Page 127 of Reclaimed

“I can’t believe you did it,” Juniper says cryptically.

I scrunch my nose. “Did what?”

“Snagged yourself a Powell brother.”

At her words, I recall an old conversation. It was after my move from the area three years ago. The two of us were catching up on a video chat, and I lamented about how lucky she was to find Lee. As a joke, I threw out there that I should come back and scope out one of the other brothers.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought three years later, I’d be doing exactly that.

The thought was nowhere near my consciousness on my return trip, but fate apparently had other ideas and turned that years-old manifestation into my new reality.

Do I ever thank my lucky stars for whatever force is at work that brought Aiden Powell into my life.

Juniper turns into Aiden’s snow-covered driveway a moment later. True to his word, Aiden waits in the open garage door. Remy prances around the snow, biting the falling flakes in his big mouth. The white ones disappear in his salt-and-pepper fur. Lee and Jack stand outside beside their brother nursing beers. If I’m not mistaken through the snowy scene, Lee’s features soften with relief as we park.

“How was shopping?” Aiden engulfs me in his arms, relieving me of the four large paper bags before kissing me sweetly on the mouth.

I melt into his arms. “Hopefully these new pants last the next two-and-a-half months. I don’t have any more room to grow.”

“He’s the size of a large cabbage. I’d say he’s going to get a little bit bigger than that.”

“That’s it?” I span my hands over my stomach. “I feel like he has to be the size of a watermelon, at least.”

“Not yet, starshine.” Aiden’s eyes crinkle in the corners. Over my head to Juniper he says, “Thanks for taking her.”

“Anytime,” she sing-songs as she burrows beneath Lee’s arm.

“Should we get going?” Lee brushes a melting snowflake off Juniper’s cheek. The two share a look. Interpreting would feel like an intrusion.

“I’m ready,” Juniper replies.

“I should get out of here too. Hunter’s watching the motel so I can get home to the family. Soren’s been giving Whitney a hard time.” Jack drains his beer and tosses the bottle into the recycling bin.

“Is everything okay?” I ask.

“Just a growth spurt. But he’s eating so much he’s nearly constantly attached and refuses to take a bottle.”

I’m pretty sure my nipples invert themselves at the mental image and sympathy pain. “I’m sure she’ll appreciate having you back home during this storm.”

Something nostalgic passes over Jack’s face. “She definitely will. See you two later. Good luck, Aiden.”

“Why do you need good luck?”

Aiden scowls at his chuckling brother. “Come on. Let’s get out of the cold.”

My heart pumps harder as we make our way inside. The whirr of the garage door shutting behind us only heightens my excitement for what’s to come. It suddenly feels like a giant missed clue that Juniper took me shopping, and that the second we’re home, everyone cleared out.

“Tell me what’s going on.” I pitch my voice and rock on the balls of my feet.

Aiden deposits my bags near the mouth of the hall.

“I have a surprise for you.”

“Is this like the pole room? Because that’s a surprise I wouldn’t mind repeating again.” And what came after. I definitely wouldn’t mind a repeat performance of that night.

Aiden’s eyes heat. “It’s a little different, but I hope you’ll like it just as much.”

“Then I’m all yours, lover. Show me what you’ve got.”

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