Page 68 of Don't Leave Me

Pecker

“So, how’s everything going?” Wes grabs a mug off the counter and pours himself a cup of coffee.

I'm already dressed in my uniform and I have around half an hour before I need to leave. I didn’t expect anyone else to be up yet.

Jax and Cody are going home early tomorrow morning. It was nice to spend some time with them. I wish I didn’t need to work so I could spend the rest of the day with them.

I really love Sophia’s entire family, but Jax, Cody, and I click like we’re best friends. I'm sure when I move to Mulberry Lane, we will be good friends.

And Wyatt’s my brother. He’s slid into that role so naturally, it’s almost strange.

I'm working half a shift today and Colt is covering the other half. Sydney and the kids are coming over this afternoon and meet the Robinsons and Eversons. It will be the first time she gets to meet Wyatt in person and the first time she’ll get to meet Sophia’s family.

I'm praying it all goes well and everyone gets along. Our future will be so much easier if things are calm and happy tonight.

“Everything is good. I wish I didn’t have to work today, but Colt couldn’t work the entire shift for me and Jared worked overnight.”

“Where’s your head?” He asks, keeping his gaze on me.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, when you left Mulberry Lane, you seemed determined to make things work with Sophia long term. What’s the plan with that?”

“I need to talk to Sydney.” I let out a long sigh and run my fingers through my hair. “I’m hoping she’ll be ok on her own soon, but I'm torn. How do I leave her and the kids after Rob left them? I don’t want Danny to think I'm walking away from him, but how do I make him understand that’s not what I'm doing?”

“You don’t walk away.” Wes lifts his coffee to his lips and takes a long swig.

“What? No matter what happens, I have to walk away from someone. I thought you liked me and wanted me to stay with Sophia, but now you’re telling me not to walk away from Danny. I can't live in two places at once.”

“I like you a whole hell of a lot, Peck. And I definitely want you to continue dating Sophia. Honestly, I want you to propose to her, but that’s a different conversation.” He waves his hand through the air like he’s erasing the comment.

“Then what are you saying?” I ask slowly.

I'm not addressing the proposal. I want to marry Sophia, but I need to make sure I can give her everything she wants before I drop down to one knee.

“You don’t need to live here to be in Danny’s life. You can live elsewhere without walking away.”

“How? I feel like I'm screwed no matter what I do!” I cover my face in my hands and growl.

“C’mon, Peck, calm down and listen to me.” Wes leaves his mug on the counter and places his hand on my shoulder. “You can still be there for all of them. You can call and video chat with them. You can visit or bring them to Mulberry Lane. What Danny needs more than anything is for someone to listen to him when he wants to talk. You can do that from anywhere.”

“That’s true,” I say softly.

“What it really comes down to is does Sydney still need your help with babysitting? And are you ready to make this move and leave your life to start over somewhere else? Do you want to take your relationship with Sophia to the next level?”

“I’ve never wanted anything more, Sir. I just need to talk to Sydney about babysitting. When will Sophia’s house be finished?”

“It’s been done for two weeks, Peck. I just haven’t told her yet and she hasn’t asked for a single update. I think it’s better for everyone if she doesn’t know until you know what you’re doing.”

“Holy crap! You really are Wyatt Everson!” Danny practically squeals when he walks in the front door and spots Wyatt sitting on the couch.

“Danny! Watch your volume level! There’s a baby sleeping!” Sydney hisses as she covers his mouth with her hand.

“Guys, this is Sydney, my sister… and Wyatt’s. And these are her kids, Danny and Bree. This is Sophia’s family. Addi and Wes are her parents. Charlie is the beautiful mama holding our adorable niece, Carter. Jax and Cody are her brothers. And this…” I place my hand on Wyatt’s back. “Is our brother Wyatt and your Uncle Wyatt.” I glance at Danny and Bree.

There’s chaos in the room as five different conversations break out at once. It’s crazy and yet I wouldn’t change it for anything. I have a feeling any family gatherings will always be chaotic, but I’ll love every second of them.

“Hi! I'm Bree.” My innocent little niece plops down on the couch between Cody and Jax. She’s all smiles as she stares up at them with hearts practically popping out of her eyes.

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