Holding You Close (Ex-Con Duet 4)

Dad gave Tyler my mom’s original wedding ring, and when she thought she lost it years later, Dad bought her a new one. Shortly after, she found the other, and that’s how she ended up with two. It works in our favor, though, so Gemma and I both have a piece of her to share.

“I bet she’d like that.”

“I hope so…It’s a very special ring, and I need to make sure it’ll fit. But remember, no telling her.”

He zips his lips. “I swear.”

I’m on cloud nine as we continue building the cribs. Owen talks about ideas he has for baby names and how he can’t wait to hold them. A part of me wishes Katie was here to experience this magical moment with him too, but I appreciate getting this alone time. For a while, I thought he was upset about all the changes, but now I see he just wants to be involved and informed.

“We did it, kiddo. They look great.” We stand back and look at our accomplishments. “Just need a changing table.”

“And Star Wars stuff!” Owen adds.

“Of course. Darth and Vader need it,” I tease, and Owen giggles.

I check my phone for the first time in hours and see a dozen text messages from Katie.

Katie: Everleigh is here.

Katie: She’s making us watch Bad Moms.

Katie: Now she’s rapping to Cardi B. Please help me…

Katie: Noah! Stop ignoring me.

Katie: Everleigh just told me double-dick penetration is her favorite position, and I’ve never wanted to bleach my brain more than I do right now.

Katie: You better not be dead.

Katie: OMG…Everleigh just shoved half a pizza in her mouth, and the smell is making me nauseous.

Katie: S.O.S.

Katie: You owe me the BEST foot massage of my life, you hear me?

Katie: And a back rub.

Katie: Plus an orgasm.

Katie: I’m hungry.

I don’t know whether to laugh or cringe at the images she put in my mind. Instead of replying, I call her.

“It’s about goddamn time,” she snaps with a huff.

“Sorry, sweetheart. Owen and I were busy, and I forgot I put my phone on silent. It’ll never happen again,” I assure her. “Is Everleigh still there?”

“Back that ass up, b-b-back it up.” I hear Everleigh chanting in the background.

“Guess so.”

“I swear, she’s freaking high or something,” Katie whispers.

“High on life, baby!” Everleigh says. “Just tryin’ to entertain my bestie.”

“Please tell me you’re on your way home?” Katie groans. “Preferably with food.”

“Yes, we’re just cleaning up, and I’ll grab something or stop at the store. What’re you hungry for?”

“Well, not pizza…” she exaggerates. “Cheesecake and seafood gumbo.”

I nearly gag at the combination. “Alright, I swing by the deli and see what Belinda has.”

“And the bakery,” she tells me.

“Sure, got it,” I say, holding back a laugh. “Be home soon. Love you.”

“Love you, too. Please hurry…” she deadpans.

The call ends, and I tell Owen our plans. He jumps into the truck, and when we arrive at the deli, I order the gumbo and a couple of different sandwiches to be on the safe side. Katie’s infamous for changing her mind at the last minute.

Then we head to the bakery, where I pick up some desserts. When we walk into the house, Everleigh’s loud ass is the first thing I hear.

“Hey, baby daddy,” she muses when I set the bags on the counter.

“Ha! You wish. Not your baby daddy,” I taunt with a wink.

“Oh please. You’re too wholesome.”

“Everleigh prefers the rugged, damaged, and toxic type.” Katie saunters toward me, and I immediately pull her in for a kiss. I can’t wait to tell her about my conversation with Owen, minus the proposal and ring parts.

“Even better when they use all their anger issues in bed.” Everleigh waggles her brows, then realizes Owen is next to her. “Pretend you didn’t hear that.”

“He’s heard you run your mouth all his life.” Katie scoffs as Owen walks away, unamused. “I expect you to be the one who gives him the birds and the bees talk,” Katie directs to Everleigh.

“Just tell me when…he’ll know everything by the end of the convo.” She smirks.

“That’s what I’m afraid of…”

“Alright, lovebirds. I’m out. Got me a hot date tonight.” Everleigh hugs Katie before rubbing her belly. “Be good for Mama, boys.”

“Bye,” I say as she steals one of the sandwiches.

“Thank God you’re home. I’ve missed you.” She leans up and captures my mouth again. “How’d today go?”

I can’t contain my smile. “Really well. Can’t wait to tell you about it later.”

“Awesome. I’m about to stuff my face, then take a bubble bath.”

“Go ahead, sweetheart. I’ll get Owen to bed.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her what he said, but I’d rather wait until later when Owen can’t overhear.

“You’re too good to me.” She sticks out her lower lip, which always melts my heart.

“Just wait till I can be really good to you later,” I whisper in her ear.