Page 38 of Coming Up Aces

Once the door closed, Rayna resumed brushing her fingers through Ace’s hair. “When I researched the Lazlos, I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that Sutton was old enough to bea father to Ryker and the others. Now that I know he’s a shifter, it makes sense.”

“He’s actually a great-grandfather. He and Rory have three sets of twin daughters down in Texas who are in their eighties. Rory was satisfied with all girls, but Sutton wanted a boy. He got five of them.”

Rayna sighed wistfully. “I can’t imagine having such a large family. I always wanted a sibling. Don’t get me wrong; I love my grandmother, and she made my life fun, but it wasn’t the same as having someone my age to play with.”

“You’ll have that with the Hounds. We might not all be related by blood, but we are a family. With Ripley and Glory, you’ll get Regina and Conrad, so be ready to be adopted by them. You’ve met Kerrigan, and the other Lazlo mates are friendly as well. Rhiannon is probably the sweetest human I’ve ever met. And little Daisy is just precious.” Ace wanted to know how Rayna felt about having kids, but he was afraid to ask. Then again, if they were going to be mates, it was important he knew where she stood. “I love kids. I bought the house I’m in hoping to fill it with a family one day. And since I didn’t think I’d find a mate, I started looking into adoption.”

“Really? Asher, that’s wonderful. You’ll make an amazing father.”

“I appreciate you saying that, but if we’re going to be mates, how do you feel about being a mother?”

Rayna pressed her hand to his cheek. “Hopefully, we’ll have children of our own someday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t adopt a child or children who need a home now. Asher, I’m all in. My Cheetah knows you’re our mate, but if we try this and you decide I’m not who you want, I’ll still be your friend. It won’t be easy, but I want you in my life however I can have you, and if that means being the cool aunt to your adopted kids, I’ll happily play the part.”

That was when Ace knew what his Gryphon had been telling him – Rayna Bellamy was theirs. Someone willing to put her own feelings aside for his? “Instead of being the cool aunt, how about being the cool mom? I can’t promise being with me will be easy in the beginning, but I’ll get there. I know that in my heart, Rayna.”

“And I know in my heart being with you will be the easiest thing I’ve ever done in my life. We’re meant for one another. Maybe my goddess knew you’d be at Haven, and she had a hand in my going undercover even though it didn’t make sense at the time. Whatever the reason, I’m now glad I was there. I say we take it a day at a time. We’ll get you home where you can recover. I’ll plant the garden, and… Can Regina cook? I don’t want you trying to feed us, and goddess knows we don’t want me in the kitchen. Maybe she can prepare some casseroles to freeze that I can pop in the oven. Surely, I won’t screw those up. If not, I could always ask Gran to come stay with us for a week or so.”

“If you want your grandmother with us, I’m good with that, but yes, Regina is an excellent cook. Conrad isn’t bad either. Besides, I shouldn’t be laid up too long. Once Rev says it’s okay, I’ll shift to help the healing process.”

“Then let’s ask Regina for help. Not that I don’t want Gran here, but if that were to happen, she’d stay with us, whereas Regina will just come by for a little while.”

It took Ace a few seconds to understand the implications of her grandmother staying with them. She would be there twenty-four seven, not giving them alone time. Not that they would be having sex anytime soon, but it would be easier to be intimate in other ways – snuggling in bed, cuddling on the sofa – if they weren’t entertaining the older woman.

“Regina it is.”

Rayna stretched out beside him on the bed, insisting he get some rest. It didn’t take long for him to fall asleep, secure inthe knowledge he had someone in his life who wouldn’t leave him because of his issues. When he woke, Ace was alone with only the beep of the monitor keeping him company. His chest and back ached something fierce, and he pulled the sheet down to look at the damage, but there was a bandage covering the exit wound. If the scar messed up his ink, he’d be pissed. No, he was already angry. David fucking Spencer. Not only had the male killed a guard but his own mother. Sure, it was an accident, but still, Ace couldn’t imagine how that would affect someone. Someone already unhinged. Was it because he’d lost Rhiannon? If so, that was his own fault. Ace couldn’t imagine having a child and allowing him or her to be used for profit.

Parents were supposed to protect their children. Love them unconditionally. They didn’t ask to be brought into a cruel world. Was Ace doing a disservice to any future kids he and Rayna had by doing the same thing? Adoption was taking those already in the world and setting them up with a family. Things were shitty, no doubt about that, but if no one had kids, civilization would cease to exist. At least if he and Rayna had children, they would be loved and sheltered. Taught how to make life better for those around them.

Rayna had that love with her grandmother since her mom had been selfish. Ace had it with his parents until they passed away. He did his best to honor their memories by being kind and protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves. Now he had love from Ripley’s parents, and he would continue to be the best Gryphon he could. He and Rayna would pass on that same love to children, whether adopted or biological.

His stomach rumbled from hunger. He had no idea what time it was since the room didn’t have windows. He reached out with his senses, listening to see who was close by. Rayna’s soft laughter was joined by Conrad’s deep voice. Ace smiled, glad his loved ones were close by and getting along. He wanted Rayna toknow a father’s love since she’d never had that. She and Glory were lucky to have Con in their lives. Ace’s own dad had been one in a million, and Conrad Davidson was equally as wonderful.

“He’s been asleep a while. I only got up because I had to pee,” Rayna said. His sweet female. Ace turned his eyes toward the door, waiting to see her face. It didn’t take long until she entered the room followed by Rip’s father.

“Oh, you’re awake,” she cooed, rushing to his side. “How’s your pain? You want me to get Rev in here?”

“What time is it?” he asked instead.

“Going on ten.”

Conrad stood with his arms crossed over his chest. “You didn’t answer the question, Son. How’s your pain?”

“On a scale of one to ten, about a seven. But I can handle it.”

“You can, but you don’t have to.” Conrad turned and left the room.

Ace squeezed Rayna’s hand. “Hi.”

“Hi, Gorgeous. Sorry I wasn’t here when you woke.”

Ace lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. “You need to look after yourself. I heard you say you only got up to pee. You need to eat.”

Rayna shrugged one shoulder. “I was comfy next to you.”

“Ace? Ready for some pain meds?” Rev asked.

“I’d rather have food. And Rayna needs to eat.”

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