Page 80 of It's Always Us

“We heard what Slade did.” Carson disrupts the weird stillness.

I hear a growl, and I don’t even have to look at him to know Slade’s nostrils are flaring wide. It’s possible there’s fire, but I don’t peek to confirm.

Wind settles his hands on his hips. “We aren’t on speaking terms if that makes you feel better? What he did, not talking to you, that was horse shit.”

I bite my lip, trying really hard not to smile. These men are seriously worse than a bunch of old ladies with nothing but gabbing to fill their time.

I hear the squeak of Grandpa’s office door. He comes down the hall and stands just inside the shop.

I bite my lip. “So . . . ”

“Like, you didn’t even tell us you were leaving.” Trigger’s sad baby face is a punch in the gut. The budding race car driver with the need for speed is tender-hearted and too sweet for his own good.

“I know. I’m sorry. I . . . There was something I needed to do, and it was kind of urgent.” I rub my forehead, feeling like a big, fat, lying excuse-maker. I don’t even have to look to know Grandpa is sporting an ass-eating grin. That man just rolled in here to watch his daytime drama.

I glance at Mark and . . . To hell with it. These aremyguys, and they’re giving Slade the silent treatment for me. “I called off the wedding because I couldn’t marry someone unless it was him.” I point at Mark. “So, that’s what I did. I met him in Vegas months ago, and we got married.” Not one of them moves a muscle, except for maybe their jaw when their mouths fall open just a little. “I needed a few days. I needed to be with him because . . . I’m pregnant.”

It’s as if I can see thought bubbles translating what I said into the English language or whatever the hell it is Carson speaks. I suck at reading, but that man makes up words with his southern drawl no one can understand.

“You married him?” It’s Slade’s low, forced tone that breaks the silence. I meet his eyes and severe frown. “And you’re having a baby?” His eyes flick to Mark and then back to me.

“Yes,” I confirm.

I know this man. It takes a moment, but I see a glimmer of a smile behind his thick beard, and my chest expands with relief. We aren’t all good yet, but we’ll get there.

“I’m sorry I—”

Wind holds up his hand. “You’re pregnant, like with a baby? Fuck. How the hell did that happen?”

Carson snickers. “Let’s see, Wind. When a man and a woman—”

“Ok.” I hold up my hand this time.

“Is his name really Wind?” Mark whispers.

“Congrats, darlin’.” Carson beams. “About damn time you snatched back the one that got away.”

A bubble of laughter rolls out of me. Of course, they all know about Mark. Well, maybe not Trig. These men couldn’t mind their own business if they were paid a million dollars. Man, do I love them.

I pull in air, and the muscles around my ribs relax.

Trigger surveys the room like he’s missing something. “Wait, you’re married?” He’s dumbstruck, making me wonder if Slade was right about that little crush.

“All right, you blockheads,” Grandpa steps forward. “It’s no wonder you never have a woman. Man!” He shakes his head. “Alex married this guy and is carrying my grandbaby. That’s all you need to know for now.”

“I need to know if she’s got ten minutes to help me figure out what’s wrong with this dumpster on wheels,” Carson winks and kicks the tire on the van.

I smile. “I’ve got ten for you, Gorgeous.”

The guys laugh and whistle, and my body relaxes as my nerves settle. For now.

Mark pulls his phone from his pocket. “I’m sorry. I have to take this.” His hand slides further around me to pull me closer, and he kisses me on the corner of my mouth.

I smile against his lips. “Do you want to pee on my leg, too?”

“Whatever it takes.” His face breaks into that perfect, sexy smirk. “Just making sure we’re all on the same page. You’re mine.” He swats me on the butt and then steps outside, and I return to the now amused stares.

Heat rushes my cheeks. “What? Just out with it.”

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