Page 72 of Exposed

Mamie ushers us inside to eat, and I take Simon in my arms and cuddle him into my chest.

Hope, Shy, Aerica and Indy gather around Pepper. Shelooks at me like a deer in headlights, and I want to give her reassurance that she’s fine by herself with them.

These are the best girls she could be friends with, so I’ll give her a quick boost of support, then let her be on her own.

“Hey, ladies,” I smile as I step up and put an arm around my wife’s waist.

“You’re a princess. Hope was, too, at her wedding. I can’t wait until I get to be a princess,” Indy smiles dreamily at Pepper.

I kiss Pepper on the top of her head, then squeeze her hand before walking away.

As I go, I hear Aerica tell Indy, “You’re already a princess, angel. You don’t need to get married to be one.”

I’ve heard Aerica say a couple of times that Shane was her soul mate, and she doesn’t believe life gives us two soul mates. That’s above my pay grade to know if that’s true or not, but I hope she can find a way to open herself up again.

“Hey, man,” Deacon grabs both of my shoulders from behind and shakes me lightly. “Congrats.”

I turn to face him and he grabs my hand and pulls me in for a clap on the back.

“Thanks, D.”

Noah slides up next to us. “Congrats, Matt.” He adds quietly, “Have you heard from Rick28?”

“Dude, it’s his wedding day,” Deacon says.

“Yeah, and his wife needs help.” Noah’s serious demeanor only lightens up for Hope. He calls himself a realist, but I think he’s a pessimist. Either way, he quickly grows on you. Hope is head over heels in love with him, and I’m loyal to the big, growly guy.

“True that,” Deacon lifts his chin toward me. “What can we do?”

“Rick28 said he’s finishing a job and will get back to us in the next couple of days,” I reply.

“I’ll look for a backup in case this guy falls through,” Noah offers.

“Good idea,” I agree. “I’ll do the same.”

“The more important thing today…” Deacon smirks. “It’s your wedding night. We’ll take Simon tonight, so you and Pepper can have time alone.”

“Seriously?” Pepper and I have fooled around a few more times, but it’s always while Simon is napping or sleeping at night. We’ve never gotten to be together without me knowing Simon is close by and may wake up at any moment.

“We’ll pack everything he needs. I’ve gotten plenty of experience from helping raise Indy,” Deacon assures me.

“I’ve never spent the whole night away from him.” Well, since I got him a couple of weeks ago, but it already feels like I’ve had him forever. My life is irrevocably bonded to his.

I look over to the group of girls. Time alone with Pepper would be a dream. My friendship with Hope has been strong ever since we were kids, and I trust her implicitly.

“We’ll guard him with our lives. Deacon and Shy’s room joins ours with a door. He’ll have four personal bodyguards,” Noah adds.

“Yeah. You need to practice for when you knock up Hope,” Deacon smiles and playfully hits Noah in the chest.

Noah’s face pales momentarily.

“You’ll rock at dad life, man,” Deacon shakes Noah’s shoulder.

“Hope so,” Noah replies.

“Point me toward the room where you keep Simon’s stuff,” Deacon instructs.

“I’ll help you.”

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