Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“Actually, you haven’t. I think it’s time you moved this forward.”
“We’re ready for that?”
“The products and formulas are solid. The question is—are you ready?”
It sinks in and my mood shifts slightly. I nod, giving them both a small smile. “I am ready.”
“I’ll make some calls next week and get information on testing and production.”
My phone dings with a text, but before I can read, it’s ringing with Harley’s name on the screen.
“He—”
“They’re all fine,” she cuts me off.
At the news, my whole body sags in relief. “Thank God.”
“Tell her to get her skinny ass over here!” Jewls shouts in the background.
“Obviously, you heard that. None of the parents left today with this looming. We’re ordering in.”
“We have the food covered.”
“You sure? There are a lot of us.”
“I’m positive. Mom is a stress cook. We have enough to feed everyone, including Jewls.”
Her loud laugh travels through the line and my dad chuckles.
“Okay, see you soon.” She disconnects.
“All’s okay?” Mom asks.
“Yes, the guys are fine. No details yet. But we’re invited to come over.”
“Another night at the club?”
I smile openly at her reference. “These girls like to celebrate.”
“You’ve made some true friends. Can’t tell you how long we’ve waited for you to live this happiness.”
“I haven’t been a complete loner.”
“No, but you’ve spent almost a decade chasing this dream, and now everything is falling into place. That makes my mom heart happy.”
She’s right. With Dad’s connections and years of dedication, I can actually see my vision coming to light.
Another realization hits. “I’m ready to share the news.”
Mom looks at Dad and then at me, her eyes shimmering. “This calls for a celebration.”
“Let’s get this food packed up and over to the house. I want to be there when Ford comes home.”
I jump from the couch and type out a quick text to Ford, telling him my plans. Then it hits me—this is now my life.
“It’s made the National news.” Doug sips his whiskey his eyes on the television.
I scan the screen, seeing the same video footage from the local coverage.
“Earlier today, authorities in Nashville, Tennessee, seized multiple shipments of illegal drugs and weapons. This multi-agency collaboration is one of the largest in Nashville’s history, and the shipment is believed to have originated in South America. While many are speculating the street value amounts to over twenty-million dollars, we are still awaiting word to confirm.”
Her words are drowned out when the security monitor beeps, pulling my attention to the black truck coming up the street.
“Thank Jesus,” Celia breathes out
I’m the first one to the door, yanking it open and racing to the edge of the porch.
Ford steps out, shooting me a lop-sided grin that sends my heart speeding. He jogs up the steps, his gaze locked with mine until he’s close enough to pull me into his arms. “I love you,” he announces loud enough for everyone to hear.
“About time,” Addie states matter-of-factly, Ford leaning back and scowling at his sister.
“What are you doing here?”
“You think we were leaving, knowing you were on some kind of covert assignment? Things were a lot different when you were across the world.”
“It wasn’t exactly dangerous.”
“Tell that to Mom and Dad.”
At the mention, I try to step aside, but he keeps me close, tucking me to his side. Celia, Doug, and Carson crowd us.
“You will never understand the worry of a mother.” Celia cups his jaw, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
“You good?” Doug questions, looking at him intensely.
“Yeah, why don’t we take this inside?”
I glance around, noticing my parents hanging back. Dad has Mom folded closely to his side in the same position as me, his eyes shining. When they come to me, he straightens. Mom beams brightly.
Major has Jewls in his arms, same with Ace and Harley.
Talon stands to the side, looking exhausted. I duck out of Ford’s hold and go to him, throwing my arms around his shoulders
“Hollywood.” He responds by wrapping me in a tight embrace.
“I was worried,” I admit softly.
“You think a bunch of scumbag fuckers are gonna get the best of us? We had them beat before they hit the city limits. But warning, Whitman isn’t happy with you in my arms.”
A little giggle escapes, and I tilt to peer into his eyes, which are now dancing with amusement. “He will survive. I absolutely adore you, Talon Simms.”
His grin spreads wide and he lifts me, twirling in a circle. “Knew you loved me, Hollywood.”
“Want to put her down?” Ford grumbles.
“Nope.” Talon steps back, but strong arms circle my waist, yanking me away.
I flounder in the air until Ford easily swings me around and I’m wrapped around him. “Don’t encourage him.”
“He’s your best friend.”
He doesn’t respond, walking us into the house, his gaze over my shoulder. “What the hell?”
“Mama cooked all day.”
“Can we please eat now?” Jewls hollers.
“I’ll start reheating.” Mom rushes by, stopping to place her hand on Ford’s shoulder. “Glad today went well.”