Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 130159 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 651(@200wpm)___ 521(@250wpm)___ 434(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 130159 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 651(@200wpm)___ 521(@250wpm)___ 434(@300wpm)
Seth was licking the last of the donut from his fingers and noticing Zach do the same when they pulled up in front of River and Dean’s new place. Beck and Heavenly had already arrived, as had most everyone who had agreed to help. “You ready?”
“I’ve raised a barn in a day. I think I can move a little furniture.”
With a glance between Beck’s brother and the new house, he shrugged. “You’d think. But never underestimate this gang’s ability to take something mundane and turn it into a—excuse my language—shitshow.”
Zach shrugged. “I figured. Let’s go.”
Beck breathed a sigh of relief as he caught sight of Seth and Zach marching up the walkway to River and Dean’s new pad, box of donuts in hand and smiles on their faces. He curled his arm around Heavenly. “Look.”
She did, then sent him a soft stare. “He’s okay.”
“Seems like they both are.” And thank god. Beck didn’t know why Seth had been determined to see his brother this morning, but whatever words they’d exchanged had apparently given them both some peace. “Hey!”
Seth met his stare first and responded with a thumbs-up. “I brought donuts, so if you need a little fuel before we get started…”
“Apple fritter?” Beck asked hopefully.
Cooper repressed a smile. “Sorry. They were completely out. But you can prowl through the rest and find something you like.”
“What a shame.” Zach looked as if he was trying not to laugh.
Clearly, those two were up to something, but if the secret helped them coexist—and even bond—Beck didn’t need to know. He was just grateful.
Seth handed him the box and waved to Hammer and Liam, who stood just inside the open door.
Raine came barreling out behind them. “Donuts?”
Without warning, she plucked the box from Beck’s hands.
“Hey!” he called after her. “What the—”
“Pregnant woman with hormones here. Don’t mess with me.” She gripped the white container of fried pastries and shot him a glare that warned him that if he touched the box, he risked losing a hand.
Liam approached. “Best to let it go, mate. You want to keep all your appendages, I assume.”
“Seriously. Take our word for it,” Hammer added. “The closer she gets to her due date…”
“The more you placate the princess?” he quipped.
The Irishman pulled at the back of his neck. “Something like that. We’ll make it up to you.”
Medically, Beck understood pregnancy cravings, but he’d been looking forward to a little sugar boost, damn it. “I’ll live.”
Raine turned to Heavenly. “Want one, honey?”
The brunette flashed him a saccharine grin that said she was pleased with herself, especially since she knew he couldn’t do a damn thing about her attitude. The little shit.
Beck stepped closer and dropped a whisper in her ear. “I still own that rubber paddle.”
Raine swallowed a mouth full of donut and stuck out her tongue. “Good for you. I have a whole box of donuts.” Then she grabbed Heavenly’s arm and led her inside. “Chocolate or sprinkles?”
Beck glanced up at Liam and Hammer, who both looked chagrined.
He raised a brow at them. “You boys are keeping track of this shit, right?”
“You bet I am,” Hammer drawled. “And I’m looking forward to the moment the doctor clears her ass for punishment.”
Liam nodded. “She won’t sit right for a month. Maybe two.”
Beck smiled and clapped the Irishman on the shoulder. “Excellent.”
“But you won’t care much about donuts in a bit,” Liam promised. “There’s something else going on. Watch the front door today.”
He frowned the Irishman’s way. “What do you mean?”
“Trouble is brewing… I can feel it.”
“If anyone thinks they’re going to pull some shit, I’m packing,” Jericho said, appearing behind him.
“Not that kind of trouble, mate. But this should shake things up.”
With that ominous prediction, Liam ambled toward the house.
“Everyone is here now, right?” River called out the front door to all the new arrivals, donut in hand.
“Almost. Psycho is at doggie daycare and—”
“You named your dog Psycho?” Zach blinked.
“Yeah, it fit when he was a puppy. He ate wallpaper, for fuck’s sake. Anyway, Pike is on his way with the truck. And my sister, Miri, will be swinging by as soon as she can get free.” Dean glowered at River. “Listen, she’s young and a little sheltered. Be nice.”
“Absolutely. I would never want to offend your little sister. I’m just looking forward to meeting her. I’m glad you two are working on your relationship.”
“Thanks.” Then Dean called out to everyone, “Come check out the new digs!”
Still grumbling that Raine had swiped the donuts, Beck stepped inside, watching Dean and River stand in the middle of their living room, turning in slow circles on the hardwood floors and grinning like loons.
From the outside, the house looked like a typical three-bedroom, two-bath beige stucco bungalow. But inside, the rooms were large, the layout open and inviting, even without a stick of furniture. It had the makings of a decent bachelor pad…or a solid starter home.