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I toe off my boots and put myself down on the bed. It’s going to be a tight fit to hold the both of us, but she can lie directly on top of me if need be.

I pat my chest and Mel scrambles onto the bed. She grabs one of the blankets, pulling it over her, and buries her face in my shoulder.

The bond is helpful sometimes. It’s a great way to get a little insight into her thoughts and feelings, but she’s so chaotic at the moment that it’s not really helping me know what the problem is. I can guess just based on the circumstances of the day, but I’d also like to know specifics.

“I’m going to go check in with Nik’s lawyer,” Carver says, pushing himself off the couch.

Oliver grabs his phone, holding it up. “The two most recent calls are the important numbers.”

“Thanks.” He takes the phone, but catches my eyes, nodding at Mel.

I don’t even need the instruction. I’m already all over this.

“You smell stressed,” I murmur, focusing on breathing in deep hits of her scent. It doesn’t take long before the low rumble of a purr starts in my chest.

“I think it might have been a mistake coming here.” She wallows deeper, and all I want to do is wrap her up and keep her safe from anything and everything that causes her distress.

“It was something that had to be done. You can cross it off the list and get back home to start setting up the nursery.” I grimace. I don’t think Nik has mentioned that little tidbit yet.

“That does sound nice.”

“Have you given any thought to what you hope we’re having?” I slide a hand between us. Yeah, fine. I’m fucking addicted to the belly, but feeling it helps keep me calm.

I couldn’t go outside while the shit was going down because I was honest to God daydreaming about strangling that assholewith my bare hands. It definitely didn’t help when Oliver mentioned what he said.

“I’m just praying for a healthy baby.” She shrugs. “Either way.”

“Little fibber.” I chuckle. I can’t tell if she’s lying to herself or if she forgets the bond bubbles over, but she’s definitely hoping for a girl.

I am too.

Although, Nik and Carver have pointed out that it wouldn’t be bad to have a boy first. I’m in agreement on that, but I also have a plan to knock her up again as soon as possible, so if we don’t get a boy the first time, we’ve got another shot. They should be close enough in age that he can look out for his older sister, especially once they get into high school.

“Oh, you stop.” Melody laughs. “Okay, fine. Maybe I do have a small hope for dresses and tea parties, but I’d be happy either way.”

I grin, pulling her over until she’s fully on my chest. I need to be able to see her face.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you...” I clear my throat as my heart tries to pound right out of my damn chest. “I love you.”

Melody’s mouth falls as she blinks. I get nervous when fat tears spring from the sides of her eyes. “Really?”

“Yeah, I’m absolutely gone for you.” I brush my fingers over her cheeks, wiping away the tears.

“Good, because I love you, too,” she whispers, kissing me.

I smile against her lips.

“Dammit, I got caught up in Dante and Liz’s first kiss,” Oliver grumbles, climbing into the full-size bed at our side. There’s not really enough room for three people, and he ends up lying on my arm. “I want to get in on the declarations of love too. By the way, I haven’t felt this way before about anyone, but I feel confident saying this. I love you, Melody.”

Mel whimpers, climbing over onto him. I slide out from under the two of them as they kiss. I’d really like to slide inside her, but not here. That can wait for the hotel. I look at the boxes and sigh.

“I’m going to take these out and go for fresh boxes,” I say more to myself than to them.

“I love you, too, Oliver,” Mel says between frantic kisses.

I chuckle and grab a box before heading to check on Carver.

The cops are gone. I carry the box to the cargo area of the SUV and shove it inside. I’m pretty sure we’re just going to need to hire movers and have all her stuff shipped back. She can pick a box or two of important stuff and we can carry that on the flight with us, but I don’t think we can manage flying all her stuff back. Not even on a private plane.