Page 116 of Ashes of Saints

“We will be.” He growled, and I’d let it go. Arguing with a dominant alpha man was impossible, anyway.

In the end, days later, I sat on his knee and asked for something so big I wasn’t sure he could give it to me.

“I don’t need you to forgive your mom, but I want our children to be surrounded in family. I know you’ll protect them, but they need to know where they came from. I never did. I want that for my son or daughter.”

Parker didn’t reply immediately, and I respected that. But when he did, my heart soared.

“For you, for our children, I can do that.” His mouth pressed to mine and I could feel the goodness in his heart as he made the promise.

I trusted him.

I trusted this man and loved him more than I ever dreamed possible.

PARKER

WATCHING AURORA WITH my family—now her family—makes me so fucking happy. Seeing my ring on her finger makes me pound my chest with pride.

She’s going to be my wife.

In a few months, we’ll be parents.

Working with the authorities and learning the full extent of the crimes involved has been taxing. I’ve stepped back from the business to focus on Aurora, learning how to change diapers and recruiting the right people to find her parents.

I did.

I’m scared as hell to do this because if it's too much and hurts the baby, then I’ll regret it forever. However, Aurora has been deceived and lied to all her life. It’s not my decision to keep this from her.

Everyone is here this afternoon to support her, even though she doesn’t yet know. My family, Chloe, Travis, Maddox, Killian, and Zayne.

“The car just pulled up,” Michael says, and I slap him on the shoulder.

“Thanks, bro.”

I’ve been spending time with him. Not much, but enough that we’re getting to know one another. I told him everything. He’s sixteen and old enough to understand. As much as he can.

“Fuck. I hate him.” Michael erupted, feeling mad and powerless as teenagers do.

“Don’t.” I shook my head. “He was a good dad to you while alive, and I’m glad. It’s just taken me time to work through my pain.”

“How can you forgive him?” Michael gasped.

“I haven’t. I’ve accepted what happened and, without wanting to sound like some mental health Instagrammer, it’s made me who I am. It brought Aurora into my life, and I’ll never be unhappy about that.”

“Yeah, she is hot.” He smirked, and I punched his arm.

“She is.” I grinned back.

I glance around behind me and Grandma gives me a nod, standing close to Aurora. Maddox and Kyra are on the other side.

She might be angry that everyone knew before she did, but I know my girl will work out that every single person is here in this room to support her.

Her eyes lock with mine, and because she knows me well, her smile vanishes. “What’s wrong?”

Knock, knock.

“I love you.” I smile, knowing Michael is opening the door.

A man and a woman walk in and I shake their hands.

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