Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
“It’s fine. I didn’t wash my hair, so I have time.”
“No, I mean you’re coming back tonight,” he reminds me.
“I told you I would.”
“Good. The girls are staying with Mom and Dad. No, it’s not so that we can have time together. It’s something they do every other weekend. One with my parents, and one weekend with Holly’s. It’s something my parents and Holly’s planned to give me time. Being a single dad of twins is hard. I fought them for a year before I finally gave in, and now it’s something that the girls look forward to. I won’t take that away from them.”
“I only brought clothes for one night.” I wasn’t thinking clearly. I was nervous about staying over when the girls were home.
“Then leave that and bring more.”
“Or I can take my bag home and get new clothes and bring it back.”
“But then your stuff won’t be here.”
“Because I don’t live here.” My heart is pounding. I don’t think this conversation is going there, but still, the thought of being here with him and the girls all the time is something I didn’t realize I wanted, not until this minute.
Yeah, I want to spend more time with them, but living here… That’s an all-new level. One I didn’t know I was ready for.
“I like your stuff being here. It means you’re coming back.”
“I don’t need to leave my things here for me to want to come back. Have you seen you?” I ask, teasing. “And those two littles in the living room? It’s going to take an army to keep me away from the three of you.” Throwing my bag over my shoulder, I kiss him just under his chin and make my way to the living room.
“Waken!” the girls call out excitedly.
“We gots the spway,” Harlow tells me.
“And the bwush and holders.” Hayden holds them up to show me.
“Well, we better get to work.” I sit on the couch, and Hayden settles in front of me on the floor. She sits as still as a statue as I spray the detangler and brush her hair before putting it in a quick French braid. I repeat the same process with Harlow, who also sits still.
“They never sit that still for me,” Grayson comments.
“Daddy, it’s Waken,” Hayden says with so much sass for a four-year-old.
“Yeah, Waken doesn’t pull,” Harlow adds.
“Her bwaids are better,” Hayden adds.
“Hey, I’m a man. I do what I can,” he tells them. His eyes meet mine. “I learned from a YouTube video, and they’re not wrong. Yours looks much better.”
“Well, it helps when they sit still. Maybe the next time Daddy tries to braid your hair, you can sit still for him as you did for me?” I suggest to the girls. They immediately nod.
“Girls, give Laken a hug. It’s time for her to go to work.”
The twins come rushing toward me. They both climb up on the couch next to me, one on either side, and sandwich me into a hug.
“You give the best hugs. I’m going to have a great day starting off with a twin hug,” I tell them, making them giggle.
“Girls, I’m going to walk Laken out to her car. Stay inside.” Grayson points to them. “Stay out of trouble.” The girls nod and rush down the hall to their room. “I’m telling you their bedroom will be destroyed by the time I get back inside.”
“They are two little balls of energy, that’s for sure.”
He picks my bag up from the floor and laces his fingers through mine as he walks me out to my car. “So, we’ll be there around one.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
He leans in close and kisses me. “Have a great day, baby.”
“You too. I’ll see you soon.”
He pulls open my car door, and I climb inside. Before closing the door, he leans in close. “Buckle up. Text me when you get there.” His words may sound overprotective since it’s maybe a five-mile drive, but after his confession last night, I understand his need to know I’m safe.
“Of course.” I pull my seat belt into place.
“I love you,” he says huskily, pressing his lips to mine.
“I love you,” I reply as he pulls away and stands to his full height, closing my door.
Last night wasn’t at all what I expected. It was more. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the four of us.
This latest from the MC Scoop
Rumor has it that Grayken were spotted having a sleepover with the littles in their lives.
Love is in the air for these two.
Stay tuned.
Chapter 20
Grayson
I think the entire damn town decided to be out and about today—specifically at fountain square. Laken and I have been here long enough to get the girls ice cream and find a bench to take a seat, and already all eyes are on us. Not that I mind. In fact, I expected it. I love this town, but the meddling is out of control. Hazel and Hattie were working the counter when we ordered our ice cream. I don’t know their favorite means of spreading gossip, but I’m certain the rumor mill is already spinning.