Page 95 of War

“She always looks beautiful, Jos.” With a wink at me, he turns and strides to where his jacket is hanging on the back of the bathroom door.

As I watch him go, zeroing in on his butt, I have to remind myself to breathe.

“The car’s here,” Maria calls from downstairs.

Tyler leads our little girl out of the room. “Come on, fighter. Let’s let Ava finish up.”

Promising that I’ll be ready in five minutes, I take out my phone, snap a picture of my gold dress and matching shoes, and text it to my sister.

Me: No Cinderella tonight. I’m keeping the shoes and the man!

When I hit the bottom step, my husband practically growls. “Fuck, Mrs. Warren. You look damn pretty tonight.”

I roll my eyes, even as my heart stutters at the heat in his tone.

“Language,” Brayden chides.

Grabbing my waist, Tyler pulls me into his chest and nuzzles my neck.

“Come on,” Maria says, carrying Scarlett on her hip. “Let’s get a picture of the two of you.”

“Oh, that’s okay.” I shake my head and take a step away from Tyler, only to be pulled back into him and tucked under his arm.

“I want a picture with my wife,” he says quietly, making it clear his words are just for me.

Butterflies flap like crazy in my chest. “Okay, fine. But let’s get one with the kids too.”

“Sure, but first—” He turns me to face him. “Your outfit is missing something.”

It is?Frowning, I glance down at my arms, which are bare for the first time in as long as I can remember. I’m trying to be okay with it. I’m embracing who I am. The scars are faint and unlikely to be noticedunless someone is really looking, but this is still more skin than I’ve shown in years. With only a few words, Tyler has made me feel like it’s okay to entrust others with my truth. I don’t want to hide anymore.

He pulls his hand from his pocket, and there, between his thumb and forefinger, is the most beautiful infinity band. It’s gold, like my engagement ring, and covered in diamonds. With the arch of one brow, he silently tells me what he wants.

I obey, holding up my left hand. First he slides off the engagement ring, then he slips the infinity band on, followed by the emerald.

“So everyone knows you’remy wife.”

The words send a shiver through me. I’ve never wanted to be anything more.

Maria snaps a picture of us, then we hold out our arms for the kids to join. Scarlett is the first to dash in our direction, with Josie quickly following behind. But Brayden stands to the side, hands stuffed in his pockets and hair falling over his forehead.

“What are you doing?” Tyler lifts his chin and hits the kid with his piercing gaze.

He merely nods. “Just take the picture.”

“We said family picture,” I remind him. “Last time I checked, you’re family.”

He tilts his head, squinting, like he’s trying to come up with a smart-ass retort. He tries so hard to act cool, unbothered, but he idolizes Tyler. If I weren’t here, would he have joined the picture without hesitating like this? Tyler told me once how much he wants Brayden to feel like he matters to me. And the kid really does. So I have to do better.

“Pretty please?” I push out my lower lip and give him puppy dog eyes.

It takes a few seconds, but finally, he breaks. With a roll of his eyes, he stomps over. “Fine. I’ll take a picture with you. No need to cry over it.”

When we’re done, I ask Maria to text the pictures to me. “I’m getting that one framed and putting it on the mantel,” I tell Brayden with a wink. “Proof that you’re not too cool to hang out with your family.”

He nods and pivots away, though not before I catch him smiling. “Have fun, you two.” He lifts a hand. “Don’t stay out too late. Wouldn’t want Daddy War to fall asleep at the ball.”

I snort. “Daddy War.”

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