Page 38 of Untamed
Before I can talk myself out of it, I walk down the stairs, shoulders back, spine straight, hoping I look confident in all the lies that are about to come out of my mouth. I focus solely on Tucker when I reach the entry hall, fusing my eyes to his in a way I hope communicates what I’m thinking. Because if it doesn’t…
Things are about to go from bad to worse.
I walk straight up to the man who has been so kind to me and my daughter, the smile on my face scarily genuine as I hook both arms around his neck, tug him toward me…
And plant a kiss right on his lips.
I hold my breath, hoping he doesn’t give us away by acting weird. But Tucker must have picked up what I was putting downwith my eyeball conversation, because his arms immediately circle my back, pulling me close. One hand comes to cradle my head as his lips slant against mine in a way that has my damn belly doing another backflip.
The kiss is quick and chaste, but Tucker doesn’t let me go as he lifts his head. His eyes move over my face, a hint of a smile working onto the mouth that was just on mine. “Hey.”
“Hey.” I swallow hard, heat creeping up my neck and over my cheeks. I can feel so much of him against me, and it’s just as affecting as the easy way he hauled my body over that gate.
“Is Birdie asleep?” Tucker’s dark eyes stay on me, encouraging me to follow the conversation he’s started.
“Yeah.” A weird little laugh bubbles out of me, and I try to hide it behind a relieved sigh. “Thank goodness.”
Tucker’s hand slides from the back of my head to my cheek, the rough callous on his thumb smoothing against my skin almost like an apology.
He finally pulls his gaze away, fixing it on his brother as he turns us toward him. “Ruth, this is my oldest brother Titus. He’s Mariah’s husband and Marybeth and Mitchell’s dad.”
Taking a deep breath, I force my focus to our visitor, miraculously managing not to startle when I see his face. He’s just as handsome as Tucker, but with darker hair. He’s tall and fit with broad shoulders and an amount of muscle that’s evident even through clothing.
He also has scars covering almost half his face. The damaged skin of his right side is webbed and shiny, with deep pink tinting the areas between. It spans from his forehead down his cheek, past his jaw to his neck, disappearing beneath the neckline of his shirt.
I hold one hand out, keeping my eyes on his even though curiosity makes me want to look a little closer. “It’s nice to meet you.” My smile is genuine as I say, “Your wife is lovely and your kids are absolutely precious.”
Titus studies me for a second before his face splits into a wide grin. “They are, aren’t they?”
The pride on his face is clear as he starts telling me all about the twins and how quickly they’re growing and all the amazing ways they blow bubbles and roll around. I soak up every second of it, living vicariously through him as I silently reminisce about Birdie’s firsts.
I might not miss what goes into making a baby, but it does make me sad to think Birdie is the only one I’ll ever have. Especially since I wasn’t really able to enjoy the whole process the way I wish I could have. Not with the constant fear of being found out hanging over my head.
Titus takes a break from being a proud dad to ask, “Mariah said you have a daughter. Birdie, right?”
“Right. She’s a menace.” My smile widens. “I love it.”
“I love a woman who goes around terrorizing everyone she meets.” Titus rocks back on his heels, refocusing on Tucker. “Tucker’s the same. Didn’t have much of a choice considering who our mother is.”
The reminder sends my stomach dropping to my feet. We might actually be able to fool his brother and sister-in-law. Tricking the famous Deidre Bradshaw into believing we're not simply a couple, but one on our way to being engaged… That’s an entirely different story.
“Don’t look so terrified.” Titus gives me a wink. “She’ll love you. Especially since you come with a ready-made grandbaby for her to spoil.”
Oh God. I hadn’t even thought about that.
Not only do I have to lie to this family, but they're also going to fall in love with my daughter. Because, let’s be serious. Who wouldn’t fall in love with Birdie? She’s cute and funny and rotten in all the best ways. There’s not a single thing about her that isn’t adorable.
Outside of the finger in nose assault pattern. And maybe her number twos, but no one has adorable poops.
“Okay.” My smile is frozen on my face. Partly because I know I can’t frown, but also because I can’t seem to get rid of it.
“I guess we’ll see you guys Thursday at family dinner.” Titus tips his head in my direction. “It was great to meet you, Ruth, and I look forward to seeing you again.”
“Same.” Again, I only manage a single word. All the rest of them have somewhat escaped me as my brain races around in circles, frantic over receiving yet another dose of questionable life choices.
Tucker releases me and urges Titus to the door, slapping his brother on the back before closing him out. He takes a few beats before turning, and the pause is more than enough for me to panic even more.
I messed up. I shouldn’t have come down here. I should have stayed upstairs, let him deal with this, and?—
