I was standing in front of Station 24 when Shelby—who was carrying Lucca on her hip—walked up beside me and elbowed me in the ribs. I gasped. "Would you watch where you're throwing those boney ass elbows. Those things hurt!"

Shelby narrowed her eyes. “I don’t have boney elbows.”

She was right, she didn’t. Still, I couldn’t help but pick on her. “Sure, you don’t.”

She rolled her eyes before pointing in the direction of the huge charcoal grill that Pop—of all people—was manning. “What in the hell is he wearing?”

I smiled as I looked at the matching apron and chef’s hat that he was proudly donning. “Liam and Declan picked it out for him since he’s,” I curled my fingers and made air quotes, “the best griller person in the whole wide world.”

Shelby tossed her head back and laughed. “Let me guess, Liam?”

I nodded. “Of course.”

Shelby snorted and swayed Lucca a little. He rubbed his little eyes and laid his head against her arm. “Clara sure has adjusted well.”

A warmness spread through my chest at the mention of Clara. When I’d met her a little over three months ago, she was a mess. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. Now, though? Now she was a completely different person.

About a month into her recovery, I’d given her a job at the shelter and helped her move into an apartment in the same complex that Hendrix and I lived in. With a new job, a boatload of support, and biweekly therapy sessions she was flourishing.

So were the boys.

Both were in school full-time and were doing well. They had friends, they adored their teachers, and they loved their new home. Plus, they had Pop—crazy as it sounds—who was teaching them to do all sorts of ‘boy’ stuff. He’d taken them fishing, helped them build a birdhouse for the shelter, and even bought them their first bikes. He stopped by the shelter—where the boys stayed after school until Clara got off work—to see them almost every day. Not to mention, he had them with him nearly every Saturday.

Never alone though.

Although he'd done a complete one-eighty, and it was apparent that he was a different person, I’d never trust him alone with another child. Because of that, somebody was always close by observing the time he spent with the boys. Pop didn’t mind. If anything, he understood. Besides, I think he was just happy to be spending time with them. Right or wrong, he was making up for the time that he lost with his own son.

Speaking of Hendrix…

Finding out about Sean had gutted him.

The days that followed my confession and his spur of the moment proposal were hard. Really hard.

We both cried. We both grieved. But together we made it through.

It hadn't been easy and some days were still hard—I still cried every day and Hendrix did too—but things were getting better. Still, I knew neither of us would be whole again. I didn't expect to be either. The day I lost Sean, I knew that my heart would never be the same again.

And it wasn’t.

I only hoped that time would make the pain easier, more bearable. If not for me, then at least for Hendrix. I couldn't stand to see him suffer. My man had suffered enough in his life for ten people.

He didn't deserve anymore pain.

“Maddie!”

I spun around at the sound of Hendrix’s voice and waved my arm in the air. “Over here!”

Smiling, he moved towards me. “It’s about time you showed up.”

I ran to him and slammed my body into his. Tilting my face up, I whispered, “kiss me.”

Anchoring his hands in my hair, he held onto me as his lips met mine. I moaned, and behind me, Shelby gagged. “Get a damn room!”

Hendrix pulled away from me and scowled. “One of these days I’m going to strangle her.”

I tilted my head to the side. “I think she could take you.”

He mulled my reply over for a second before flicking his gaze to Shelby. "I don't doubt it. The girl is crazy."

I didn’t bother to argue because it was the truth. Taking his hand in mine, I turned around and dragged him towards one of the picnic tables where Shelby had plopped down beside Hope and Evan. “Let’s go sit down. My friggin’ legs are tired.”

We moved to the table. Hendrix sat down on the bench first and pulled me down onto his lap. Hope smiled, but Shelby just rolled her eyes. "You two are disgusting." I stuck my tongue out at her, and she returned the gesture.

Evan waved in my direction. “Hey, boss lady.”

I smiled at him. “Hey, big guy. How have you been?” Hendrix tensed beneath me. He was ridiculous.

Evan nodded once. “Good. Glad vacation is almost over. I’ve been going stir crazy sitting at home.”

I could understand that. I’d taken a month off after Colin attacked me and I’d about lost my mind. "We'll be glad to have you back. Hasn't been the same around here without you."

Moving my gaze to Hope, I noticed that her eyebrows were furrowed and her face was hard. “How are you doing my little muffin?”

She instantly smiled at the nickname. “Good." She pushed her shoulders back, and her long ponytail swayed from side to side. "Excited about tonight."

Shelby shifted a sleeping Lucca in her arms. "Ooooh, what's happening tonight?"

Hope blushed. "I've got a date." Evan tensed, and his face darkened. My eyes moved to Shelby’s. Judging by the look on her face, she’d noticed Evan’s change in demeanor too. Huh. Interesting. Very, very interesting.

“Who’s the date with?”

She didn’t hesitate in responding. “Ty Jacobs.”

Hendrix cursed, I gasped, and Shelby snorted. Evan, however, jumped up from the picnic table, grabbed Hope by the arm and yanked her up too. "Let's go," he growled. "Me and you need to talk." Then, he dragged her off without so much as throwing a goodbye in our direction.

Eyes wide, I looked at Shelby. “What the heck was that about?”

She shrugged. “Pretty sure the big guy is in love with our little muffin.”

Hendrix replied before I could. "You gotta be shitting me."

Again, Shelby shrugged. “Nope, and if Ty knows what’s good for him, he’ll walk away,” her eyes moved to Hendrix, “though I think he’s too stupid to realize what’s good for him. Right, behemoth?”

I groaned. “Not this again.”

A couple of days after Hendrix and I got engaged for the second time, Ty's stupid self, decided to show up to Hendrix’s apartment out of the blue. He thought I deserved better and was determined to make me come around to this way of thinking. Let’s just say that visit didn’t go well. Hendrix nearly ended up going to jail and Ty, well, he ended up with a broken nose and two black eyes.

I hadn’t seen the idiot since.

I had no idea what Hope was thinking by agreeing to go out with him. I mean, I didn't think he'd hurt her, but he wasn't good enough for her either.

Hendrix tapped his knuckles on the table before pointing behind Shelby. “We’ve got incoming.”

Looking up, I saw a giant pink sun hat headed in our direction. “Hey, Old Biddy! We’re over here!”

Reaching us, Grandmama threw her huge purse on the top of the table and plopped down onto the bench beside Shelby. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite hussy and her behemoth sidekick.” She looked around. “Where in the name of Hades is your father? I’m starving! What’s the point of having a cookout if you don’t have the food ready by the time you tell people to arrive? He’s so dumbbbb!”

Lucca woke up to the sound of Grandmama’s booming voice. Then the little turkey smiled. Grandmama did too. Wiggling her fingers, she turned to Shelby. “Give me my baby, blondie.” Lucca lunged for Grandmama before Shelby had a chance to hand him over. Holding him in her arms, she cooed down to him. "If it isn't my favorite little guy in the entire world." He raised his hand, placing it against her mouth. She, in turn, nipped at his fingers. Lucca squealed, and Grandmama laughed. Shelby just looked on, shaking her head. “Why is his face clean? Has he not had any chocolate cake yet?”

I shook my head. “He hasn’t eaten anything yet. Pop’s still cooking.”

Grandmama scoffed before standing up and setting Lucca’s sandal covered feet on the floor. "That's unacceptable." She took his little hand in hers. "We'll be back in a bit. I'm going to find me something cold to drink, and I need to find my grandson something sweet to nibble on."

Shelby’s back straightened. “Grandson?”

Grandmama waved a hand in her direction. “I’ve decided to adopt you both.” She coughed into her hand. “Welcome to the family, blondie. Don’t forget we eat supper at six, and you better remember to take your shoes off before coming in my house. You get mud or dirt on my freshly mopped floors, and I’m liable to take a hickory switch to your rear end.”

With that, Grandmama walked off.

Hendrix laughed, and Shelby whispered, “What the hell just happened?”

I slammed my hand down on the table. "Welcome to the family, Shelby! Straitjackets are provided, and moonshine is optional. Just make sure you remember the cardinal rules. No wearing shoes in the house, no being late for supper, and most importantly—never eat the last slice of pie.”

Everyone laughed.

Fingers suddenly tickled the back of my neck, and I whipped my head around. “Hey, Daddy,” I said, staring up into a pair of green eyes that were identical to mine. “When did you get here?”

His arms fell to his sides. “Just a minute ago.” He looked around. “Where’s your Grandmama.”

I pointed toward the dessert table. “Getting Lucca something sweet to eat. Said she was going to get her something to drink too.”

Daddy exhaled before mumbling a curse. “Shit. Guess I better get over there before she spikes the lemonade.”

I nodded. “You probably should.”

He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Love you, princess.”

“Love you too.”

He glanced over at Shelby. “Hope you’re doing well, Miss Shelby.”

She blew a bubble with her gum before popping it with her teeth. “Doin’ just fine, Mr. Davis.”

Daddy didn’t speak to Hendrix, and Hendrix didn’t speak to Daddy.

They still hated each other. Guess some things will never change.

When he walked away, Shelby asked, “Did he ever tell you why he became a ghost after you got hurt?”

I sighed. "Sort of. He apologized and tried to explain, but I don't think he knew how. Grandmama said that seeing me hurt and in a coma, had brought up all kinds of memories from the past. I don't think he knew how to cope." I shook my head. "It's a crappy excuse but one I understand. Memories are hard to escape, and they have a way of suffocating the life right out of you."

Shelby silently agreed by nodding her head.

Hendrix continued to remain silent.

Twisting around so that I could see him, I picked at the neck of his t-shirt. “I missed you today, handsome.”

He kissed my chin. “Missed you more, pretty girl.”

Something heavy slammed down on the table, and I spun around in Hendrix’s lap to see what it was. “It’s about friggin’ time.” My mouth watered the moment I spotted the juicy burgers and charcoal kissed hot dogs in front of me. “I’m starving.”

Pop smiled at me. “Well eat up, cupcake. I’ve got plenty more.”

I looked around. “What about everybody else? Do you need help dropping stuff off at tables?”

Pop sneered. “Nope. They can get their own damn food. My only concern is my own family.” Such a gentleman. He turned around and motioned for someone to come to him. “Just throw them down here, kid.”

At once, everyone descended on the table carrying different food. Grandmama had dessert, and Hope had buns, Evan had condiments. Daddy carried two boxes of Coke in his arms, and Lucca—bless his heart—was tugging a huge bag of potato chips behind him.

Everyone sat down, and we all began to fix our plates.

I tried to slide out of Hendrix's lap to sit on the bench beside him, but he wasn't having it. Shelby merely rolled her eyes and smiled at his antics.

“So,” Pop pulled a chair up at the end of the table since there wasn’t any room left on either bench, “did you watch the Predators game last night, Keith?”

Daddy nodded and took a bite of a chip. "They need to get a new pitcher. Gonzalez is terrible. The man practically gave the game away."

Pop scoffed in disagreement.

And then it began. All the boys—and Shelby—started arguing over baseball. Lord help me. Grandmama didn't touch her food as she rocked Lucca to sleep in her lap. Her smile was wide, and her eyes were bright. She looked so friggin' happy.

I loved it.

Then there was Hope, who despite her best efforts, couldn’t keep her eyes off Evan. Yep, she was smitten. I had no doubt the feelings building between those two would make for an interesting couple of months at the Shelter. I only hoped that it didn’t end in disaster. Because if it did… Heck, I didn’t even want to think about it.

After everyone was done eating, I caught Shelby’s gaze.

She smiled, tossed down her napkin, and stood up from her seat. “If y’all will excuse me for a minute. I need to get a few things out of my truck.”

Pop hollered after her, “Need any help?”

Shelby looked over her shoulder. “Nope! You just stay put!” Then she took off running. I watched her go, barely able to contain the combination of excitement and nerves taking root in my belly.

She was back in a flash, carrying four bags.

I stood up and took them from her. “Okay,” I said, taking two in each hand, “nobody peak until I say so. Got it?”

Everyone just stared at me like I was crazy.

Ignoring their raised brows and wide eyes, I started handing out the bags. Grandmama got the pink one, Daddy got the blue one, Pop got the yellow one, and Hendrix—of course—got the green one.

Shelby pulled her cell phone out her pocket, tapped the screen a few times, and turned her camera on. “It’s recordin’.”

Hendrix looked up at me. “What are you up to, pretty girl?”

I smirked before shrugging. “Guess you’ll just have to see, handsome.”

Turning to face everyone, I clapped my hands together. “Okay, on the count of three I want you to all open your bags and pull out what’s inside.” I took a breath. “One.” I took another breath. “Two.” I felt like fainting. “Three!”

Pop and Daddy each pulled out shirts. They both read the words printed across the front of the black cotton at the same time. Both their eyes widened, and Pop’s hands began to shake.

Daddy sounded like he was choking before muttering, “Oh hell.”

With a huge smile on his face, Pop shook his head. “I’ll be damned.”

Next, Grandmama pulled out a coffee cup. After adjusting her glasses, she read the calligraphy curving around the pink cup. Then, she screamed. "Oh, my God!" Holding onto Lucca for dear life, she bounced in her seat. "Oh, sweet baby Jesus!"

Hendrix—who still hadn’t opened his gift—looked at all of them like they were crazy. I smacked his shoulder. “Open it, handsome.”

He didn't look at me before sticking his big hand in the small bag and pulling out a dark grey ball cap and a rectangular box. He set the hat down without looking at what was written on the front. Doofus! Opening the box, he stared down at the small plastic stick that I’d placed inside.

“Maddie,” his voice was quiet, unsure, “is this what I think it is?”

Tears fell down my cheeks, and I reached over and turned the ball cap around. Picking it up, he swallowed as he read the three words on the front.

Worlds #1 Daddy.

Box still in hand, he stood up and turned to face me.

"I think it's time we buy a house. We're going to need room for a nursery, and I'd like to put a swing set in the backyard. Maybe even a treehouse and sandbox." My entire body shook. "But you're going to have to baby proof the entire place. If you don't, I'll worry—"

Hendrix cut off my incessant rambling by pressing a finger to my lips. “You’re pregnant?” I nodded. “You’re going to give me another baby?” Again, I nodded.

Then Hendrix smiled.

It was the most beautiful friggin’ smile I’d ever seen.

“We’re going to have a baby?”

Grandmama—who was still screeching—hollered, “Dear God, please let it get Maddie’s brain!”

Hendrix only smiled at her insult.

Daddy chose that moment to chime in. “It better be a boy. I'm too damn old to help raise another girl." I could hear the smile in his voice. He wasn't fooling me. He wanted a granddaughter. Though I knew he'd be happy with a grandson too.

Pop crossed his arms over his chest. “Now wait a cotton pickin’ minute. I think I’d like a granddaughter.” He seemed to think it over before nodding his head. “Yep. I’m rooting for a girl.”

Shelby clapped her hands excitedly. "Yes! Then she and Lucca can get married! It'll be like you and Hendrix! Together since childhood!”

Daddy threw his napkin down. “Oh, hell no.” He shook his head violently. “No, no, no!”

Pop's face paled. "Ah fuck, I didn't even think about boyfriends and all that mess. Well, shit." He looked at Hendrix and me. "If it's a girl we're going to need to stockpile the weapons.”

Oh, for heaven’s sake!

Grandmama waved her hand in his direction. “Already got it covered.”

Daddy sneered. “Mama by the time the baby is old enough to date you’ll probably be blind and unable to shoot straight.”

Grandmama flipped him off before placing a fisted hand on her hip. “I own a shotgun, dumbass! All I gotta do is point the damn thing and pull the trigger! I don’t have to be accurate!”

Hope laughed, and Evan smiled over at me. “Congrats, boss lady.”

“Thanks, big guy.”

I look back up at Hendrix, whose eyes were still locked on me. “You ready for this?”

He smiled. “You have no goddamn idea how ready I am.”

Wrapping his muscular arms around my back, he pulled me into his chest and slammed his mouth down on mine. And just like when I was thirteen years old, and he kissed me for the first time, the world around us faded away.

At that moment, it was just him. Just me. Just us.

Pulling his lips from mine, he stared down at me with glossy eyes. “I love you, pretty girl. Now, forever, and always." Then he dropped to his knees and placed his face on my belly. "Love you too, little bit." He pressed a kiss to the place where our child rested. "Now, forever, and always."