Page 79 of The Ruthless and the Strong

I could see Hunter waiting for his turn impatiently, and when I turned to him and signaled for him to come to me, he practically ran over, almost tripping on his feet in his haste. I grabbed onto his small shoulders to steady him, before letting go in time for him to wrap his arms around my leg. “Happy birthday, Maxie.”

“Thanks, buddy.”

I leaned down and picked him up, loving the way he wrapped his small arms around my neck, holding on tightly as he rested his head on my shoulders.

Lizzie walked over to us and I tried not to let show just how badly she affected me, just by being in the room. She shot me that shy smile of hers that just about drove me insane, before hesitantly placing her hands on my shoulders and leaning up.

She planted a swift kiss on my chin before pulling away again. I leaned down and whispered low. “That wasn’t the birthday kiss I am expecting, but I’m sure you’ll make it up to me later.”

She rolled her eyes and laughed, the sound like music to my ears.

This was what I wanted for my birthday. To listen to the sound of her laughter for the rest of my life.

* * *

I lookedaround the backyard at the people I considered my family.

Hunter and Emma were playing tag on the grass, and the women had all taken seats in the patio chairs nearby, some sort of red drink in their hands, laughing and teasing each other while the men manned the grill. Or at least, Mason did. Everyone else was standing around him, trying not to get in the way while we drank our beer.

I smiled when I heard Lizzie laughing at something Olivia said. I turned in time to see her throw her head back, the afternoon sunlight catching on her red hair, making her look like an angel.

I wasn’t the only one. When Olivia, Hayden, or Kiera laughed, one of the men would smile along with them.

I shook my head at the ridiculousness of this all, yet I couldn’t bring myself to hate this. I loved having Lizzie nearby. I loved holding her and touching her, and I especially loved the look she was giving me that right. Now, if only I could have held onto her without feeling like she would slip away from me at the first hint of trouble. Everything about us was still so new. It felt like with just the right amount of pressure, we’d break.

And I didn’t know how to stop it from happening.

Kiera said something then, and the whole group laughed. I looked over at the boys, all sharing varying degrees of amusement and bemusement. Then she stood up and walked to the football I had brought with me to the park with Hunter and Lizzie, picking it up and throwing it up and down, a mischievous look on her face.

Lizzie said something and stood up, pointing at Kiera’s stomach.

Kiera shook her head, her expression turning devilish. Lizzie laughed while Hayden looked amused and Olivia shook her head.

Then, all at once, they stood and turned to us.

“Fuck. I know that look. Kiera’s looking for trouble,” Gage muttered beside me.

I shot the other man a look and he held up his arm. “What are you looking at me for?” he asked. “I can’t control her. If she wants something, she’ll do whatever it takes to get it.”

“Congratulations on the pregnancy, man,” I said, slapping his shoulder. “Good luck. You’re going to need it for the next seven months.”

He snorted. “Tell me about it.”

When the girls got close enough, Mason greeted them first. “Ladies.”

“Is the food about done?” Olivia asked

“Just about, baby,” Mason said. “Why? Are you hungry?”

She shook her head. “No, Kiera wants to play a game.”

“What game?” Gage asked warily. I didn’t blame him.

“Flag football,” Kiera said, grinning widely.

He shook his head. “Absolutely not.”

“Why not?” She pouted and I held in my laugh. She might be pouting now, but there was still an unmistakable fire in her eyes.

---