Page 152 of Make Us Yours
“Because, sweetie, we already knew she was in love with the both of you.” Morgan smiles.
“Well, I’m still proud to announce that she finally said it.” I stand tall.
“And you have every right to be.” Aubrey comes over with a sweet smile. “I’m happy for you guys, truly.” Her gaze falls to Ronnie’s, but within seconds, her smile disappears, and a frown appears on her face.
“Ronnie? What’s this?” She reaches up to touch Vixen’s neck, where her concealer has started wearing off.
Ronnie’s eyes widen, and she quickly covers the marks with her hand. “It’s nothing.”
Aubrey’s gaze bounces all over Vixen face, then mine, and I can see the moment she spots the scratches along my jaw that Ronnie tried to hide with a concealer as well. She looks around, noticing no one is paying attention to us anymore as she comes closer and whispers, “It doesn’t look like nothing… did he… do that?”
Ronnie furrows her brows. “What?” Then she catches on. “Oh! No. No, it’s not him. We just… we get a little carried away in bed sometimes. That’s all.” She grabs Aubrey’s hand with her free one. “I promise it’s nothing you need to worry about.”
I know Vixen didn’t need to cover up my mistakes, but I’m grateful she did. I don’t know if I could have faced the humiliation so soon. Even though we’re on good terms, better terms than we’ve ever been, the guilt still eats away at my skin.
Aubrey chews on her lip with uncertainty. “Okay… if you say so.”
The sliding patio doors to the backyard open, and in comes two toddlers with their nanny. Sam seems to be pretending to be a dinosaur that’s chasing after them as they screech with laughter. I watch them in awe, wondering if one day I’ll get to do the same with my kids.
“Unc Gay!” Dante screams as he runs toward me, throwing himself into my open arms as I crouch down to catch him.
His pronunciation isn’t on point yet, but I understand it’s his way of calling me, and I love it. He started calling me that on vacation, and I was thrilled to be the first one to gain the uncle title out of our group. I guess repeating it to him constantly when no one was around did help, but I won’t tell the others that.
“I’ve got you, little man! I’ll keep you safe!” I spin us around, putting my back to Sam as he comes in and tries to grab hold of Dante, who bubbles with joy.
Gracie hides herself between Ronnie’s legs, then throws her hands up, indicating she wants to be taken. “You want me to protect you, baby girl? Good choice, if anyone will keep you safe from the evil dinosaur, it’s me!” She picks her up and runs around in circles with Gracie as Sam abandons Dante and chases after the girls.
She comes to my front, hiding behind my massive frame, with both kids stuck between us. They deliver some lung-filled shrieks whenever they feel Sam’s hands trying to grab them, and I watch Ronnie radiate with happiness as she laughs away with them.
I can picture it. I can see us, just like this. My wife with our two rowdy kids, playing‘save the princess’right before dinner time. I want that. I want it with her.
“All right, kids. Time to settle down. Give poor Sam a break, he has other things to do than watch you two hooligans.” Emma comes over and pats Sam’s back. “You’re too good with them.” She then collects Gracie from Ronnie’s arms and brushes their noses together. “Come on, little Tulip. Let’s get you cleaned up and ready for dinner. You got mud all over your hands.”
Dante squirms out of my arms and runs to his mother. “You too, baby. Let’s go wash your hands.” Cecilia takes him by the tiny hand and brings him upstairs, following behind Emma.
Vixen continues to carry a breathtaking smile along her lips as she watches them go before turning to me. “They’re adorable.”
“They really are.” I grin. “You’d be good at it,” I tell her sincerely.
“Being a mom? Maybe.” She bites her lip as she studies me. “Do you want a lot of them?” Her question startles me for a moment. Ronnie never wants to talk babies, unless it’s as a joke.
“I mean, I don’t need a certain amount. I just know that I want some, or at least one. I’ve always wanted to get married and have kids. Although, in this situation, I’m guessing two would be better than one.” I nod toward Noah, who’s busy talking with Greyson.
She smiles his way. “Yeah, it wouldn’t feel fair only having one in this case.” She looks back at me, her smile slipping slightly. “But Gabe, you do realize that marriage wouldn’t be in our future, don’t you? I can’t marry two people, and it wouldn’t be right for me to marry only one of you…”
My smile dims as well. I know she’s right. I’ve thought about it before. I just wish there was a way around it. “That’s okay, Vixen.” I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her into me. “All I care about is that my future is with you.” I press my lips to hers.
“It is,” she breathes against mine.
“All right!” Sam claps his hands to get everyone’s attention. “Everyone out of the kitchen, the chef needs room to work.” He smiles wide.
“You’re cooking?” I ask him.
“He offered to since I’m still not past this nauseating stage apparently,” Morgan informs us.
“Want some help?” I offer to Sam.
“Are you any good?” He quirks a brow.
