Page 69 of Exposed

“Tell me you didn’t invite the whole island of Aveline,” I groan to my dad.

“I didn’t invite the whole island,” he smiles, and I pickup Simon to investigate.

When I open the door though, my jaw drops.

Hope, Noah, Shyla, Deacon, Aerica and Indy are standing outside.

“No fucking way,” I exclaim.

“That’s going to cost you,” Indy pipes up.

“Crap. Sorry.”

“It’s okay. I don’t mind you giving me money,” she smiles sweetly. “I like your baby. He’s so cute.”

“Indy, we’re not at home. You can’t charge him for swearing,” Aerica chastises.

“Surprise,” Hope shouts with a huge smile. She steps through the doorway and hugs me, followed by the rest of the crew from Colorado.

“Daddy Matt, what’s up?” Deacon shouts as he claps a hand on my back. “Holy crap, your son is adorable. Come to Uncle Deacon.” Deacon gently takes my son and snuggles him against his chest.

“Go ahead and hold him,” I say sarcastically.

Deacon gives me a smirk, then turns to my son. “Hey, Simon. I’m your Uncle Deacon.”

At 19, Deacon became the main father figure for his niece Indy, who’s now six. He’s a natural with kids and holds Simon facing forward so he can see me.

“Noah, want to hold him?” Deacon asks, stepping close to Noah.

Deacon and Noah were like brothers growing up, but when tragedy struck, Noah disappeared for five years. Deacon and he struggled for a while when Noah finally came back, but now they’re super tight again.

“No, thanks. He looks like he’ll break too easy.” Noahleans in and gives Simon a finger to shake. “Hey, little man.”

They make a huge deal out of Simon, and when he starts to fuss, Deacon passes him back to me.

“I can’t wait to meet your wife,” Hope says excitedly, and thinking of Pepper as my wife stuns me momentarily.

A few weeks ago, I was single and absorbed in work. Now, I’m a dad and about to be a husband.

Growing up, Hope, Grace and I were inseparable. She and I walked the excruciating road of losing Grace together. “I’m so thankful you’ve found someone to make you happy. Grace would be proud of you,” Hope gives me a soft smile, and I pull her in with one arm for a hug.

“Thanks, Hope. Your support means the world to me.”

Simon yawns, then lays his head on my shoulder. “Hey, little guy. Daddy’s here.”

I rub circles on his back and kiss his head. He’s overstimulated already, and I hope he sleeps well tonight. I bought a couple of toys for Pepper, and I’d love the chance to try them out with her tonight.

I walk over to the counter and grab a dollar out of my wallet, then find Indy.

“Does this cover it?” I offer the dollar to Indy, and her eyes light up.

“Yeah. I usually get a quarter each time.”

“Consider it a future payment in case I mess up again,” I wink at her.

“You don’t have to pay her,” Aerica walks up next to me and I give her a side hug.

“No worries. I need to watch my mouth since I’ve got a kid now,” I shrug.

---