Page 16 of Playing With Her

“Always a pleasure, Amelie,” Sly says.

“We won’t have to deal with either of them much longer, beautiful,” Boston whispers along the shell of my ear. “Amelie, meet everyone. Everyone, Amelie, the mother of my child and my fiancée.” This time, it’s me spinning around. No way did he just tell me I’m going to marry him.

“Boston!” A chorus of laughs and awes sound behind me as I watch as he drops to one knee, ring in hand.

“This isn’t how I was planning to ask you to marry me, but now is the best time. My family is with us. They know how much we love one another. Amelie, marry me.” It’s still not a question, more of a statement. I don’t care. I’m already nodding, eyes full of tears, and he’s back on his feet, arms around my body, hugging me while picking me up, lips locked with mine, celebrating while our friends do the same surrounding us.

TWENTY-SIX

Boston

“You okay after what went down?”Parker asks from across the table. They came inside, we talked a bit, did our introductions, then Amelie demanded real food. The snack tray I had put together before we landed wasn’t cutting it, and I know the mother of my child. It was time for food, carbs preferably.

“I am. More pissed that every male thinks it’s okay to call a woman a demoralizing name. Twice now I’ve had to keep my hands to myself. It’s fucking annoying.” Noah would have spun it in a way in order to rip money off me. My father would slander the hell out of me and bring Four Brothers into the mix. No one would win.

“You’re doing well. Let Sly take care of the rest. It’s better to stay under the radar, like we did not long ago,” Ezra says.

“If anyone is going to kick that cocksucker’s ass, it’s going to be me. I’ve got not one single thing to lose.” Theo, our usual voice of reason, is itching for a fight. Either that or he needs to get laid.

“I’ve got it under control. You four jackasses keep your panties out of a twist. My office is working on something. Once we have a solid game plan, we’ll meet up.” Sylvester states.

“We’re not leaving until Monday, you all want to guys want to get together tomorrow, meet at the gym,” I tell them.

“Nessa is working tomorrow.” Parker isn’t one to leave the house or office unless Vanessa is at work or she drags him out from his cave.

“That will work. Millie does account shit first thing in the morning, so make it early.” Ezra is much like Parker and me, driving her to the coffee shop, making sure she’s safely inside and an employee is there with her.

“I’ll be there,” Theo rounds out. We each start our own conversations. Sylvester getting my attention.

“Congrats, brother, you deserve it,” he tells me as the waiter and waitress set down the bowls of salads, baskets of bread sticks, and trays of pizza. The restaurant was the women’s choice. They each wanted something different, but they finally came up with a plan and decided on a little Italian pizzeria down the street from our homes. The food is good, the service is impeccable, and most importantly, there isn’t a wait.

“Thanks.” Amelie fits right in, not that I had any doubt she would. “And thank you for what you did back there.”

“Anyone would have done it. I wanted to see him shake in his boots, secretly hoping he’d give something away. Which he did. I watched him leave, no words to be spoken, meaning he’s being watched,” Sly replies.

“Well, by doing that, you’re on his radar now. You’ve got a secretary, one who won’t be able to handle a guy like that. The governor doesn’t go after one person; he takes the people you care about down first, ripping them apart little by little. The only time I’ll have to deal with dear old Dad is when I’m in New York, which won’t be very much, every other month for a quick trip, and he damn sure wouldn’t leave the state of New York unless it’s to campaign for presidency.”

“I’ve got it covered, even if I need to sequester her away and out of the office. Don’t you worry about me. I knew the can of worms I was opening when I held a meeting with your mom. Finding out the other stuff along the way sealed the deal.” Sylvester knows what he’s doing. I’m still going to warn him. This is my shit he’s stepping in.

“If you’re sure.” Amelie is sitting with Nessa and Millie, talking a mile a minute. The yawn she keeps hiding behind the palm of her hand leads me to believe she’s holding out on my behalf.

“I’m positive. Stay sharp all the same.”

“Always. I’m going to take my fiancée home. See you tomorrow. I’d like to know more about that little bombshell you dropped at my place.” Talking about it in public would be stupid, too many prying eyes and ears willing to do anything to run a story.

“Sounds good. Later, brother.” I stand up and make my way around the table until I get to Amelie. My hand is out. She takes it with a mischievous smile written on her face. Fuck yeah, she might have been yawning, but that twinkle in her eyes tells me all I need to. My fiancée is ready to start the real celebration, and I’m more than ready.

Epilogue

Boston

Six MonthsLater

“You can do this,Amelie. A few more pushes, and our baby will be in your arms.” I see the determination written on her face. I also see the tiredness. She’s been pushing for nearly an hour now, and it’s taking its toll. Amelie is dead set on giving birth vaginally, not for any other reason than because if she has to have a cesarean section, she’ll be down longer, which means less time to put what she calls the final touches on LeBlanc Inn part deux. Fuck that. It’s stupid, if you ask me. She’s got employees who can help. Not only that, Isabelle would gladly step in.

“I’m going to kill you for knocking me up, Boston Wescott!” The grip on my hand tightens. Taking her anger out on me works.

“One more push, Amelie, then we’ll have the head out. You can do this,” her doctor says between her legs. Her feet are propped in stirrups. Amelie made me promise I’d stay close to her head, or I’d never be between her legs again. I call bullshit, but rocking the boat I was not.

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