Page 50 of His Wild Storm
Today is a big deal. She’s meeting the people I consider family. And, if she’ll let them, they’ll become her family as well. Not only is she putting a lot of trust in me, but she’s putting a lot in herself.
That she can judge someone’s character, even with her past. That she can forge relationships after the trauma she endured. That she can exist within a family who values her and then thrive.
“Yeah,” her voice breaks, “I’m ready.”
“Let’s get going then,” my voice is bright. “Tenley told me that Wyatt will be wearing Kessler for the first time for this outing and I don’t want to miss it. Kess is going to look so tiny strapped to his chest.”
Haven’s eyes soften and she looks at my chest for a moment like she can see a baby strapped to me. If she only knew how many times I’ve dreamed of the same thing. I’d happily put a carrier on and wear my little one. Sounds like a damn good time to me.
I help Wilde with his jacket while Haven pulls one on as well and then I’m hustling them both out to my truck, hoping my woman doesn’t think I’ve overstepped. Even though she never mentioned a booster seat to me, Tenley pointed out that he will probably need one.
Right before we get to the truck, Haven stops and shoots me a sheepish look. “I need to grab his booster from my car. I’m sorry, I almost forgot.”
Fuck, I want to kiss her. Again.
I reach over and grab her hand, giving it a squeeze. “Don’t worry, I got him covered.”
She blinks at me a few times before nodding with a look of disbelief and uncertainty on her face. That look disappears when I open the backdoor to my truck and reveal a booster already in place for him. The little gasp that comes out of her would be comical if she weren’t looking at me like I hung the moon.
I haven’t, but I’ll take that look. All day, every day. It makes me feel like I’m the fucking king of everything and I rule my domain fairly. It’s a damn good feeling.
Once I help Wilde into the truck, he’s more than happy to get himself buckled in. The look of pride on his face when the buckle clicks into place melts my heart.
I love this kid. So damn much. My hope is I’ll be able to tell him just how much soon. But I’m more than willing to wait as well.
I close the door, careful not to slam it too hard, and turn toward Haven. Her beautiful blue eyes are glassy with unshed tears. Her voice cracks as she asks, “You got him a booster seat?”
“I did,” I admit, “although it was Tenley who thought of it and told me he probably needs one.”
“But then you bought it,” she repeats, not seeming to care that I wasn’t the one who thought of it first.
“Of course.”
Before I can say anything else, she closes the distance between us, grips the sides of my unzipped jacket and tugs me down toward her. When I’m close enough, she slams her mouth against mine. It’s the first time she’s initiated kissing me and, fuck, I fall even deeper for my woman.
If my toes curl inside my boots, I’ll never tell.
I can feel her gratitude on her lips and when I grip her hips to hold her steady, she melts into me. The kiss doesn’t last nearly long enough, but I still feel it reverberate through me with its meaning.
“Thank you, Knox,” she murmurs, her mouth still touching mine.
When I stand up, she lets me go and my lips spread into a huge smile. “I’ll keep showing up and putting the two of you first,” my words are a vow.
Instead of looking away from me, she holds my gaze. I can almost see my words sinking into her soul and settling in. Thefact that she doesn’t shy away from me and my promises is a huge step forward.
Maybe by the time this day is over, she’ll be open to the idea I had to get her out of Safe Home. Time will tell.
CHAPTER 16
HAVEN
I see the group of people we must be meeting the moment we step inside the museum. They’re kind of hard to miss. Part of it is all the tattoos I can see peeking out of long-sleeved shirts and sweaters as they stuff coats into the bottom of a stroller. But it’s more than that. There is an ease about them, like their hearts are connected.
It’s what makes the strongest of families, that connection. Their hearts are open with each other, and their smiles are big and bright. I’m only a little bit jealous of the love between them. It’s so clear to see and something I’ve been missing for a long time.
And, right there in front, just like Knox said he would be, is a middle-aged man with a beanie on his head and a baby strapped to his chest. His large hand is running up and down the baby’s back as he sways from side to side in a way. I doubt he’s even aware he’s doing it which makes it sweeter.
I know it’s Wyatt without anyone telling me.
