36. Nova
36
nova
I laughed as Sol ran around the yard with Hula Hoop in a sequined little jacket, with Sadie and Howard. Her laugh was rambunctious, it warmed my soul, and it was literally one of the best sounds in the world. It had been two weeks since they had gone missing and things had been getting better and better.
I was sitting by the firepit making a list of things I needed to do for Sol’s birthday party tomorrow. The April air was still a little chilly and it was a perfect day for the fire. Atlas sat next to me with his leg up and next to him was Webber, Jude’s friend, with his leg up too. Atlas and Webber had bonded over leg injuries. Webber and Atlas were talking about some game they started playing yesterday since they couldn’t do much.
Sometimes I forgot how young Atlas was and how he was still in his twenties since Colt and Theo were in their thirties. There are days where I wondered if maybe this was too much for him, but then I realized he was a big boy, and he could make his own decisions and he had chosen us.
Luke, Camila and Genevieve arrived for Sol’s birthday. They were sitting around the fire talking and watching Sol. Iris was sitting on my other side looking out into the pasture, deep in thought, when I noticed a band on her ring finger.
“Iris,” I whispered, slapping her leg.
“What?” she clipped. “Shit, sorry, I'm not in the best mood.”
“It’s ok,” I said, grabbing her hand while wiggling the ring on her hand.
“Oh, shit,” she said, as I looked around while she took it off and put it in her pocket.
“Do it fast. I thought you said it wasn’t happening yet.” I said, worried that this was happening and she didn’t just let it go. “Is this why you needed me to cover your shift yesterday?”
“It was a formal proposal.” She ran her hands through her hair, not looking at me.
“Oh, Izz.” I grabbed her hand. “I’m gonna say it again, is it worth it?”
“Yeah, it will be,” she murmured.
“I’m gonna assume it's the worst brother? The Bronc rider?”
“Yeah, it's that asshole and it's not just him, it was the entire family. They didn't let me meet them at the farm, it was done in Lubbock,” she said, biting her lips. “They… It's stupid, but it has to be done. It will be worth it.”
“Izz,” I said, squeezing her hand trying to find another way for her to understand that she was more important than her family’s farm.
“I’ll be fine, I promise,” she said, finally looking at me.
She was visibly sad, and it hurt to see her like this. I wished I could say something to her brother who might be able to knock some sense into her.
“Well, if you need anything, please let me know,” I said, pulling her in for a hug. “I’m sure if you said something to Camila and Genevieve, they could probably whip that family into shape.”
“Thank you,” she chuckled. “God, I would love to see those men on their knees.”
“Make him suffer,” I said, pulling away. “Maybe take one of Genevieve’s classes and whip him into shape.”
She laughed and it made me feel better.
“I should take her class,” she grinned. “Come on, let's finish your list and figure out what we have to do for the little princess tomorrow.”
Colt brought out drinks for everyone on a big tray as Theo brought out some meat to grill.
The Malone siblings had been getting closer, and I was loving that they were coming together again. We had a trip planned for Denver in the summer and we even talked about going to the beach sometime as a big family.
“Hey, Webber, is Jude coming?” Luke asked.
“He said he was going to have to stay on the overnight shift,” Webber said, looking a little sad.
“Mmmm… Do we need to kidnap him?” Luke joked.
“Maybe, he said he didn’t know if he was going to be able to make it tomorrow,” Webber said, and I knew something was wrong.
It didn’t take a genius to see that Jude was in love with Webber, but he was completely oblivious. I wondered if there was trouble in paradise?
“Seriously?” Theo snapped.
Webber shrugged. “Call him, maybe he will say something different to you.”
“I’ll call him,” Luke said, walking away.
Izz and I exchanged looks and when we looked at Genevieve and Camila, it seemed like we were all on the same page. Jude and Webber were fighting.
“Forest said he’s stopping by, I’ll ask him if he’s talked to Jude,” Theo said as Webber scowled.
The girls and I exchanged a look. The plot thickened.
We spent the rest of the night eating and playing games with Sol. I had never seen her so happy and when it was time for her to go to sleep, she gave everyone her pouty face and it almost worked. After a shower, I tucked her in and sang the song I had sung to her since she was a baby.
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are gray. You’ll never know just how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away.” We sang it together.
“I love you, My Sunshine,” I said, kissing her forehead.
“I love you, Momma,” she said, wrapping her little arms around my neck.
“Are you happy, Sol?” I asked on a whim.
“The happiest,” she whispered. “Can they be my daddies?”
“Let's revisit that question in maybe a year, Honey,” I said, leaning back. “Right now, we are still dating and well, things can happen, so let’s wait a little while before we ask them.”
“I’ll just have to wish for it tomorrow,” she said, rolling on to her side, hugging a unicorn plushie.
“Goodnight, Sweetheart,” I said, standing up.
“Good night, Momma; I’m glad you are my momma,” she said, as I reached the door.
“I’m glad too, Baby Girl,” I said, closing the door as my eyes grew misty.
Kids said the sweetest things and you always had to soak them up because ten minutes later they would tear you down like the gremlins they are. I wiped the stray tear as I heard a snort, and I almost laughed. She had snuck Hula Hoop back in the house again.
That was a problem for the guys. I grabbed blankets, making my way outside when the door opened. Before I could open it, Webber wobbled in.
“Sorry, Nova,” he said, moving out of the way quickly.
“Do you need something? Or can I help you?”
Webber shook his head. “I’m gonna go lie down, I’m beat.”
I had no idea what had happened, but Webber looked like a wet puppy and I felt bad for him. “I can help you.”
“Nah, I’m good,” he said quickly. “I live alone in Denver, so I’m used to it.”
“Just cause you're alone doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help or take the help someone offers,” I said. “I know it's hard, trust me I know. I’m stubborn as hell.”
“I’m really ok,” Webber said automatically, and it made me feel for him more.
“Alright, well if you do need anything, holler,” I said, opening the door seeing him walking with his crutches with his head down.
I sighed, hoping they got their shit together soon. Webber seemed like a nice guy, but sometimes that’s not all a relationship needed. I walked outside to see the sun almost completely down. Luke sat with Camila and Genevieve on either side of him as they talked about something that was making them laugh. They were so damn cute together.
Feeling eyes on me, my guys were all looking my way. I blushed at their attention and the last few weeks had seemed to intensify our bond. I sat between Colt and Atlas, staring at the flames.
“How are ya, Mama?” Atlas said, as I snuggled next to him.
“I’m doing really good,” I sighed. “Perfect in fact.”
“So, we have a question,” Theo said on the other side of Atlas.
“I have an answer.” My heart beat faster.
Why did I automatically think they were going to propose? Was I ready for that? Were we ready for that? God, why did they have to ask me that question?
“Cielo, you need to chill out,” Colt chuckled.
“Sorry, that was just a loaded question.” I slapped his thigh.
“It’s about Sol’s birthday present, but also we need your approval,” Atlas grinned.
“Oh no, what are you guys thinking of getting her?” I grumbled, hoping it wasn’t anything too crazy.
“We want to know if you will move in with us?” Theo asked softly.
I sat up, looking back at them.
“We know it hasn’t been long,” Atlas said, grabbing my hand. “We just started dating and Sol just found out, but we feel like this is right, that you girls should be here with us.”
“We know you are scared, Cielo.” Colt scooted closer to me. “You've been on your own for years and?—”
“Yes,” I said quickly. “I’m done being afraid. I want this. I want us and everything that comes with it.
Colt pulled me in for a kiss that was slow and sensual. I leaned into the kiss, ready for more.
“You can think about it if you need—” I pulled away from Colt, shutting Atlas up with a kiss. He moaned into the kiss and pulled me closer.
“I don’t need to think about it,” I said, giving him one last kiss before looking at Theo. “I’m tired of running and worrying.”
Theo leaned over to give me a soft quick kiss. When I tried to deepen it, he leaned his face back, a little red as he glanced at his brother.
“This is where Sol and I are supposed to be,” I said, my throat closing with emotion. “There is no place we’d rather be.”
“You’ve made us complete,” Colt said, pulling me back and kissing me hard.
“Get a room!” Luke yelled.
“Oh, geez,” Theo murmured, as I looked over to see him so red.
“Come on, let's go christen your decision.” Colt picked me up.
I laughed, waving bye to Luke, Camila and Genevieve as they wolf whistled. Theo helped Atlas up and he followed us to the bedroom. Our bedroom. Sol and I finally had a place to call home. It was with neighbors who I thought I needed to stay away from, but they ended up being exactly what Sol and I needed.