McKenzie Cousins Box Set 4

“You’re getting me worked up again.”

“Serves you right for licking my dick.”

“I was cleaning you up.”

I trail my fingers over her bottom and up over her shoulder, delighted when her nipples tighten into hard buds.

Slipping the dress over her head, I help smooth it down over her glorious curves before I fasten the halter at the back of her neck. “I didn’t clean you up. You want to know why?”

“Hmm,” she mumbles as I wrap my arms around her from behind.

“Because it drives me crazy knowing you have my semen running down your legs. It means you’re mine.” I turn her in my arms. “I’m sorry I said what I did, and I promise, Gretchen, that I won’t ever give you a reason to doubt my love again.” I kiss her lips. “I love you. Please forgive me.”

“I think I’ve just shown you that I forgive you.” She rests her face in the crook of my neck. “I love you too, Ryan.” On a heavy sigh, she asks, “Don’t you have a speech to give?”

Oh, fuck!

43

Ryan

Epilogue - Ten Years Later

Chaos surrounds us on the large enclosed patio at Uncle Michael and Aunt Lily’s house. For as long as I can remember, we have always congregated here f

or events and just to get together as a family. I think it started when our grandparents became too frail for traveling. The assisted living facility where they’d chosen to live during their frailer years was five minutes away, so it had been the obvious choice for the family to gather—my grandparents hadn’t missed anything while they’d been alive.

My chest ached to baptize our fourth child, Haven Ruby McKenzie, and not having them here with us. They’d passed away five years ago within two months of each other. Their presence was still missed and had been for the arrival of more great-grandchildren, including our third daughter, Mila Elizabeth. At least they’d been able to watch the last of their grandchildren get married, which had been Dylan and Jenna.

I grin, watching my cousin wrestle with his two-year-old daughter, Hanna Margaret, on his lap. His wife, Jenna, cradles Vivien Lauren to her breast beneath a thin white muslin cloth, the same as my wife uses when she’s in public and feeding Haven.

Mila, our one-year-old is the best-behaved baby I’ve ever seen. She’s always smiling and happy to be held by anyone. She bounces on her grandpa’s knee while trying to bash her five-year-old sister, Greta Ray, on the head with her pacifier. Luckily my father is quick and diverts her attention. Six-year-old Raelyn is currently reading a story about a tiger who came for tea to her grandma.

My brother and sister and cousins think it’s hilarious that I’m outnumbered at home with five females under the roof. I don’t care. My sexy wife and four children are the best part of me—the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.

I’m still the boss at Kenza even though I promoted Rob to manager seven years ago. I spend three days there, although behind the scenes and two at Emelia’s in Blossom Creek. Both businesses are thriving.

To my surprise, Charlotte sits next to me, looking exhausted and lets out a loud sigh as though she’s relieved to get off her feet. “Tanner knocked me up again.”

I blink in surprise and burst out laughing. “I’m sure he didn’t do it alone.”

Giving me the evil eye, she moans, “This is not what I expected at this age.”

“Jeez, Charlotte! You’re not exactly old. Landon’s ten, and Ezra’s nine, so, at least you don’t have four under six.”

She chuckles. “There is that.”

“Your husband either just got laid, or he’s delighted you’re knocked up.” I nod in Tanner’s direction when I notice him grinning like a fool.

“Both.” She grins.

“Gross, Charlotte! Having sex in your old bedroom again, huh?”

“I can’t get enough when I’m pregnant.” She gazes at her husband. “Then again, I can’t get enough when I’m not because my husband is hot.”

I roll my eyes and kiss her on the cheek. “Congratulations. Now go and distract Tanner before your mom and dad notice the sated look on his face.” Giggling, Charlotte disappears from view.

Gretchen takes her place with an unsettled Haven in her arms. “She needs feeding.”