Page 79 of My Knotty Mountain Men

I smile, unable to help the blush. “Congratulations! First a baby, now a mate mark. Girl, I’m jealous.”

“Thanks,” I laugh. “I’m pretty happy about it.”

“I’d hope so,” she responds playfully. “You couldn’t have picked a better pack.”

“I agree.” I smile up at Nolan before planting a kiss on his cheek.

“You know, you wouldn’t be jealous if you gave those boys a chance,” Nolan says, raising a brow.

Macy shoots her cousin a glare. “You. Shut it.”

He raises his hands in surrender before turning to me. “I’m going to let you two ladies chat while I head back to the office to do some work.” Nolan takes my chin between his fingers. “Are you going to be okay?”

“Yes,” I laugh. “I’m a big girl. I’ve gone this long on my own; I can handle myself.”

“I know that.” He nips playfully at my lips. “But that doesn’t mean you have to. Not anymore.”

My heart clenches at his words and he kisses me softly. “I love you,” he whispers against my lips.

“I love you too.”

“Ugh, you two are so cute it’s disgusting,” Macy mocks, making a gagging sound.

“Brat,” Nolan laughs, making sure to mess up her hair as he passes by.

“Asshole!” she shouts.

“Love you too, little cuz!” he sing-songs.

I’m grinning ear to ear at their interaction.

“I love him, but sometimes I want to strangle him. He’s like the older brother I never wanted.”

“I wouldn’t know,” I say with a content smile. “I’m an only child.”

“I’m partly envious of you,” She sighs. “Okay, that's mean. I love my brothers. They’re my world. But, fuck me, it’s hard to raise two hormonal boys.” She looks down at my belly and grins. “Maybe you’re going to find out how that feels for yourself soon.”

I bite my lip, smiling as I place a hand over my belly. “Nolan thinks it’s a girl.”

“I bet he does,” she laughs. “Just thinking of those men with a little girl. Heart, explode. I’ve seen Aiden with Aubry. It’s downright adorable.”

Aubry is Aiden’s niece, his sister Tessa’s daughter. His sister has been calling his phone nonstop, demanding to meet me. But he’s been brushing her off because he doesn't want to overwhelm me. He thinks that too much, too fast, is going to scare me away.

I think the mate mark on my neck is proof enough that I’m not going anywhere.

“Speaking of family, do you have a moment?”

“For sure.” She nods, and we move over to an empty table.

“So, Nolan’s birthday is this Saturday, as I’m sure you know.”

“Yup.” She nods.

“I’m new, and I don’t know... well, anyone but you.” I laugh. “So I was hoping you could help me put on a surprise party for him.”

Her brows jump. “Ah, babe. I don't think that's a good idea. Nolan doesn’t really like celebrating his birthday.”

I chew on my lower lip, wondering how much I should tell her. Nolan told me how he felt in confidence, but this is his cousin. He trusts her. So I can, too.

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