Page 50 of Don't Leave Me

Chapter 22

Pecker

“I'm so nervous,” I murmur as we walk up the walkway to Sophia’s childhood home. Colt and Zoey got home late last night and we left early this morning to come to Mulberry Lane.

“Why? They’re going to love you.”

“Unless Colt told them about what he heard a few nights ago after I ran into your room with you over my shoulder.” I sigh. “I didn’t expect you to be so vocal.”

“Are you mad though?” She grins up at me.

“Not at all.”

“Do you regret it?” There’s a slight vulnerability in her voice and it breaks my heart. I don’t want her thinking I regret anything we’ve done.

“Hey,” I tug her to a stop right before we get to the front porch. “I don’t regret a single thing we’ve done and I never will. You’re it for me, Soph.”

“Are you going to keep staring at my daughter or let her come give her daddy a hug?” A gruff voice comes from the porch, making me tense.

I glance up to find Wes standing there with his arms crossed over his chest. He’s glaring at us, but I spot a smile tugging on the corner of his lips.

“Daddy!” Sophia squeals and takes off at a run. She leaps into his arms and laughs when he spins her in a circle.

“How’s my little princess?”

“I'm really good. I missed you though.” She squeezes him even tighter. “Daddy, this is Pecker. Peck, this is my dad, Wes.”

“It’s nice to meet you, sir.” I shake his hand, surprised he doesn’t squeeze mine hard to let me know he could beat the crap out of me. Though with how muscular he is, I'm sure he doesn’t feel threatened in the slightest.

“It’s nice to meet you too. How long are you keeping my daughter in that town with you?”

“As long as she’ll let me.” I smile.

“Well, your house is almost finished, Soph.” He nods to one of the homes that’s being built across the street.

“Your house?” My brows raise as I glance between Sophia and the gorgeous home.

“I thought it was Jax’s house?” She frowns.

“Jax and Cody said they want you to get one first. They’re happy in Wyatt’s old house and don’t mind waiting a little longer. I'm not sure they’re ready to live separately from each other.”

My stomach sinks when I see how excited Sophia is. I knew she’d never stay away from Mulberry Lane permanently, but I'm not sure I could move yet. Hell, she hasn’t even officially asked me to move here. Maybe she won't want me. Maybe I was more of a vacation fling.

“Did you get the chandelier I wanted?”

“Of course. Anything for my little girl. Let’s get inside before they send out a search party.” Wes motions for her to go in ahead of him.

“Who all is here?” Sophia asks. When glances over her shoulder at me, her brows draw together.

“Just our family and Blake’s. You know he wasn’t going to miss the chance to meet Pecker.” Wes rolls his eyes.

“Can you give us a second alone? We’ll follow in a few minutes.” Her gaze is locked on me and she looks a little nervous.

“Yeah, take as long as you need.” Wes’ eyes soften as he watches us carefully. He almost looks upset, but I don’t know why.

As soon as the front door shuts behind him, Sophia motions for me to come closer. With her standing on the bottom step of the porch, she’s almost eye level with me.

“I picked out everything for my house before I came to Maple Springs. I didn’t think he’d be working on my house for at least a year. Jax and Cody were supposed to get houses first, but I think everything with Zoey made them nervous and they decided I needed it first. I wasn’t trying to keep it from you, Peck. I don’t keep things from you, I just didn’t think about it because I thought it was still a while off.”

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