, we were both surprised at how many people were already there.
We barely had a place to park, but we managed and made our way up to the front door.
Wrath didn’t even have a chance to ring the doorbell before the door flew open and Tom appeared with a big smile.
“Hey, you two. Hadley was wondering when you’d finally make it. ”
“I thought the party started at twelve.”
“Yeah, I think that’s right.”
“We’re right on time, Tom.”
“Yeah, well, you know how your sister can be.”
“That I do.” Wrath chuckled. “So, where’s the birthday girl?”
“She’s out back with the others.”
Wrath nodded, then took my hand in his and led me through the living room. When we reached the sliding glass door, he paused and asked, “You ready for this?”
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be? It’s a party. It’ll be fun.”
“A whole backyard full of little kids and their overprotective parents.” Sarcasm dripped from his words as he said, “I’m sure it’s going to be loads of fun.”
“You’ll be fine.” I gave him a little nudge with my elbow. “I’ll be there to protect you.”
He let out a low grumble, then slid the door open and motioned for me to lead the way.
I stepped outside and was immediately blown away.
Hadley had transformed their backyard into a whimsical wonderland.
She had colorful banners and bunting in shades of pink, purple, and blue draped over the eves of the house and swing set.
There were balloons of all shapes and sizes scattered throughout the backyard.
Streamers hung from trees and fences, and in the center of the yard, there was a sweet, little canopy draped with flowing fabric and little white lights, creating a magical play area for the children.
She had various games set up and an inflatable bouncy castle.
And if that wasn’t enough, she even had a face painting station where an artist transformed the children into their favorite animals, superheroes, or fairytale characters.
It was crazy and beautiful and the perfect party for a precious little girl.
Hadley spotted us and came rushing over. She gave Wrath a big hug, and then reached over and gave me one as well. As I hugged her back, I told her, “Everything looks amazing!”
“Tom thinks I went overboard.”
“Well, your little girl only turns two once.”
“That’s what I told him!” She turned to Wrath and told him, “The guys are in the garage watching the game if you wanna go join.”
“Awe, hell yeah.” He glanced around the crowd. “But first, where’s my girl? I wanna tell her happy birthday.”
“She’s over on the swing set with Liv and Clutch.”
He nodded, then made his way through the yard full of children and parents. Willa’s face lit up when she saw him walking in her direction. She held her little arms out and shouted, “Unk Char-wee!”
“Hey there, beautiful!” He leaned down and picked her up from the swing, twirling her around in a circle. “How’s my birthday girl?”
“To-wa.” She held up two fingers as she repeated, “I’m to-wa.”
“That’s right. You’re two years old today.”
“I -ant ba-woon!” She eagerly clasped her hands together. “That one.”
“Alright, I’ll get you one.”
I was still watching them when Hadley leaned over and said, “I always prayed he’d find someone who made him smile again. I’m so glad it was you.”
“Oh, Hadley. You’re going to make me cry.”
“I mean it. I can’t remember ever seeing him look so happy.”
“Well, he makes me happy, too.”
“Oh, I can tell. We all can.” She pointed over to one of the back tables where Darby and Susana were sitting with Casey. They were all three smiling as they waved me over to their table. Hadley shooed me over to them as she said, “You better get over there before they cause a scene.”
“Are you going to join us?”
“In a bit. I need to get a few things done first.”
“Okay, I’ll go say hi to them, and then I’ll come back and give you a hand.”
“That would be great.”
I scurried through the crowd of kids and went over to chat with the girls, and just as I expected, they wanted to know all about Wrath and me moving in together.
Today wasn’t about me. It was about Willa and her birthday, not me and Wrath.
So, I kept it short. When I was done, I went back over to Hadley and Liv, and did my best to help manage the kids.
It wasn’t easy.
There were so many of them.
But eventually, things started to calm down, and it was time for Willa to open gifts. Hadley and Tom gathered everyone together on the porch, and Wrath came over and stood with me. His eyes were fixed on his niece. He clearly adored her and was pleased to see her look so happy.
Willa’s eyes were wide with excitement as she looked at the sea of presents wrapped in colorful paper and beautiful ribbons and bows. She could barely contain herself as she ripped them all to shreds. We all oohed and awed, and she gave an excited squeal whenever she finally reached the gift.
It was the perfect party made even more perfect because I was there with the man I loved.
Life was good. Very, very good.
When we got back home from the party, I was surprised to see that my recliner and loveseat were sitting in his living room. Confused, I took a step further into the house, and that’s when I spotted my lamps and my pictures on the floor in the foyer.
When I saw all the boxes and bags of my stuff in the hall, I immediately turned to Wrath and asked, “What is all this?”
“I had a couple of prospects bring it over.”
“When?”
“While we were at the party.” He walked over to me and placed his hands on my hips as he explained, “I’ve waited a long time for you, Mia. I don’t want to wait anymore.”
“Stop with the sweet. I don’t know how to do the sweet.”
“Well, how’s this for sweet.” He cocked his brow and announced, “I want three.”
“Three?” I repeated. “Three what?”
“Three kids. Two boys and a girl.”
“Ummm, okay.” I studied him for a moment, then asked, “That party full of kids didn’t scare you a little?”
“Hell, yeah. But our kids won’t act like that.”
“And what makes you say that?”
“Because they’ll be ours.”
“Oh, okay.” I couldn’t help but giggle. “So, when do you want these kids of yours?”
He looked down at me with a serious expression. “Soon. Like I said, I’ve waited a long time. I don’t want to wait anymore.”
His word warmed my heart, and I had absolutely no reservations as I told him, “Then, we won’t wait.”
“You’re an amazing woman, Mia. I really do love you.”
“And I love you.”