Chapter 30

Dani

Three months later . . .

ichael slips the jacket off my shoulders, his hand resting on my now six-month baby belly, as his handsome grin widens. Our son is doing flips inside my stomach, probably feeling my excitement.

It’s Thanksgiving, and this is the first Monroe holiday I’ve been to in a while. I’ve always loved them, just sitting back and observing a real family, in awe.

Growing up, my holidays consisted of a meal prepared by a catering company and eating silently as my mother glared daggers at me while my father drowned himself in whiskey.

My hand covers Michael's with an intense euphoria settling over me, knowing this is the way my child will be raised.

Michael and I have been officially together since he came to Cash's that day, but we made it a little more permanent a couple of weeks ago when I moved  into his condo in Kansas.

“Damn, there are a lot people here.”

And Cash, being the great friend he is, decided to move here too. I think he needed to get away from the ghosts of his past. Although, Shay will forever be in his heart, maybe he can leave some of the pain behind and only take the good with him.

I’m still working for him. And Michael, Cash, and I traveled to all the races together until the end of the season.

I turn to face Cash, taking Michael's hand in mine. “Come on, I’ll introduce you. It'll be fun, trust me.”

Cash looks slightly nervous, which is weird for him, but we walk in. Michael is instantly pulled into a sort of bear hug mixed with headlock by Jax, who nods over at Cash. “Aw, another celebrity added to the guest list? Fuck, Brooke you should have pulled out the super fancy silverware.”

Cash grins cockily at Jax as they bump fists. “Damn straight. And I’m gonna forgive you for not having the red carpet rolled out, Jax.”

Jax chuckles as Brooke sets down a bowl of mashed potatoes and holds out a hand to Cash. “It’s nice to have you join us, Cash. Thank you so much for all of your help last year.”

Cash’s expression has turned serious as more eyes fall on him. “It’s not a problem. The kid kinda grew on me.”

Shriller, who has Mac hoisted on his back with her little arms wrapped around his neck, joins us. “Yeah, the Monroes all have that effect on people.”

“That’s for damn sure.” Cam says, as he and Vanessa bring some more of the sides to add to the dining room table.

Brooke's hand sweeps over my protruding tummy. “You look so cute.”

I laugh. “It’s crazy how such a tiny human could take over my whole body.”

“I kinda miss it.”

Alex is holding her newborn son and rocking him in the wooden rocking chair in the living room. “Well, you and Dylan could always try for that boy.”

Dylan wags his eyebrows at Brooke. “Sounds fun to me.”

“I don't think it’s gonna happen, man.” Luke joins in as he sits next to a very pregnant Hannah. “Looks like Michael's the only Monroe that’s giving us a boy.”

Hannah punches his shoulder. “Hey. You’re going to love the hell out of our daughter.”

“Damn straight.” Luke kisses her forehead and looks right at me. Oh, here it comes. “Still, thanks for adding a boy in the mix, Dani.”

Huh. I don't think that was an insult. “No problem, Luke.”

He smiles, actually smiles and then asks. “Who's missing?”

We all look around the dining and living room. Chris and Amy are here with their son. Levi and Natalie are also here with their baby and Leslie. The two youngest Adamsons are missing, but that’s not unusual.

Charlotte is helping the kitchen.

Gabby.

Michael's eyes dart to Brooke as he comes to the same conclusion at that moment. “Where's Gabs?”

“Oh, she's in her room. Can someone please get her?” Brooke's question is asked as she disappears into the kitchen.

I squeeze Michael's hand. “I’ll go.”

He's a great big brother, but he's been worried about her, and if he's not careful, he’ll push her right into the wrong hands.

I walk downstairs to her room and knock, when I get the go–ahead, I open the door.

Gabby's lying on her bed, a book in one hand, a cup of tea in the other. Her long brown hair is down, and it’s crazy how much this girl has changed over the last few years. From a little girl in pigtails to a stunning natural beauty. No wonder Michael is so worried.

“Hey, Dani.”

“Hey, Gabs. Dinner's almost ready.”

She places her book on her bed and slides up to sit on the edge of her bed. “Great, I’m starving.” She nods to my stomach. “You getting excited?”

I smile happily. “More than words can express. You excited to be an aunt again?”

“Totally. It’s going to be great. And I’m so glad you and Michael are living here.”

“You're so good, Gabby.”

She laughs at my totally out-of-nowhere comment. “Thanks.”

I sit next to her on the bed. I am completely enamored with her. She's always so damn positive, despite the things that have happened in her life. “You remember when you used to joke about the jerk gene?”

“I was dead serious.”

I laugh and pat her knee, “You don’t seem to have it. Like, at all.”

She shrugs. “I never really got the chance. They all kinda protected me my whole life. Wrapped me up in a tight bubble.” She sighs. “That’s why I’m so excited to go to college and get out of the protective watch, not that I won't miss my family.”

I get what she's saying, but feel like I still need to offer up some advice. “Take it from someone who was never protected. Well, until now. It's nice to feel safe. You should experience life, but let your family keep you grounded. You'll do just fine.”

She grins happily, her gorgeous smile radiating bright light. “Thanks, Dani. I’m really glad you forgave Michael. Can't imagine a better fit for him.”

I’m so glad I did too. Michael Monroe is exactly who I needed just as much as he needed me.

We may both be stubborn and damaged, even if I've always tried to hide it with false aggression. But when I’m with him, I feel truly unbreakable.