Page 53 of Nick

I took Loraine’s hand, I was always doing that, and she didn’t mind. I would start getting emotional thinking about the pain she must have gone through with her daughter. I wanted her to feel loved as a mother. “I’m so happy you will help me when the babies come home. I think of you as my mom. Is that okay?”

“Of course, it’s okay. I’m honored you feel that way.”

“I’ll lock the door. We are closed now anyway. It’s after three.” My sisters hugged both Al and Loraine. They wanted them to feel loved as well. Ruby told Loraine about the baby not sleeping at night, and Loraine gave her advice. I knew Ruby did it so Loraine would feel like we were all family. This is another reason why I loved my family so much. They are so kind and thoughtful.

I looked at Al when I realized he was speaking to me. “Three nights in a row, this woman would stand out in the street laughing. She talks to no one, and then she laughs. She said he deserved to die because he cheated on me.”

“Thank you, Al. That fits in with what I thought happened.”

Grandpa walked over to us. “Al, I’m going fishing tomorrow with Jax and Owen. Would you like to go with us?”

“Thank you, I love to fish. What time are we leaving?”

“We’ll pick you up at six in the morning.”

“I’ll be ready.”

I couldn’t wait for Nick to get home. The babies started kicking until I patted them. It was like they stretched and calmed down. I could still smell the smoke from the fire. I got Loraine her bread and gave Julia hers. The smell of smoke was getting stronger.

I looked around and saw Al looking out the window. I took Julia’s hand and walked to the front door. Someone locked us inside the shop. Damn, she is crazy. She was standing outside laughing. She thought she had locked us inside when she put a piece of wood against the front door. It fell when we opened the door. The fire dept was already coming down the pier. The shed behind the bread shop was on fire. That’s where I kept my bike. The woman was laughing. I called the police and explained that the woman was slightly insane. I noticed she still had the gas can in her hand. This can’t be good.

I heard a shout and looked up. Nick ran down the pier. When he was almost to us, I saw him turn real quick, and he grabbed the can from the woman’s hand before he made his way to Julia and me. He gathered us in his arms. “What the hell is going on here?” He kissed me and picked up Julia as Al and I told him about the woman.”

“She lives on the same street as us. There is never a boring moment around here.”

Nick bent his head and kissed me. “I missed you, sweetheart.”

“I missed you too. I’m glad you are home. How is your friend?”

“Ethan is a stubborn Jackass. But he’s worried about his brother. So I can understand how he feels. Hopefully, he’ll let his body heal before he goes hunting for him again.”

“Maybe his brother will show up.”

I saw the police drive up, and he walked over to where the woman was still laughing. We let George, who was already here when the police showed up, talk to them. While we went back inside. By now, everyone had started going home. I locked up, and we left.

Julia was tired and went to lie down. I helped her get into some comfy clothes. Then I walked into the bedroom and locked the door. I knew Nick was showering. I stripped my clothes off and joined him in the shower. He pulled me to him and kissed me. I could feel him against me, pushing against my stomach then he lowered his hands to my stomach.

“How are our babies doing?”

“They’re doing wonderful. I hope you can stay home until they are born.”

“I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart. I’m staying right here with my family. Where is Axel?”

“He’s at the ranch with my dad. I miss him when he’s away from me, but he’s eighteen. I have to let him do things on his own. Are we going to talk about the kids now, or will you make love to me?”

He looked down at me and kissed me. “I’m worried it will hurt you.”

My head was tilted back as I looked up at my husband, best friend, and lover. “Do you want me to call Ashley so you can talk to her? Or you can take my word for it that everything will be fine. It won’t hurt the babies, but it will make me feel wonderful.”

He laughed as he picked me up and carried me to bed. He lay next to me and pulled me into his arms, where he made love to me. Is this our wedding night?”

“No, our wedding night will be tonight and every night after tonight. I love you so much, sweetheart.”

“I love you too. I never thought I would have a husband and more children. Now I have a daughter and two babies on the way.”

We were in the kitchen when my phone rang. “Hello.”

“I’m sorry to disturb your wedding night, but I have some news,” Amber said excitedly.

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