Page 120 of Ten Hammers

“As we used to always say before every reno, let’s make it work!” Gunnar says, pumping his fist. God, that catchphrase was so cheesy, but the networks insisted. Somewhere in between season 1 and season 8, it stopped being corny and started being a warcry we all took pretty damn seriously.

“Let’s make it work,” I whisper.

But how?

“We’ll figure it out one day at a time, Pooh,” Gavin says and I know he knows I’m getting in my head.

“Princess, if there’s anyone who deserves the undying devotion and love from ten men, it’s you,” Max says.

Yep, my heart is definitely going to burst out of my chest.

I look down the line of them, standing before me. “If any of you ever keep anything from me again, I’ll kill you. I know where to find a pickaxe.”

Cruz groans. “How wrong is it that her threats of violence turn me on?” he asks the others.

He happens to be first in the lineup so I got to him.

“Seriously. I need you all to vow to me, right here and now, that no more secrets. Ever again. And I need you all to keep the damn vow this time. We’re open and honest with each other. About everything.”

Cruz nods. “Absolutely, darlin’.”

I stare at him for a moment and see miles and miles of sincerity in his eyes. I press a soft, sweet kiss to his lips. “Then I choose you, Cruz Hammer.”

I move on to Theo. “And I choose you, Theo Hammer.” I kiss him just as sweetly.

“Gavin Hammer, I choose you.”

“I love you, Pooh,” he says, after I give him his kiss.

I move down the line until I get to Jack, who lifts me off my feet when I kiss him.

And when I get to Mason, I tell him the truth. “I actually love it when you call me Cupcake. So please never ever stop.”

He smiles. “That’s such a relief to hear, Cupcake, because I don’t think it’s a habit I could break.”

“Good. Because I choose you, Mason Hammer.”

Then I’m facing Max.

“There was no letter from you,” I say, just realizing it’s true as I say the words.

“There is. It’s just not here. Will you come with me for a few minutes?”

My God, his eyes are glassy with tears.

“Wait. We need to make the rules,” Jack says and everyone groans but me. I laugh.

“Honesty, no matter what, and lots of sex,” I say. “Those are the only rules we need, I think.”

All the guys cheer at that.

I take Max’s hand.

“Where are we going, Big Max?”

Chapter 42

Winnie

---