Page 133 of Love Without Demands

I accepted the position as Chief, along with an absolutely ridiculous salary that I had no idea what to do with. I’d thought my pay from being Auburn’s driver and personal security guard was exorbitant, but the money I was making now as an “executive” member of the staff was mind-boggling.

Once my hot-headed brother accepted that I was just as stubborn as he was and calmed down, he hooked me up with his financial advisor and also some worthy charities he thought I might like to help manage my newfound wealth.

“When are your mom and Eli moving here?” Monty asked, changing the subject.

“Next month. Mama is wrapping up things with the security business and handing over the reins to Phil. He was Papa’s right-hand man for years, so he’s the right choice. They’re planning a buyout plan, so the lawyers are hammering that out.”

Kassie smiled sympathetically. “Is it hard seeing your father’s business change hands?”

I rubbed at my forehead. “It is, but I can’t expect Mama to run it forever. She’s worked her ass off for years, and I’m glad she’s finally taking time for herself. The important thing is that she and Eli are moving to New York, so we’ll all be together.”

“I know she wants to be close to you and Quinnie, but I think a certain blue-eyed silver fox may have had a little bit to do with her decision to move here,” Kass said, her brown eyes sparkling.

It was hard to contain my smile. Paul Bouvier and Stella Estrada were officially dating. He flew down to Texas to see her every weekend, and I hadn’t seen my mother smile so much since before Papa died. Any weirdness at seeing her with another man—albeit my biological father—went up in a cloud of smoke each time I witnessed them together. They were like moony-eyed teenagers, and to be honest, it was pretty fucking beautiful. I was happy that they were happy.

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something, Mont. Mama told me that Eli has been taking art and design classes at the local community college. We thought he was just wasting his life away with video games and shit, but apparently, he applied for a scholarship, got it, and has been studying in secret for the past year.”

Monty nodded. “Dad told me. He said Eli showed him his sketches from his fashion design class, and he was impressed. Said the kid’s got some talent. I’ll check them out when he getshere and take him under my wing. If he’s as good as Dad says, we can find him a job atBouvierwhenever he gets his degree.”

“Thanks, man. I was hoping you’d say that.”

“No prob. Any brother of my brother is a brother of mine. Or something like that.” We shared a laugh before he turned his attention to his wife. “Need to sit for a few minutes, baby?”

“Can we? Carrying your daughter is hard work. How about over there in the shade of that tree? It’s hot as Hades out here.”

“Sounds good.”

“Are you guys more excited to meet Snoopy or Garfield?” Kassie asked as Monty held her hands while she sat on a colorful wooden bench. We were meeting the stars of our favorite Instagram page today, as well as their owner.

“Garfield,” Monty answered instantly. He sat on one side of his wife while I took the other. “He seems like such a chill dog.”

“Same,” I agreed. “I’m thinking of getting Lehra a puppy. She had dogs growing up in Missouri, and I think she misses having a pet.”

“You should,” Kass agreed. “I’m looking forward to meeting Snoopy the cat. She reminds me of my husband, grumpy and cute.”

Monty rolled his eyes and grumbled, “I’ll give you grumpy when we get home tonight.”

“How about you get me a bottle of water for now,” she suggested, batting her eyelashes at him.

Of course, he hopped off the bench like his pants were on fire. “There’s a cart right over there. You stay here with Cruz.” Then he kissed her lips, followed by a sweet kiss to her protruding belly over her pink maternity shirt.

“He’s such a sucker for you,” I commented with a huge grin on my face.

“I know,” she said without shame, her eyes following her husband’s huge frame across the grass. “But you have no roomto talk. Lehra could crook her finger, and you’d come running. And I guarantee you’ll be ten times worse once you knock her up.”

“No lies detected,” I confirmed. I’d seriously burn down the world for my woman. “How is Sully handling the situation of being a big brother?”

“Oh, he’s so excited. We know that can change as soon as this little one is born because babies need so much time and attention. Monty has ordered twelve books on helping kids cope with a new baby in the house.” She laughed. “He’s studying those books like a college student during finals week.”

“That’s pretty damn awesome. I mean, completely over the top, but I love how he treats Sully as his own.”

She bit her bottom lip, eyes still trained on her husband. “Sully and I hit the jackpot for sure. I tried to be both mother and father for years, but Monty stepped in like it was second nature to him. He takes Sul to ball games, teaches him how to be a little man, everything a boy needs from a daddy. I seriously can’t touch a door handle anymore or my son berates me because Monty taught him that he should always open doors for ladies.”

“You did a wonderful job with Sully, Kass. He’s a great kid, so don’t sell yourself short. But I know what you mean. My papa stepped up and raised me like his own as well. I never even suspected that he wasn’t my biological father.”

“You were lucky to have him, and you’re lucky to have Paul as well.” Her eyes flashed to the side and widened. “Oh, look! There’re Snoopy and Garfield.” Kass pushed to her feet and shimmied her shoulders with excitement.

I stood too and shielded my eyes with one hand, training my gaze in the direction she was pointing to find the fluffy blond lab on a leash being held by a woman with a dark pixie haircut. A black-and-white cat was being pushed in a baby stroller by aman with raven hair. They were just beyond where Monty was standing in a long line for refreshments.

---