Page 50 of Silver Linings

The guys made it back in time for their funerals, and they all served as pallbearers for Melody. Mikey’s casket had been so small that Gage only needed one other person to help. He’d asked Gunner, who had a special bond with his son. The cute kid was speech delayed, the same way Gunner had been as a child. He truly believed Gage’s son just preferred taking in his surroundings more than being in the spotlight. Gunner considered it an honor to carry him to his final resting place. He fucking should have told Gage.

“I’m happy for you, you idiot. Melody was the best thing that ever happened to me. Mikey changed my entire world, and now one of my best friends is experiencing that, too. But hell,” he scrubbed his hand over his face. “It fucking hurts you didn’t tell any of us for so long. And how do you think that looked to Lily? That none of us even knew she existed?”

“Yeah, you messed up big time there,” Stone added.

“We went through some shit after Sage’s birth. It was…hard. My mind was focused on her and the baby, not on telling every person I’ve ever known all about my life.”

“Great. Glad to know we’re just people you know.”

“You assholes are twisting everything I’m saying.”

“No, man, we’re not. Maybe we’re just helping you hear how you actually sound.”

“We have this cute kitchen in here,” Mae brought Lily into a big room that was more gourmet than anything she would ever categorize as cute. “The company stocks the fridge and all the snacks in the cupboard, so if you ever need anything when you are visiting Gunner, don’t even ask. Please, use anything.”

“Wow, that’s very generous.”

“Our boss, Sebastian, is literally the best. The guys helped him out on a personal matter a few months back and it seems like he’ll forever be trying to take care of them to say thanks.”

“Gunner told me a bit about what happened, and I met Emma and Mr. Montgomery earlier. She’s so beautiful and warm. It’s hard to imagine how she stayed like that with everything that happened.”

“I know. I’m so glad you met her, though. We get together every once in a while and go out for drinks. We are quite the rag-tag group of girls,” she laughed. “You’ll have to join us next time.”

“That’s really sweet of you. I’m not sure I’m ready to leave Sage just yet, but maybe.”

“She’s an absolute doll. How did she do on the trip down?”

Lily looked at her baby, still fast asleep in Mae’s arms. “Fantastic. I was so worried about it, but she slept nearly the whole time.”

“That’s great. Okay, so if you see over there,” Mae pointed down a hallway behind a glass door. “The guy’s offices are all down that hallway. You have to have access to go through the door just because of some of the contract work they do. I won’t have access for you today, but when I do, you’ll just use the same card that I’m going to give you for your apartment.”

“This feels like spy-level stuff.”

Mae laughed. “The guys are super strict about security. No one is breaking in here unless they’re a better hacker than Gage. And after spending some time watching him work, I don’t think that’s possible.”

“Do you ever get nervous with the work they do? I mean, your brother is in constant danger.”

Mae shrugged, swaying back and forth while she looked down at Sage. “Yes and no. The guys know what they are doing. Could something go horribly wrong? Of course. But that’s what their training is for. I think it’s hard to remember when you look at them because they’re all so dopey and relaxed around here, but they have training for the most dangerous situations and encounters. My brother can handle himself. And if his slow ass can, Gunner will be more than fine.”

“…Gunner will be more than fine.”

He rounded the corner just in time to find Lily chewing nervously on her lip as Mae bounced Sage up and down.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I’m thinking we should head up and get settled. Are you ready to see our apartment?”

“I think so.” Lily flashed a smile at him and turned to Mae. “Thank you so much for showing me around.”

“My pleasure. Let me just make your ID cards quick.” They followed her out to the front desk. “Lily, I’m going to give you a guest one for now. You’ll be able to get into your apartment and into the main door for Montgomery Defense, but I’ll need you to fill out some paperwork for the proper authorizations for your own key card.”

“That’s fine. I can stop by tomorrow some time if that works.”

“That would be great. Hawk and I are right across the hall from you upstairs, so if you guys ever need anything, just come and knock. Oh, and give me your number quickly so I can text you about girls’ night, okay?”

Mae slid her phone over to Lily, who quickly typed in her number. Gunner was about to grab Sage from Mae when Lily reached over and took their daughter from her.

“There you go. I’m sure we’ll see you later, Mae.”

“Bye, Lily. Gunner.” Mae’s eyes closed slightly, sassing Gunner. He was used to it. Hawk’s sister had been a pain in all of their asses before, and now that she was permanently working with them, he knew it was just a matter of time before she got in some sort of hot water they’d have to save her from.

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