Fat Louise(64)

“Who told you?”

Cade smiled, cupping her cheek. “Sex Piston. She told me that, since you were teenagers, you planned to live in the same neighborhood. She doesn’t exactly live next door anymore, but she comes by every day to check on her parents. I figured it would be close enough for you to still see her and your friends.”

“You don’t mind my friends?” Her amazed eyes stared up into his.

“Not so much. They take a little getting used to, but they’re growing on me.”

“Really?”

“Really.” Cade’s mouth brushed hers.

“Are you sure about buying the house? I mean, it will mean staying in one place, growing roots—”

“Growing roots isn’t all I plan to do in this house. When you’re ready, tell me and we’ll get married and fill all the rooms upstairs with kids.”

“That’s a lot of commitment for you to take on.” She leaned against him, letting him take all her weight.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Jane reached into her pocket and pulled out her cell phone, handing it to him. “Call the realtor. I can’t think of a better place.”

With her standing in his arms, staring at him with love shining in her eyes, Cade thought she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He didn’t care about the four walls and a roof, all he needed was her.





Epilogue




“Allison, does this blanket come in blue?” Jane ran her fingertips over the soft pink baby blanket she had laid on the counter.

“It does, but I’m sold out of it. I can order it and have it here by the weekend.”

“Okay, go ahead and order it. I’ll pay for it and the other items.” The counter was filled with baby goodies.

She had originally come to the Bag Boutique to wait for Sex Piston and the rest of the crew—they were going to have lunch at the Sizzler next door. When she hadn’t seen their car outside, she had come inside with the intention to browse. To her surprise, Allison had designated a part of her designer store to merchandise for babies.

At first, Jane had leisurely strolled through the aisles, until a small giraffe caught her attention. From there, she had chosen several other items.

Allison began to ring up her purchases as Jane searched through her purse for her credit card. Her hand shook as she pulled her wallet out. She hadn’t eaten much this morning, which was a no, no for her. She had intended to snack on a protein bar later that morning yet had become too busy at work. Her body was beginning to show the first warning sign that her sugar was running low. She needed to hurry and go next door for lunch.

“How’s Stacy doing?”

Allison’s mouth tightened at her question. “She’s fine.”

Jane blushed, belatedly realizing that her daughter would be a sore subject. Sex Piston had quit doing Allison’s hair because Stacy had been caught bullying Meri and Sheri, Sex Piston’s stepdaughters.

Jane tried her best to keep her gaze away from Allison’s hair yet couldn’t. It was very attractive, but it was the same style Jane had seen replicated on several women in town. The Cut Shop must only be able to cut hair in one style.

Jane brushed her own hair back from her cheek, beginning to perspire and feel even sicker. She wished Allison would finish.

The door opening behind her had both women turning.

“Hey, Rock, what are you doing in here?” Jane smiled. “Trying to buy a present for one of the women?” she teased.

“No.” Rock didn’t return her smile, his eyes on the counter. “I saw your car parked out front and thought I’d see if you wanted to grab some lunch.”

“I’m already meeting Sex Piston and the rest of the crew. You’re welcome to join us. Stud and Cade are also coming.”

“I’ll pass.” His hand touched the pink baby blanket, his face going pale. “You’re pregnant again?”

“No.” Jane’s expression lost her glow of happiness. “I’m buying this for Lily’s baby.”

“I thought Shade threatened everyone not to give her a baby shower?”

“He did … but I thought…” Jane stumbled with her explanation at his expression. “Every baby needs a few new things. I know she has all Sex Piston’s and Beth’s babies hand me downs, but”—she reached out, touching the cute blue pacifier—“you can’t reuse a paci”—her hand then touched a giraffe—“or a teether. These bottles are new, so the baby doesn’t get as gassy.”

“What are you doing, Jane?”

“What do you mean?” Her voice trembled at his harsh expression.