Page 149 of Knot Without My Permission
I’m walking with Marie and my daughter in the park down the road from my house, because she only sleeps with fresh air on her face. It means we’ve spent nights sleeping on the back porch together, and taking walks. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten this many steps in my entire life.
My hand rubs Cat’s back where she stirs in the wrap strapped to my chest. She’s so damn tiny at a month and a half old, it’s unreal. Marie named her Catriona, so we call her Cat for short. Her blonde curls peak out from where her head is laying on me, and when she opens her eyes, her brilliant blue eyes make my heart clench with love.
She is perfect, just like Marie.
“Sorry,” he whispers. “You’re avoiding my calls.”
“Because you’re being obnoxious,” I say, continuing to walk. “If you want to talk, move your ass.”
“Cat needs a nap or I’m going to kill people,” Marie says sleepily. “Don’t make me become a serial killer, Devon. My baby needs me.”
“You’re so dramatic,” he sighs, though he starts to move his feet to keep up with us. “When was the last time you slept?”
“A month and half ago,” she says, yawning widely. “The day she was born.”
“Oh god,” he says, horrified.
“You learn to cope,” she shrugs. “Now, the reason he’s not picking up the phone is because I need him more. You’re welcome to bring your issues up with me, and my very unsympathetic self will listen to you.”
Devon pales at the thought, and I can tell he’s beginning to wonder why he rode all the way to Minneapolis.
“What made you decide to check the park?” I ask.
“I was driving past, and saw you,” he explains.
“So you haven’t been to the house yet,” Marie says.
“No…”
“Amelia is staying with us,” I say.
“Who?”
“Your sister,” I sigh. “Devon, what the hell?”
“I don’t know if she’s our sister,” he denies. “Maybe she just wants money.”
“She’s currently working part time and applying to the University of Lyons,” Marie says. “She’s not taking any money from us. Though, if she doesn’t get any of the scholarships she’s applying for, she’s going to find herself with a suspicious private grant.”
“That’s my girl,” I chuckle. “Why would anyone lie about having Callous James as their father, Devon? Come on, we don’t even want to be related to him.”
“Ugh, fine. What am I supposed to do with a sister, Lore?” my brother asks.
“Be nice to her,” I reply.
“Or answer to me,” Marie growls, looking around the park.
While we are here so that Cat will sleep, we also invited Tommy and his pack to meet the baby. So, we’re walking around until they get here since we left the house earlier than expected when our daughter began to show signs that she was falling asleep.
“Fine,” Devon groans. “You really did make an adorable baby. It’s too bad they’re all hell on heels when they grow up.”
“That’s such a blanket statement,” Marie says, rolling her eyes. “Try some new material, Prez. This shit is tired.”
“Burn,” I tease Devon.
“Ugh. Fine. So she’s at the house?” he asks.
“Yes. Remember: be nice,” Marie says. “She probably won’t open the door, but the guys are there. Try calling Ransom.”
