Page 37 of Simply You & Me

Julian nods, still looking at the group in the living room. Addie and Rory came over for the football game today, along with Rylee and a couple of her guys. I should be lounging in the living room, eating snacks and goofing around with my family, but our safety is at risk. Jackson and Marcus, two of Rylee's husbands, shout at the TV, making Rory wave her dainty fist and holler, too.

"Do we tell Addie?" Julian whispers, his lips turned down in displeasure.

"No." The stern response comes from Zachary as he places a plate of grilled burgers on the island. "There's no need to worry her."

Julian frowns, looking between us. His copper hair is messy from running around with Rory and the other guys outside. "She's already worried, though. I don't like the idea of keeping secrets in our relationship."

"It's for the best. Plus, what would we say? That our past security details were for rich pricks who steal from the poor at best and murder at worst? No. We aren't those people anymore. New leaf. New life." Zach's eyes settle on the rowdy family in the other room, too.

Turning as well, I watch Tate drop a kiss on Rory's head and give Addie a gentle peck on the lips when she tilts her head back onto his knees. Changing the subject, I ask, "Are we actually in a relationship, though?"

"Wyatt!" Julian whisper yells. His face twists in anger, scaring me just a bit. Fuck, he's a badass and could easily kick my ass if provoked. "Of course we are, asshole! Why would you ask that?"

I offer him a blank stare. "Um, 'cus nobody has actually asked Addie to make this official." I watch as Julian's cheeks redden, embarrassment making him sheepish. Smirking, I nudge him. "We'll ask her tonight."

"Hopefully you didn't fuck things up for us with your shadiness, though." Julian looks thoughtful, and if I'm being honest, I hate the dejected look I put on her face.

Thankfully, Zach wasn't in earshot to hear Julian's accusation, because he would have kicked my ass too. Ugh. I can't mess things up before they've truly begun.

"Did it hurt? Wait, it doesn't still hurt, does it?" Rory pokes the tattoo on my neck, inspecting it like it's alive.

I chuckle. "No, it doesn't hurt. Yes, it hurt when I got it. But more like an annoying scratching sensation."

Her big blue eyes light up. "Oh! Can I get one? I promise I can handle the scratches!"

Tugging on one of her pigtails, I say, "You'll have to ask your mom, bestie. I'm not your dad, so I can't make that decision."

The sparkle in Rory's eyes dim, making my stomach bottom out. Fuck, how did I mess up with her too?! Addie's been distant with me for the past few hours, but I have no idea what to say if I can't tell her the truth. Speaking of the beautiful woman who's curled up and snoozing on Zach's lap for the past hour, I feel her attention on us. Hesitantly, I look over to see her droopy eyes watching Rory and me with a small pout. My baby girl looks fucking adorable, even if she's only focusing on her daughter’s rapidly dropping mood.

Beside me on the couch, Rory's knees bump into my thigh where she faces me. She nibbles on her lip. I wait her out, uncertain of what to say since I clearly upset this sweet eight-year-old.

"I wish I had a dad," Rory whispers, picking at some lint on her socks. "Layla has four. She's so lucky. I don't even have one."

"I—" Hell, what do I even say to that?! "Anyone would be lucky to be your dad, Rory."

Her lip wobbles, and in my peripheral, I notice Addie sitting up. "Then why don't I have one? S-sometimes I think I remember my daddy and first mommy, but then I forget again."

"Rory..." Addie whispers, her own eyes glistening with tears.

The little girl doesn't listen, though, as she grips my arm and pleads with me to understand her. To hear her. "Addie doesn't have a daddy either. I have a sister and a mommy, but she doesn't have a mom. Wouldn't someone be lucky to be her mom, too?"

I'm fucking glad Rylee and her two guys left already because, fuck, this is hurting my heart. Around us, the room is silent, save for the soft hum of another football game and the girls’ ragged breathing.

I'm so focused on the sweet girl crying in front of me, I don't notice Addie kneeling in front of us. "Honey, we do have a mom and a dad. They just aren't with us anymore. And I do have a sister. I'm just so lucky to call her my daughter, too."

I fight like hell not to scoop the two of them into the biggest hug I can manage. Tate looks like he's on the verge of tears, Julian watches with watery eyes, and Zach's jaw is about to shatter with how hard he's clenching it.

"So if… if Layla can have four daddies, does that mean I can have another?" Rory's wobbly question lilts with a tinge of hope.

Addie nods, holding her kid's hands. "Someday, maybe. For now, though, we have wonderful friends who love you so much."

Rory's gaze trails across the room, studying each of us like she's testing the truth of her mom’s words. Finally, her big blue eyes find mine. "So," she sniffles, running her nose on the sleeve of Julian's sweatshirt he gave her. "You love me?"

Son of a bitch. I think this little girl just claimed my heart and gave it a big fucking hug. Do I love this girl who demanded I be her best friend? Is that weird? I don't have nieces or nephews. I mean, honestly, my whole family can go fuck themselves. But for Rory, I would do anything to keep her happy and safe. I love her like I love Tate's niece.

I pull on her pigtail again, hoping to alleviate some of the emotion. "Of course, I love you, Rory. You're not only my best friend, but you're family, and I would do anything for you. You and your mom, if that's okay with you?"

Addie's head whips up, her eyes wide and red from emotion. I chuckle and kiss her forehead. "What, baby girl? You didn't think we would want to make it official?"

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