Chapter Twenty-Four
GUNNER AND SID sure knew how to throw an event. The Wicked Animal Rescue adoption event was in full swing, and the grounds of the rescue looked like there was a festival going on. Everyone had gotten together early to help bathe the animals, who now sported cute blue bow ties and pretty pink ribbons, and decorate and set up the yard. Balloons danced from long strings tied to the legs of the registration table, which was manned by Tori and Steph, and dozens of people milled about on the lawn, checking out the animals, reading the fun informational posters Chloe had made, and playing with the dogs and cats in temporary pens. Ginger and Reba were overseeing the animal play areas, and Madigan was holding a puppet show for a group of children, teaching them how to care for pets. Baz and Chloe were going all in with their application contest, Evie and Quinton were helping Gunner and Sid answer questions about the thirty-plus dogs and cats that were up for adoption, and some of Baz’s cousins were also helping out.
Emerson’s table, where she was selling dog biscuits and cookies for donations to the shelter, had been hopping all day. Thank goodness for Reese’s help. Emerson handed a customer her bag of goodies. “One bag of doggy biscuits and two cookies. Good luck with your adoption.”
As the woman walked away, Emerson gazed across the lawn at Conroy, holding Brennan and chatting with Preacher, who was holding Marybelle. They had been holding the babies for the majority of the day. Or, as Baz said, hogging the babies. Emerson didn’t mind. She was glad Brennan had so many people to love him, and the Wickeds had no shortage of love to give.
She glanced at Baz talking with an older couple and warmed all over. They’d stayed at his place last night and had brought Ollie so he could hang out with Gunner and Sid’s dogs today. She’d been shocked when Baz had shown her his bedrooms, one of which he’d made into a nursery with the same bedding, mobile, and all the diapering and other baby accoutrements, they had at her house. If that wasn’t enough to turn her heart inside out, the fact that he had the same dog bed and toys for Ollie and copies of the same pictures she had in her bedroom of her parents and of her and Brennan in his bedroom would have sealed the deal.
His voice whispered through her mind. I know it’s not the same as being home, but I thought it might help you, Brennan, and Ollie feel less of a disruption to your schedules. He went to such great lengths for them. Didn’t he know that being with him was enough?
Last night he’d taken her and Brennan on a tour of his office and the rescue, and they’d met each of the animals. After hearing their heart-wrenching stories, she’d wanted to adopt every one of them. Even Chewbacca, the ornery goat, who was not up for adoption, as Gunner was too in love with him to give him up. But one energetic dog and a baby were enough for Emerson. They’d had dinner with Gunner and Sid at their farmhouse, and Ollie had gotten to play with their dogs. The pups were all glad to see each other again, and Twinkles, their adorable incontinent, diapered Chihuahua that Gunner refused to call anything but Tinkles , had taken a liking to Brennan. Little B loved having his new tiny friend curled up beside him on a blanket. All of that was wonderful, but what Emerson loved most about being there was sharing Baz’s space. It felt different sleeping in his bed, showering together in his luxurious bathroom, and puttering in his kitchen with the morning sun spilling through the massive windows.
“At this rate, we’ll be out of biscuits and cookies way before the end of the day,” Reese said, drawing Emerson’s attention to the pretty blonde. She looked cute in shorts and a Wicked Animal Rescue tank top, as they were all wearing.
“Don’t worry. We have plenty,” Emerson assured her. “Baz’s fridge is full. Let’s keep those donations coming in.” She didn’t know how Gunner and Sid afforded to save so many dogs, but she was glad she was able to help support them.
Reese’s teenage sister, Lettie, who was as lean as Reese was curvy, breezed up to the table and flipped her long dark hair over her shoulder. “Hey. Do you have any more of the double chocolate chip cookies?”
“Lettie, you’ve eaten six cookies in the last hour,” Reese chided.
Lettie parked a hand on her hip. “Working with the animals uses up all of my energy, and sugar helps replenish it.”
“Do not give her any cookies!” Zeke called out as he jogged over.
“Please tell me you didn’t give cookies to the animals and get one of them sick,” Reese said.
“Like I would ever do that?” Lettie glowered at her as Zeke joined them. “Would you tell her that I didn’t feed the animals cookies?”
“She’d never do that ,” Zeke said. “But she is feeding an old goat who can’t have sugar.”
“You’re feeding cookies to Chewy?” Emerson asked.
“Not that old goat.” Zeke arched a brow at Lettie. “Are you going to tell them, or am I?”
Lettie rolled her eyes. “I gave Grandpa Mike a few cookies. He begged me to. You know they don’t give him any treats at that darn place where he’s living.”
“ Lettie. ” Reese exhaled, exasperated. “You’re even starting to sound like him.”
Zeke shook his head. “That’s because he coached her on what to say.”
Lettie looked away.
“I already gave Mike a bag of sugar-free snickerdoodles,” Emerson said.
“He said they fell out of the bag and he had to throw them away,” Lettie said. “I felt bad for him.”
“He lied, Lettie,” Zeke said.
“I’m not a child. I know when someone is lying,” Lettie insisted. “And he wasn’t.”
Reese tilted her head, her tone gentle. “Did you forget that he’s the same man who taught you how to cheat at poker, and your takeaway was that having a poker face was everything?”
Lettie kicked at the grass with the toe of her sneaker. “Maybe.”
“It’s okay.” Zeke patted her shoulder. “Just don’t let him fool you again. Too much sugar can make him sick.”
Lettie’s eyes narrowed. “Fool me again? Ha. I’m going to give him a piece of my mind.”
“Lettie,” Reese warned.
“I’ll be respectful,” she promised. “Oh, there’s Blaine! I need to talk to him.” She snagged a cookie from the table and ran toward Blaine.
“Lettie Wilder!” Reese called after her, and Lettie turned around. “Don’t you dare!”
Lettie grinned and took off in Blaine’s direction.
Reese huffed out a breath. “She’s going to be the death of me.”
“I’ve got her.” Zeke went after her.
“What’s that about?” Emerson asked.
“Lettie’s campaigning to adopt another dog,” Reese explained.
“Didn’t you say you have two?”
“Yes,” Reese said. “And we were only supposed to have one. If it were up to Lettie, we’d adopt every dog Gunner and Sid ever find, and as much of a bulldozer as Blaine is, he’s got a soft spot for my sister. That’s why we have two dogs. I can just see more dogs popping up one at a time until we’re overrun by four-legged family members.”
Emerson laughed. “I have to admit, I understand why she wants them all. I want them all, but I can’t handle any more than I have.”
“Where is Ollie today?”
“Playing with his friends in Gunner and Sid’s backyard. He loves their dogs.”
“Everyone loves their dogs. Especially these girls.” Reese motioned to Junie and Rosie running toward the table. Leo toddled behind them, holding Leah’s hand. Leah looked hot and tired, but cute in denim shorts and a pretty orange tank top. Tank had been there early to help set up, but Leah and the kids had arrived about an hour ago.
“Mama said we could have cookies!” Rosie exclaimed, eyes going wide as she scanned the sugary treats.
“Two each,” Junie said, red ringlets springing around her face.
“I want this one, and this one, and this one, and this one…” Rosie continued pointing to cookies.
“That’s a million,” Junie said. “You get two …”
As the girls discussed cookies, Leah scooped up Leo before he could grab a bag of cookies off the table. “I don’t care if they have twelve each if it means I get a break from them begging me for cats and dogs. It’s exhausting.”
“Where’s Tank?” Emerson asked.
“He and Zan are bathing a couple of dogs. A little boy thought they were too hot and dumped his lemonade on them.” Leah laughed softly.
“Oh boy. If you want a break, Lettie’s here,” Reese said. “She can play with them for a while or watch Leo.”
“Lettie’s here?” Rosie and Junie exclaimed in unison.
“Yeah, she’s over there with Blaine and Zeke.” Reese pointed to them standing beneath a canopy by one of the dog pens.
“Mama, can we—”
“ Go , but stay together.” Leah watched the girls run toward Lettie, struggling to keep Leo on her hip as he tried to get down.
“ Go Sissies! ” Leo whined.
“Sorry, baby, but you need to stay with Mama this time.”
“Can I give him a C-O-O-K-I-E?” Emerson asked.
“Sure. Thank you,” Leah said.
Emerson held up a kitty cookie. “Leo, would you like a cookie?”
“Ookie!” He snagged it from her and took a bite.
“Say thank you to Miss Emerson,” Leah reminded him.
“Ank you,” he said around a mouthful.
“He’s so stinking cute.” Emerson grabbed a bottle of cold water out of the cooler. “Here. If you’re not feeling well, I’m sure Baz won’t mind if you lie down at his place. I’d be happy to watch Leo.”
“Thanks, but I’m fine. Tank and I were just a little overzealous last night. And the night before that, and the night before that.”
“Okay, I no longer feel bad for you,” Reese said, and they all laughed.
Leah smiled as she opened the water bottle, and Leo grabbed it, spilling it down his shirt. He giggled, and so did Leah. “That’ll cool you off. Let me help you.” She helped him take a sip, and more dripped down his chin. “Boys.” She wiped it off and took a sip before screwing the top back on.
“Are you going to the Hog tonight?” Reese asked. “Dante’s band is playing.”
Everyone was getting together there after the event. Ginger, Conroy, Preacher, and Reba had offered to watch the kids so they could all go. Emerson was looking forward to it.
“We’ll be there.” Leah took another drink. “This is Emerson’s first time being out with all the Wicked boys. Don’t you remember how overwhelming it was the first time you were with everyone?”
“That was nowhere near as intimidating as meeting the girls,” Reese insisted. “They were like a firing squad, interrogating me about Blaine.”
“I didn’t feel interrogated at the book club,” Emerson said.
Reese and Leah exchanged a glance she couldn’t read.
“What?” she asked a little nervously.
“They didn’t interrogate you because Evie had your back before you got there,” Reese said.
Emerson couldn’t hide her surprise or her nervousness. “What do you mean?”
“Word had gotten around about Baz delivering Brennan and how much time he was spending with you guys. We were all curious about what was going on. We were excited for Baz and for you, even though we didn’t know you yet. Our guys had met you, and they told us how great you were. But Evie said she thought Baz was crazy about you, and she didn’t want anything to ruin his chances of being with you,” Reese explained.
That was something Gwen would have done for her. Emerson thought about that night and remembered what Evie had said. I hope you’re not holding back because of me. The girl code is a given here.
“Wicked men don’t fall easily, and when they do, like Steph said, they never look back,” Leah said. “Like the rest of their family, they suck you in and make you feel like you’re their entire world. And you know on one level you are, but on another level you know they’d step in front of a speeding train to save a stranger. You can’t help but fall in love with them. Evie’s the same way. She’s been Baz’s best friend forever. She’s protective of him, and that means she’s protective of you, too.”
“She stepped in front of that speeding train to keep you from getting hit,” Reese reiterated.
Emerson looked at Evie across the yard, where she was talking with Quinton and another guy, and felt a new type of kinship with her. Knowing she cared enough about Baz to protect him from losing her made her glad she’d kept Evie’s secret. “I don’t know what to say. That was really nice of her. But you don’t have to worry about me tonight. I’ll be fine.”
“You’re not intimidated by the idea of sitting with all the guys around one table?” Leah asked.
“No. It was overwhelming when they showed up out of the blue to put up my fence, but that was just because I didn’t know who they were, and a couple of them looked like they crushed skulls for fun.”
“That would be Tank and Blaine when they use their serious faces,” Leah said.
“I didn’t want to call them out by name,” Emerson said. “But I know them now, and I’m no longer fresh out of the maternity ward or so exhausted I can’t see straight. Don’t forget, I’m a New Yorker. I can handle these boys.”
A thick, familiar arm slid around her waist from behind, and Baz kissed her cheek. “What boys are you handling, darlin’?”
“Several hot, tattooed bikers.” She turned in his arms, taking in his sun-kissed face.
His eyes narrowed, and he tightened his hold on her. “The only biker your lips are touching is standing right in front of you.” He lowered his lips to hers, kissing her like he wanted to leave no room for misunderstanding about who she belonged to.
And she was there for it.
“On that note, I think I’d better go find my girls,” Leah said. “Come on, little man. Let’s find your sissies.”
“Sissies!” Leo toddled off with her.
“Did you tell Reese you’re taking your first motorcycle ride tonight?” Baz asked.
“Not yet, but you just did.” He was even more excited about having her on the back of his bike than she was. She knew how significant of a moment it was for both of them, but she’d never been on a motorcycle, and although she trusted Baz explicitly, she was still a little nervous.
“Someone’s being claimed,” Reese teased.
“Damn right she is,” Baz said. “Reese, you and Blaine will be there?”
“We wouldn’t miss it.”
“How is the contest going?” Emerson asked.
“Number ten is in the books,” Baz said proudly.
“That’s fantastic. How’s Chloe doing?” Reese asked.
“I guess we’re about to find out.” He lifted his chin, looking over her shoulder, where Chloe was walking confidently toward them in a Wicked Animal Rescue tank top and shorts. “How’s it going, blondie?”
“Great, dimples ,” Chloe said. “Just got my eleventh adoption application. You?”
“Ten, but I’m about to blow you out of the water with my secret weapon.” He eyed Emerson. “Get ready to celebrate tonight, darlin’.” He gave her ass a pat and strutted across the lawn toward his father.
“What is he doing?” Chloe asked.
“Don’t ask me.” He said something to Conroy that Emerson couldn’t hear, and his father handed him Brennan. Baz looked over, flashed those dimples, and carried Brennan directly over to a young couple who was checking out one of the dogs.
“He did not just do that,” Chloe said sharply.
“Oh, yes, he did,” Emerson said with amusement, watching as Baz gave Brennan as much attention as he did the couple he was talking to. He proudly showed off her son, tickling his belly and earning gummy grins. “Those people don’t stand a chance.”
“Game on .” Chloe hurried over to Preacher and got Marybelle.
“This should be good,” Reese said. “Look at Baz. He’s such a natural with kids. He’s going to make a great dad one day.”
Emerson’s nerves prickled. She and Baz hadn’t talked about his slip of the tongue last week. He’d tried, but she’d brushed it off, not knowing what to say. Any way she looked at it made for an awkward and possibly painful conversation that she’d rather avoid. Life was moving fast, and while Baz did all the things a father would do for his child, he was going away soon, and she knew better than anyone that even the best of intentions could go awry. She never thought she’d lose her parents, have a baby, or move when she was almost ready to give birth. She and Gwen never thought they’d live in different states. But things happened, and lately she’d been wondering if sometimes things happened for a reason. Not losing her parents, of course, but if Gwen hadn’t moved, she wouldn’t have met Brennan’s biological father and had Brennan, and if his father hadn’t been mugged, she wouldn’t have moved and met Baz or had this incredible new life. What did that mean when Baz went away? That if their good intentions of staying together didn’t come to fruition, it would happen for a reason?
Even the thought of that made it hard for her to breathe, but those were the things that kept her from having that conversation with Baz.
She might have overcome her fear to let him and the others into her life, and she might feel safe in her home and in the community, but that hope they were working so hard to nurture was precarious. It was safer to live in the now and appreciate every beautiful moment as it came.
And that’s exactly what she did as she watched the man she adored loving up her son.