Page 118 of It's Always Us

I yawn, completely exhausted, emotionally and physically. “You three are not allowed to make plans without me.”

Mark runs his hand over my stomach and presses another kiss to it before sliding up and wrapping his arms around me. “Too bad. We’ve already made deals.”

“They’re too young to form verbal agreements.”

“The book says they might be able to hear. Sorry, Peyton and Eli’s silence counts as approval.”

“Peyton and Eli? Really?” He smiles against my cheek.

“You said they’re wild in there.”

“Imagine that. I wonder who they get that from.” I snuggle into him, ready for this to be the rest of my life.

Mark rolls on top of me, keeping his weight off our babies. His eyes hold that devilish playfulness. “Definitely from you.” He kisses my shoulder. “Are you ready for the game today? It’ll be crowded.”

“Yes.” I made it through last night, so this isn’t nearly as intimidating, although Mark’s family is large and growing.

“Shane, Maggie, and the kids are here. Maggie’s brother Cole plays for the Stingrays, and he’s bringing a friend we’ve taken in. Plus, some of Andie’s friends and family will be there.”

I press a kiss to his bicep. “I’m looking forward to meeting all of them.”

“I told Shane we’d meet them, but we have some time. Then, I have a plane booked for tonight.” He stares into my eyes. “What about your stuff?”

I push the strands of hair off his forehead. “I have to go back for my next doctor’s appointment and see the guys. Krissy is having the baby shower.” I run my hands over the muscles in his back, pulling him closer.

“I’m going with you if I can, but you need to find a doctor in Phoenix.” His lips trail over my neck to my chest.

“I have a to-do list a mile long, but I can’t think straight when you are doing that.”

He grins against my skin. “Good. We aren’t thinking right now. We are strictly on the doing part, and this is at the top of the list . . . every time.”

“Fine,” I say like I’m put out. “What was it you told me last night? Hurry up.”

He pulls away to meet my eyes, and I try to withhold my smile, but I do a sucky job of it.

Slowly, a mischievous smirk creeps across his mouth, and it’s so sexy it almost kills me to refrain from kissing him. “You’ve gotten kind of bossy.”

I shrug one should. “Dealing with men every day makes you that way.”

The flame in his eyes turns to a raging blaze. “Good thing you won’t be dealing with them daily anymore. You could become insufferable.”

I slide my hands over his shoulder and up his neck to the soft, short hairs. “Now, I can just be bossy with you.” I pull his face to mine. My lips gently brush over his. “So, are you going to get to work or not?”

______

Mark’s hand remains clasped around mine as we sift our way through the stadium. He’s posed for dozens of photos and shook more hands than I can count. Seeing him in this environment is . . . different. There’s a shield he puts on.

It’s like an armor he slips into to be sure nothing sensitive is exposed. His fans get the fun-loving, charming Mark only.

He pulls me to his side. “You ok?”

I nod as we push our way through a crowd, finally making it to the box where we’ll watch the game. Mark pulls the door open, and it’s filled with people.

“Who’s ready for some football?!” Mark hollers entering.

There’s a collective cheer, and all eyes are on us.

“You meet your picture quota for the day?” Shane strolls over, and the two exchange a quick hug.

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