Page 37 of Paradox
“Do you like it?” he repeats.
“I love it. Thank you.” I know better than to argue.
“You’re welcome, baby doll.” He kisses my forehead. “It’s supposed to be a surprise, but just so you know, everyone’s waiting at the clubhouse.”
“I figured. Emily came by and told me she made a cake.”
“E’s got some news, too.” I know he’s trying to get my mind off the past, and I love him even more for it.
“What? Did he finally propose?”
Gage chuckles, his chest vibrating under my cheek.
“You two can make fun of me all you want because she said yes,” Dr. E says from the front seat.
“Good for you, Dr. E. Gotta snatch up these Hunter siblings before someone else does. Glad I locked mine down.”
“Hear that, E? Premium real estate over here, baby!”
Dr. E ignores Gage, addressing me instead. “I know, Raven. Trust me. The wedding is happening ASAP.”
“Now you guys get to be brothers for real.” I smile up at Gage.
He squeezes my shoulder, lowering his voice. “We always were, doll.”
We pull into the compound and several of the men rush to help out. Chopper is the first to open my door.
“Hey, lil darlin’! How you feelin’?”
“Good, Dad. Glad to be home.”
“Come on. Let’s get you inside.”
He helps me out, then reaches for Chaos and his carrier. Gage gets Hailey but hands her to Dr. E so he can assist me.
I was expecting everyone to be here, but not the full-on celebration we walk into. The bar has been transformed, balloons and streamers everywhere. There’s an “It’s a boy” sign hanging on one wall, an “It’s a girl” on another. A giant cake sits in the middle of the pool table, gifts scattered on the floor around it. My heart constricts at the sight. No, this trip from the hospital is nothing like the first.
I smile through all the “congratulations” and “welcome homes,” accepting hugs and cheek kisses. Someone shoves a beer in Gage’s hand. The twins are whisked off. I search the crowd to keep track of them, only to see a hard and solemn face I didn’t expect—Krueger. I turn to Gage and he shakes his head, his way of saying he’ll fill me in later.
He grabs a chair, setting me up by the cake. Emily really outdid herself on this one. There are two tiers, the bottom in blue, the top in pink. “Welcome babies” is written on the sides in a beautiful script font, topped by a white bassinet where two babies are sleeping face down.
My mother comes over and kisses my cheek before disappearing into the crowd again. Millie and Aunt Nita do the same.
“Need anything, babe?” Gage places a hand on my shoulder.
“A slice of this cake if you find me a knife.”
He chuckles, tapping on his beer bottle with his ring to gain everyone’s attention. The room quiets down, all eyes focusing on us.
“Thank you all for being here with us today to celebrate our babies coming home. Things were really tense for a bit there, but I’m happy to say they’re both strong and healthy, and so is their mother.”
One of the babies squeals, as if on cue, and the room explodes into cheers. Gage’s lips curve up in a proud smile, and he continues, “Seriously, though, Raven and I are grateful that we have people like you in our lives. Thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown us. It means a lot.”
“Aw, Prez, you know we got you,” Razor says from somewhere behind me.
Words of agreement echo around the room. Gage motions Dr. E forward, throwing an arm around his shoulder.
“That’s enough from me. I think my VP has something he’d like to say.”
