Page 85 of The Final Straw

"She's due in six months," Grady adds.

"So what does that mean? She can't raise a baby in prison." I furrow my brow.

Kipp nods solemnly. "That’s what Crowley wanted to speak about. Jessica can't take custody due to legal troubles. It's down to me or foster care."

Silence settles heavily as we absorb this bombshell. "And the father?" I ask softly, already dreading the answer.

Kipp starts to cry, and Grady rubs his back. "He... he took his own life last night," Grady murmurs, his voice heavy. "Couldn't live with the guilt. Couldn't deal with losing his fiancé and job because of his actions."

Fucking Christ.

"What do you want to do, Kipp?" I ask gently.

Tears well in Kipp's eyes as he struggles with conflicting emotions. "I... I don't know," he admits finally. “That's my grandchild, but…”

Van's voice is steady as he interrupts. "There's no 'but,' Kipp. That's your grandchild. An innocent life. We'll bring the baby here when he or she's born and raise them together."

I turn to Van in surprise, struck by his words. "You mean that?" I ask, searching his eyes for confirmation.

"Yes," Van replies, his gaze unwavering. "That baby's mother may be evil to her core, but the baby is not. I can't ask Kipp to turn his back on a baby.”

I smile at him, my heart bursting at his words. I turn to look at Kipp. "You heard the man. We raise the baby as ours."

Kipp grabs me, kisses me deep and dirty, and I moan. "I love you, Little Girl. I love all of you."

Van chuckles. "I love you all too."

I got to the quaint town of Stowe, Vermont last night. The night before, a flurry of chaos was still buzzing in my mind. Everything had happened so quickly—we decided to foster the baby when it arrived. According to Crowley, the courts and county social workers would terminate Barbi's parental rights and then we could adopt. It was agreed that if and when that happens, Kipp and I will adopt. The child will know he or she is adopted, but that’s not a conversation we plan to have until we can explain about Barbi.

The wedding was today, and it was amazing. As I took picture after picture, I felt my nerves over being away from my three men easing. I missed this. Capturing someone’s biggest and happiest day.

As the day wound down, exhaustion seeped into my bones. Sore from hours of shooting, I yearn to retreat to the hotel and sink into a deep, dreamless sleep before heading back home tomorrow evening. I can't wait to see the guys. I miss them, even if it's only been twenty-four hours or so.

I’m in love, what can I say?

I step out of the cab and into the lobby of the hotel, ready to relax and finally unwind. However, before I can make it to the elevator, a voice calls out, "Miss Olivia! Miss Olivia!"

Turning toward the desk, I approach with curiosity. "Hey, what's up?" I ask, wondering if there was an issue with my reservation or payment.

"Miss Olivia, I'm sorry to bother you," the desk attendant begins, "but someone named Mr. Kipp called earlier. He arranged to upgrade you to the honeymoon suite for tonight. We've already moved your belongings. I hope that's alright. Here's your new key."

Surprised and touched by the gesture, I accept it with a grateful smile. "Thank you," I murmur before heading up to my upgraded room.

I can't believe they did something like this for me. The suites have jacuzzis and now I can't wait to get up there and soak.

Sliding the keycard into the reader, I push open the door, and as I step inside, soft music greets me, accompanied by the sight of the room adorned with deep purple dahlia blooms.

"What in the world?" I murmur to myself, puzzled by the unexpected display of flowers. Setting my camera bag down, I’m about to explore further when I hear footsteps approaching.

Before I can blink, three familiar figures step into the room, dressed impeccably in tuxedos. "What are you guys doing here?!" I exclaim, a mixture of surprise and joy bubbling within me.

"We wanted to surprise you." Kipp grins, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

"You did!!" I reply, unable to contain my smile. "But what's with all the flowers?" I glance at the blooms that seem to cover every inch of the room.

Kipp and Grady exchange a knowing look before intertwining their fingers and stepping to the side, making way for Van to approach me. My heart skips a beat as he drops to one knee before me, and my hands fly to cover my mouth.

"Livvy," Van begins. "I think I've loved you since the moment I saw you. You're everything to me. You threw me a curveball, wanting to add these two to the mix." He chuckles softly, glancing over at Kipp and Grady. "But I should have known. A woman like you, with a heart like yours, isn't meant for just one man. You're too kind, too perfect, too caring. You have room for all of us but, baby, my heart is only for you. You've given me brothers I didn't know I needed, and I just want you and this forever. Will you marry me?"

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