“Amos called.”

  “Yeah?” I take my eyes off Micky to look at Oakley.

  “They charged her with fraud and child endangerment.”

  “Thank fuck.” I turn and wrap myself around my wife. “I hope they lock her up with a cellmate named Bertha.”

  Oakley laughs and pokes my side. “Who’s getting bloodthirsty now? I thought that was my role in this relationship.”

  “When it comes to you and Micky being threatened, I’ll always be bloodthirsty. Besides, someone wise once told me the best partnerships aren’t one for one. They’re about balance and in the most successful relationships that balance tips back and forth.”

  “Hmm…I wonder who this wise woman was?” She grins up at me. “In other news, we’re heading out tomorrow.”

  “We are? I thought we were going to wait and go on our honeymoon later.”

  “Oh, this isn’t that. We’re going with Blake to Parry Sound then we’ll head to Michael’s to pack up more of Micky’s things.”

  I blow out a breath. “Do you think we should take him back there so soon?”

  “Yes. Sara will meet us there with her two. She said Micky can play at her house if we don’t want him underfoot but I think we’ll get her to stay at Michael’s with us so she can tell us about their life.”

  “Okay. Is Pa coming with us? He mentioned wanting to thank Sara for looking after Micky.”

  I still can’t believe Kristina told the woman I couldn’t take Micky due to my injury but I’m glad he was with someone familiar for those months after his father died. I shudder when I think about the possibility of Kristina taking him back then.

  “I think so, but I’ll ask him.” Her gaze moves to the swing set where Micky is now yelling for Pa to push him higher. “Although, I’m not sure we could separate them.”

  “No. They’ve been glued to each other since we came home.”

  “Do you mind?”

  “What?” My gaze comes back to her. “Mind that Micky is smiling and talking? No, I don’t mind at all.”

  “I meant that Pa is monopolizing all Micky’s time.”

  “No. They won’t have that forever. And Micky deserves someone totally devoted to him right now.”

  “Pa is definitely devoted.” She smiles over at them. “I haven’t seen him this happy since Grams was alive.”

  I hold her tighter and press my lips to the top of her head. “Have I told you how much I love you today, Mrs. Alcott?”

  “Yes, Mr. Alcott, you have, but I’ll happily listen to you tell me again.” Tipping her head up, her gaze meets mine. “When.”

  Anyone else would be confused by that one word. Me? I know what she’s asking for and I give it to her.

  Slow and sweet and a little un-PG.

  “Hey, get a room!”

  Lifting my head, I see Pa grinning at us. The man hasn’t just accepted Micky into his home, he’s welcomed me with just as much enthusiasm.

  And so far, there haven’t been any issues having all of us under one roof but it’s early days yet. I was prepared to move out with Micky except neither Pa nor Oakley were having any of that.

  In Oakley’s words, home is where the heart is and hers was with all of us so it makes sense to live together.

  I’m not sure if it does make sense but I’m not arguing. I want to be with Oakley and in spite of the little boy who has been thrust into our lives, that hasn’t changed, won’t change.

  “Hey, what has you frowning?” Her hand on my jaw pulls me back to face her. “What’s wrong?”

  “Are you sorry we did it like this?”

  “What? Got married with just us here? No. Are you?”

  “Hell no, I’d marry you in the living room in my boxers.”

  Laughing, she tips up on her toes and presses her lips to mine. “Well, good thing we didn’t do it that way. After what happened when we met, Hot Stuff, I’m not sure I could trust you’d be wearing any.”

  Grinning, I slap her butt. “I replaced them.”

  “You did. Still…” She bites her bottom lip and has all sorts of thoughts racing through my head.

  “Oh, you’d like it if I wasn’t wearing any?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Well, you’re in luck. I may have a surprise wedding present for you later.”

  Her gaze drops. “You didn’t. You aren’t.”

  When her eyes come back to mine, I see they’re dilated, and I smile. “You’ll just have to wait for your wedding night to find out.”

  Before she has a chance to check, because I wouldn’t put it past her to shove her hand down my pants to do that, I slip from her hold and head for the swings.

  Oakley

  “He wouldn’t.”

  I stare at my husband’s ass and try to determine if he’s winding me up or not. I can’t tell. I’m not sure if his underwear shows through his pants normally or not.

  In the two weeks we’ve been together, he’s gone without a number of times. Although in recent days he’s been more conscious of the little boy now living with us.

  I’ve been the same. Not to mention we also share a house with Pa. Both those things have put a crimp in our sex life. Not much but enough that when we find ourselves alone and able to indulge, we tend to crash together.

  Not that we weren’t doing that before…

  Who am I kidding, we’re still fucking like crazy, just not as randomly as before. Now we have to time things or sneak off so we don’t get caught. The last thing we want is to get caught going at it.

  I grin thinking about our first night here when Micky had a nightmare and screamed at the top of his lungs while Walker and I were in the middle of getting off.

  How neither of us ended up with an injury that night is beyond me. We’d both been yanking on clothes as we’d raced down the hall to Micky’s room. Talk about thrown in the deep end of parenthood.

  Speaking of being parents, watching Walker play with a smiling Micky brings tears to my eyes.

  Man and child may have had a rocky start, but things quickly evened out. I’m crediting the poop pancakes for that.

  “I love that smile.”

  I turn to Pa. “I love yours.”

  “He’s a hoot. We’re going to get up to all sorts of mischief together.”

  “Good thing you’re rich and can afford bail money then.”

  Laughing, Pa wraps his arm around my shoulders and tugs me close. “I wish your Grams was here to see this.”

  “Me too.”

  “She’d be so proud of you. Hell, she was proud of you, and you hadn’t taken over the world yet.”

  “I haven’t now.”

  “No, but you’re getting there.”

  “I don’t want the whole world, Pa.”

  “No, just a few parts of it.”

  “This new part is going to be the best part.”

  “The Rogues? Or those two?”

  Smiling, I lean my head on his shoulder. “Those two.”

  “Are you happy, Annie?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good. I’m about to make you happier.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yep, I’m taking my new partner out for ice cream. Give the newlyweds some time alone.”

  “You don’t need to do that.”

  “Who said anything about need? I want me a double scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough and I’ve got a youngster to corrupt.”

  “Good thing Grams isn’t here or she’d be swatting you with the wooden spoon.” I laugh.

  “She used to chase us right out the front door when I told her I was taking you out to corrupt.”

  “And she did it with the biggest grin on her face.”

  “She did. She did.”

  “Should I take up the tradition?”

  “Nah, we’ll start a new one.”

  “Oh?”

  “You bring ’em home, I’ll corrupt ’em.”

  “You know you’re the reason we named our clothing line Rogue, don’t you?”

  “Me?” Pa puts a hand to his chest.

  “Yes. Grams used to call you a rogue all the time. Said you were one because it didn’t matter what was expected or should be done, you went your own way. It’s how we came up with the tagline too.”

  “Well.” His eyes sparkle with moisture. “I’m honored and a little peeved you haven’t told me before now. Think of all the bragging rights I’ve missed out on.”

  I laugh. “You’ve got enough to brag about.”

  “The only thing I have that deserves to be crowed about is you.” He pulls me in for a full hug. “I’m so damn proud of you and I don’t care what anyone else says or thinks, marrying that man is the smartest thing you’ve ever done. He’s your Grams.”

  “Yes. He is.”

  “Did we ever tell you I asked her to marry me the day we met?”

  “No,” I gasp, pulling back to look at him. “Why have I never heard that?”

  “Don’t know. But I knew she was mine the second I laid eyes on her. We were barely eighteen and it took me a good two years to convince her to marry me, but I got there.”

  “It’s the James stubborn gene.”

  “It is. And as your Grams used to say, you’ve got it out the wazoo, Annie Oakley.”

  “Why did you call her that, Pa?”

  We turn to see Walker and Micky have joined us. I look at Pa and nod. I’ll let him tell the story—he always makes it sound better than me.

  “Well, come here, young man, and let me tell you a tale about a little girl not much older than you and her love of water pistols.” He slips his hand into Micky’s then says, “We’ll be heading out for a treat and story time.”

  “Single scoop. I don’t want either of your spoiling your appetites.”

  He looks at his watch. “Double, one hour for each scoop to digest and we’ll be ready for dinner.” He gives me a wink before he leads Micky into the house.

  “I want to worry about spoiling him but I don’t think it’ll hurt if we do for a little while.” Walker slips his arm around me as we watch them go. “How long do we have?”

  Turning, I put both hands on his chest and tip my head back. “Long enough for you to show me what you’ve got on under those pants, Hot Stuff.”

  Laughing, he bends, and before I work out what he’s doing, I’m looking at the back of his legs, my face bouncing off his hard butt as he jogs into the house.

  Oakley

  Standing in the driveway I glance over at Walker. “You sure this is where he’s staying?”

  “Yep,” he says with a nod, but the frown has me worried.

  “Hmm…”

  “I know what you’re thinking.”

  “Do you?” I doubt it but we’ll see.

  “Yes. He hasn’t played in over a year and the last time he hit the ice, his blood alcohol level could have felled a buffalo.”

  I smile. “I’m not thinking about any of that.”

  Walker looks at me with one brow arched high.

  “I’m wondering if we’ll have to break down the door and if we do, will I get a splinter.”

  He shoves a hand into his jacket pocket and comes out with a key. And the cocky grin I love. “Nope.”

  “Where did you get that?” We start up the drive toward the door.

  “Gannon gave it to me before we left New York last time we were there.”

  “Oh. Right. I forgot this was his house. Does he know what state it’s in?”

  “The outside looks a little shabby, but I promise, it’s not as bad as it looks.” Walker lets me and Blake up the stairs to the door first.

  “We’ll see.”

  When our knock goes unanswered, Walker uses the key to open the door.

  Stepping inside, I’m surprised by how clean the place is, and light. The back part of the house has lots of windows and you can see the woods behind the house from the foyer.

  Moving deeper into the house I’m beginning to think no one is home when a prone figure on the floor on the other side of the couch grabs my attention.

  Thinking the worst, I race around only to come up short when I see the bottle on the floor.

  “That doesn’t bode well,” I mutter. Picking up the bottle I see it’s three quarters empty and set it on the coffee table.

  I look to Walker and Blake but neither says a word. They’re both looking at the man at my feet.

  Moving my gaze back down, I stare at our supposed hot shot sprawled on the floor. I want to turn around and walk right out of here but I have to defer to my coaches.

  “Are we sure?”

  “Yes.” Walker doesn’t hesitate. “Positive.”

  “I’ll second that.”

  I glance back at Blake. She’s been suspiciously quiet since we pulled up in front of the ramshackle house Branton Lattimer calls home. “Really? It’s going to be you fixing this mess.”

  “Yep.” Blake pops the p.

  “Okay.” Looking around, I can’t see what I’m looking for. “Give me a minute.”

  I leave them there, both studying the man we’ve come to talk to.

  The one who I’m sure is currently in an alcoholic coma. We’re about to find out if it’s a deadly one.

  Finding the utility room, I open all the cupboards before I find what I’m after.

  A bucket.

  Bucket in hand, I head to the kitchen and hope I find the second ingredient to my wake the drunk ass up remedy.

  Yanking the fridge door open I find a surprisingly clean space with fresh food. “Hmm…someone is looking after the guy.”

  “What are you doing?”

  I glance up. I didn’t hear Walker come in. “Looking for cold water.”

  “You’re thirsty?” He shakes his head.

  “No.” Going back to the fridge I search the bottles in the door before moving onto the shelves. Dammit. Looks like it will be tap water. I was hoping for something colder but it will do.

  When I make it back to the living room and the man on the floor, Walker and Blake are huddled together on the far side of the room whispering.

  Why is anyone’s guess and something I’m not concerned about. It isn’t like the man can hear anything right now. He’s still out cold.

  Not for long.

  Gripping the handle tight with one hand, I place the other on the bottom of the bucket and tip it.

  Right on Branton Lattimer’s head.

  He comes up swinging and cursing and I jump back to get out of the way.

  “Jesus fucking Christ!” He wipes a large hand down his face. “Who the hell are you?”

  “Your savior or your worst nightmare.”

  “Huh?” He shakes like a dog, spraying water droplets all around him. “What?”

  “Your savior or your worst nightmare. You choose.” If I were being honest, I’d tell him I’m probably going to be both.

  “Bran.” Walker moves next to me.

  “Cap? What the hell?”

  “When did you eat last?” Walker asks, while offering a hand.

  “Dunno. What time is it?”

  “Almost midday.”

  Branton eyes me. “What day?”

  I suck in a breath and hope to hell my coaches aren’t steering me wrong here. “Thursday.”

  “Huh.” Branton looks around the room before his gaze settles on the coffee table. “Not even one bottle.”

  I’m not sure why he’s pointing that out. It’s more than enough for me to worry about taking this guy on.

  “How are you doing, Bran?” Walker pointedly stares at the bottle.

  Branton laughs. “You think I’m drunk all the time?” Shaking his head, he tugs his shirt over it and slaps his abs. “Do these look like I live on alcohol?”

  I have to admit he’s in good shape. At least it looks that way.

  Walker smiles. “Wanna put those to good use?”

  “Doing?” Branton asks with a raised brow.

  “Playing.”

  “Ha! Like any team is going to want me after what I did.”

  “The Rogues want you.” My words snap out. “We need someone with your skills and experience to guide us to the finals.”

  “Who the hell are the Rogues?”

  “The new NHL franchise.” Walker claps him on the shoulder. “I want you on my team.”

  “You’re playing for them? When did you leave New York?”

  “When Blanchett slammed me into the boards and left me unable to play at a professional level.”

  “Wait. You’re not playing? Then how the hell would I be on your team?”

  “I’m head coach.”

  Branton and Walker stare at each other for long seconds before Branton breaks the stare and turns to me. “And who the hell are you? The general manager?”

  “No. That’s Natalie Redding. I’m the team owner and this”—I wave my hand toward Blake who’s been hiding in the back corner—“is our assistant coach, Blake Watts.”

  Branton spins on his heel so fast he stumbles but the commotion isn’t enough to mask the gasped, “Blake,” that leaves his mouth.

  I watch as my best friend and Branton have a conversation with their eyes only and I make a mental note to ask her about it later.

  There’s history here I’m unaware of.

  “I…” Branton takes a step toward her. “Blake.”

  Her name holds so much anguish, it tightens my chest.

  “Bran.”

  The next thing I know Branton launches across the room and wraps his arms around her. He burrows his face in her neck and the tightening in my chest goes to lung crushing as his sobs fill the room.

  A quick look at Walker and we make a mutual decision to leave them and head for the front door.

  Once outside, the door closed behind us, I ask, “You know about that?”

  “They used to be close. Before…”

  “Ah.”

  “And Bran is—was—really close to her brothers, the twins.”

  “Right. Of course. I saw that in his report. Just never made the connection to Blake.”

  “There were rumors before he got married. About him and her. But they never admitted to being in a relationship other than friends.”

  “Will their history be a problem?”

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22