“As long as it ends like it did, then yeah, I guess I can deal with the torture first.”
Fletcher chuckled as he turned into the driveway. My body tensed, suddenly realizing where we were. The last time we’d been here, I’d found Dax bloody and beaten. Flashes of that night peppered my memory, and I sucked in a breath as I squeezed my eyes shut.
“Hey, baby, it’s okay. Take a look.”
Fletcher’s hand was soft on my leg, squeezing me in reassurance. Taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes and looked at the front of the house.
The white door that had been there was gone, a bright red one in its place. I blinked, trying to adjust the new mental picture to what I knew.
“What? How?”
Reed opened the door and walked over to the Jeep, opening my door before Fletcher could explain.
“You look beautiful, Henley,” he said, kissing me.
My body melted into the kiss, his lips soft and firm as he held my face between his hands.
“Reed and Dax fixed the damages and painted the door so it would have a new meaning.”
“I love it,” I said, resting my forehead against Reed’s, my other hand still clasped in Fletchers.
“Come on, Petal,” Dax said, surprising me.
I hadn’t seen him leave the house since I’d been lip locked with Reed. He stepped between us and unhooked my seatbelt, lifting me from the seat once I was free. Reed didn’t move, making it a tight squeeze.
“Punchy, you going to kiss me too since you’re standing so close?”
Reed snorted, stepping back and allowing Dax to pass.
“Not you I want to kiss, Goldie.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” Dax teased as he winked at me.
Warmth spread through me at being back with all three of my guys. I loved the one-on-one time and the importance it held in our relationships, but the comfort and acceptance of being together as a family was something I never expected.
Dax placed my feet down on the steps, his hands resting on my shoulders as he stood behind me. I took in a deep breath as I stared at the door, taking it in. The red paint stood out against the white trim and complimented the gray of the house. A peephole was now visible, and my shoulders dropped even more. When I caught sight of a black rectangle where the doorbell used to be, I tilted my head in question.
“Daddy Fletch sprung for a video doorbell so we can see who’s here from anywhere. There’s also an alarm system that’s been installed. You’re safe, Petal.”
The fear I hadn’t known I’d been holding lifted, my heart thumping loudly at the gestures they’d gone through. These men continued to surprise me, knowing what I needed even if I didn’t.
“Thank you. I didn’t know how much I dreaded it until we pulled in. I guess with everything that’s happened, I pushed it aside. So… thank you.”
“We got you, Baby Shaw. For everything.”
I squeezed Fletcher’s hand, everything from earlier resonating. This was forever. All of us were endgame.
I climbed the stairs, my three men beside me, and I just knew we could conquer anything together.
* * *
“Is it too late to cancel?” I asked, running a brush through my hair.
“Yes.” Fletcher smacked me on the butt as he walked by. “Why are you freaking out? Aggie loved you.”
“I dunno,” I whined, leaving my hair down after the second failed attempt to fasten it back. I glanced at my outfit, questioning if I should change out of the short romper and sweater.
“You look perfect. Come on. We’re all going, and it will be fine. It’s not like Carly’s.”