“I put it in the truck this morning,” Finn tells me with a triumphant smile. “You were a bit incapacitated.”
Blood rushes to my head as chuckles surround me. “You did not say that!”
“Oh, calm yourself. This is the most sexually deviant group of people I’ve ever been around.” Charlie pulls me out of my chair as Raven and Declan come back to the porch.
Blake starts strumming his guitar, the recognizable tune hitting me square in the chest.
“Nooooo,” I rasp, giving Declan a pleading look.
“Hear me out. Even though the meaning behind this song is dark, it’s a fucking classic.” His grimaces when he realizes Winnie’s heard him. “Sorry, I mean it’s a brilliant piece of musical work. It’s been stuck in my head since hearing you play it. I’ve been working on a rendition and would love to hear how it sounds with the violin.”
“It’s true. He’s been rambling on for weeks, driving us fuc—I mean, freaking insane. Please, put us out of our misery.” Cooper temples his hands together in a begging motion.
“You realize I’ve been drinking, right?”
“Better for us. You’re lubed and primed.” Nate wiggles his eyebrows.
“Gross!” I swallow the rest of my wine and go sit in the chair, getting out my violin.
“This is completely unscripted. Join in when you want.” Declan starts strumming his guitar, and the others join in.
I listen a few beats and then start to move my bow, jumping in on the rhythm. It only takes a few chords before we’re somewhat in sync as Declan starts the vocals. I get lost in the music. When the last chord is played, I take a deep breath before opening my eyes. The heat of everyone’s stares sears my skin, but I focus on the man directly in my eyesight, cuddling my sleeping niece.
His eyes are literally glowing. He gives
me a lopsided grin that sends a surge of pride all the way to my bones. The sound of soft clapping rises in the air, but I can’t pull my eyes off him. He mouths ‘I love you’, and my chest tightens.
“I have no words, man. That was the shit. Couldn’t picture it, never thought we’d mesh with the sound of classical strings, but she’s fucking talented,” Nate exclaims excitedly, slapping Declan on the shoulder.
“Told you guys.”
“We’re calling the label tomorrow.” Blake waves his phone in the air. “Charlie recorded it.”
“That’s it. I’m taking my girls home before you have a chance to corrupt her.” Finn stands, bringing Winnie closer to his chest. “And this one has school tomorrow. It’s been a big day.”
“Look at Black being domestic. I’m pretty sure pigs are flying somewhere.” Gabe chuckles, and Harper elbows him, causing him to topple over the back of the lounger. His beer goes everywhere, and he hisses a string of expletives as we all laugh at him.
“When I found it, I knew. Not denying it, asshole,” Finn responds and walks into the house.
Suddenly, with a child in his arms and his friends surrounding us, my heart threatens to burst. All the things he said to me in the pool replay in my mind.
Marriage, babies, the future… I picture it all. And I want it more than anything.
Chapter 24
Finn
This is a cluster fuck of epic proportions. I read over the notes in the file and glance around the room, seeing the same expression on everyone. James’ face is actually twisted into a fierce scowl, his eyes burning. I’ve seen this look a few times in my life, and it sends a chill to my bones. It means he’s trying to work the pieces of the puzzle out in his head, and it’s not going well.
The Louisiana Senate Election is in seven weeks, and Governor DeSantis is heating up the race. Even in the face of danger, he has been vocal on his stance on many issues that cause strife in his state, and he hasn’t backed down. People on both sides of politics are starting to listen closely, and he’s now made more enemies, specifically on his gun control and public assistance stance. We haven’t faced any real threats since the break-in at his residence, which was a month ago.
But today, we’ve received intel that puts him, his family, his staff, and their families in danger. Not to mention, there were boxes delivered to the houses of his parents, siblings, and his office that contained messages and pictures of graphic violence. Some even included pictures of the riots in the cities where racial tensions exploded among civilians and cops.
The threats are no longer quiet. These sick fucks have now spread their fear in order to influence DeSantis to change his stance or drop out.
He’s a strong, powerful man, but he contacted James with heavy anxiety, ready to do what it takes to protect those he loves. We all agree; if he steps away and bows to the bullies, it will send a message of weakness.
“So what do we do now?” Robbie questions his dad.