Page 65 of Chill

“You realise you’re arguing with a six-year-old?” I asked.

“And I’m winning!”

I cocked an eyebrow at the childish reply, and Chill jutted out his chin before grinning.

“Huh, I sound ridiculous,” he chortled.

“Yup. Cassian’s out of the shower. Go get washed up. You stink for the second day in a row.”

“Yeah, funny that,” Chill quipped and stomped away.

I shouldn’t compare them, but couldn’t help it. Gerard would have gone schizo if this happened to him. Chill shrugged it off and even helped Poet gain confidence by arguing with her. The fact he hadn’t lashed out spoke volumes about the man Chill really was. And I was halfway in love with him.

Chill

“Straighten your back, Zion, head up, don’t look down,” I said as I held the leading reins.

Zion did as ordered. He glanced at me and nodded.

“Like this?” he asked.

“Yup. You’ve got a steady seat,” I replied.

“What does that mean?”

“It means that you have good posture on a horse, that you ride comfortably.”

“That’s good?” That was something I’d noticed with Zion. He needed a lot of reassurance. I guess Gerard hadn’t provided much because they drank it up from me. Poet was demanding, but not in a spoiled way, but in the way she worried she’d be shoved aside. Cassian was pretty chill, but I caught subtle cues that he wanted approval of his actions. These were great kids, and Gerard had no idea what he’d thrown away. What a damn loser.

Since we’d got back from the cabin, without any further incidents, I’d spent quality time with the children. I took them to school, as Gerard was still running around free. I didn’t know how he hadn’t been caught, but that frustrated Meadow. If she left the clubhouse, Meadow had a prospect on her simply because Gerard was stupid enough to sneak in here.

Meadow was back at work as the cook and enjoying it, so I didn’t argue about her quitting. She was bolder, stronger, and more confident. Meadow still jumped if caught unawares, but not like she used to. And she was doing a number on my self-control.

Not knowing how Meadow had been treated sexually worried me, so I was taking my time. And it paid off: Meadow was becoming more assertive, initiating touch and kisses.

I was tired of sneaking off and relieving myself. If I didn’t get inside her soon, I was going to blow, especially when Meadow wore those damn jeans that showed her ass off to perfection.

“Chill?” Zion said, and I realised I’d drifted off.

“What’s up, buddy?”

“Will you marry Mom?”

“Yes. When she’s ready.”

“Does that mean you’ll be my dad?” Zion’s voice quieted.

“I’ll be whatever you want me to be. No pressure, Zion.”

“What if I call you Dad?”

I stopped leading the pony and held his gaze. “Then that’s what you call me, Zion, and I’ll be beyond honoured. Being a father is a special role; not every guy has the skills required. But you’d be my son come hell or high water, and I’ll die protecting you.”

Zion nodded and shooed me to keep walking. I saw Meadow standing in the shadows, wiping tears from her eyes, and let her have the moment. What else could I do?

Meadow

As soon as Chill walked into my bedroom, I pounced. We’d been sharing a bed, but only sleeping. Chill had been strictly hands off.