Page 65 of Coming Up Aces

“Good. I’m glad that’s settled. Once they get back and I know they aren’t using your house in New Boca, I want to take Rayna there for some downtime.”

“What about her job?”

“She’s resigning. I can’t say I’m unhappy with her decision, especially after last night.”

“I’m sure, and I agree. It’ll give the two of you time to get to know one another when you aren’t off searching for Ministry assholes.”

Ace chuckled. “All the assholes are now accounted for on this side of the country. Unless Sutton gets involved on the West Coast, I’m out of a job. I’m calling it early retirement. Both Ray and I have plenty of money, and we’ve talked about starting a family. Whether biological or adoption, I think we’ll focus on us for a bit, then give you and Regina grandkids.”

Something crashed in the kitchen, then Regina let out a whoop.

Chapter Twenty-One

Ace

The following weekwas both a flurry of excitement and chilling at home. Once Regina got over the fact that Ace and Rayna had already spoken about children, the two couples enjoyed a nice lunch on the patio where they talked about Glory and how talented she was, Ace and Rayna’s plans for the future, and Regina showed them photos of the houses she and Con were looking at. Ace was ecstatic they were moving closer. When he and Rayna had children, he wanted them to have grandparents, and the Davidsons were the perfect couple to dote on kids.

Even though Ace felt well enough to cook, Regina threw together a few meals they could freeze, then pop in the oven when they wanted them. She and Conrad left them alone to get started on giving her some grandkids – her words. Ace didn’t share that it wouldn’t happen as soon as Regina wanted, but he also didn’t say it wouldn’t.

Sutton called Ace, asking if he and Rayna would consider moving and continuing their work taking down The Ministry, helping some Hounds who had taken over the task on the West Coast. Ace told his boss that he and Ray were looking forward to some down time and starting a family. Rayna typed up her letter of resignation and sent it to the director. He didn’t respond with a counteroffer. He merely replied with his acceptance. Then again, he had his hands full with two agents who had confessed to all sorts of crimes. Grissom’s were the worst includingextortion, guns, and drugs, all of which went back several years. Perkins would go on trial for the murder of his fellow agent, Hanson. Sartain had done nothing wrong other than lie to Rayna about Seth being held at Ray Brook, but he’d done so on the orders of his boss. When that fact came out during Seth’s interrogation, Tamian took the agent aside, voiced him to forget about everything that happened that morning, and convinced him that Seth had never been at his facility.

Lachlan found David Spencer, who moved to France, changing his name and purchasing a defunct vineyard. He left his wife, Marion, behind at Haven. When Lucy asked Rhiannon if she wanted the Hounds to seek David out and voice him to forget about her and Daisy, Rhi said no. She no longer cared what happened to her father, but after listening to his message to Rayna, Rhi figured he’d lost enough when Rhi’s mom died.

Ace accompanied Rayna to get seeds, and since his ribs were no longer aching, they planted their garden together. He and Rayna had progressed from chaste kisses to making out, and the one time Ace had gotten fully erect, Rayna gave him his first blowjob instead of expecting penetrative sex. That was the moment he fell in love with her. He thought he would pass out from how explosive his orgasm had been. He returned the favor by licking her clit while fingering her. Ace had watched plenty of porn over the years, and he knew how to please a partner without going all the way, so when his mate came apart from his efforts, he rode the high all night.Soon, he thought as he held his mate while she slept.

They met up with some of the Hounds for a group ride, and Rayna got to know the other mates. Ryker had the barbeque he’d mentioned, and Rayna got to meet Mac, Elijah, and Nikita. The twins kept everyone entertained with their cuteness, and Ace got to hold Daisy. Knowing he had a mate who could give him children settled something in Ace, and he no longer felt such adeep longing being around the baby girl. Rayna came back from the bathroom, and when she saw him with Daisy in his arms, her eyes lit up. Then she strolled over, bent down, and whispered, “You’re going to make the best papa.” His father had been a stellar role model, and if Ace modeled himself after the male, gave his child or children all his love, he thought he would be. Maybe not the best, but as close as he could get. He understood being different, so he would help his kids navigate the world while offering unconditional support. And he would do so with Rayna by his side.

The night after the barbeque, Rayna was lounging on the patio, and Ace had gone inside to whip up another batch of margaritas when his phone rang. As expected, Ripley was pissed when he found out what Ace had been through and hadn’t told him. He and Glory were still in Florida when Rip called Ace to check in.

“You are on my shit list,” Rip said after Ace answered.

“Rip—”

“Fucking hell, Ace. You’re my best friend. My brother. Didn’t you think I’d want to be there for you?”

“I knew you would, and that’s why I didn’t say anything. You had your hands full with Glory and her family.”

“I could have at least offered moral support over the fucking phone. Zeus.”

“I’m…” Ace blew out a breath. “How is Glory?”

“She’s great. The sisters and Scott are settling in. I bought Hope and Scott a car, and we’re looking at houses for them since Leona’s place is too small for everyone. Glory and I spent a few days at my parents’ place. We’re headed back to her grandmother’s to take care of a few things and then we’ll be home.”

“Good. Rayna’s looking forward to seeing Glory again.”

“You mean Melinda?” Ripley chuckled. “I told Glory the whole story, and she was both shocked yet excited. She really likes your female.”

“The feeling is mutual. Rayna only has one good friend that I’m aware of, and Vanessa is busy with work and her kids when they’re not visiting their grandparents. Rayna loved riding my Harley, so maybe we can take our mates out when you’re back.”

“I know Glory will want that.”

“Also, we’re both looking forward to hearing Glory play piano. Con couldn’t stop talking about how talented she is.”

“So fucking talented, Ace. Like, imagine Rhiannon singing Daisy a lullaby and multiply it by a hundred. On top of her singing, Glory can listen to any song, then after a few times running through it on the keys, she can play it perfectly. You’ll see when we get back.”

“I can’t wait. I miss your ugly mug.”

“I miss you too, Brother. So, uh, how is it with you being demi? Are you attracted to Rayna that way? Sorry if that’s too intrusive.”

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