Page 77 of Christmas with Four Tattoo Artists

“Maddie!”

She laughed again, and I couldn’t help but join in. But then her gaze shifted to a somber, but tender expression.

“Seriously, J, seeing you so happy, especially with that adorable family of yours... I don’t know, maybe settling down isn’t such a bad idea.”

I blushed, thinking of Kai, Finn, Andrew, and James. Our unconventional family was thriving, stronger and closer than ever. “They are something special,” I admitted. My heart swelled with pride and love at the mere mention of them.

“Hmm, you say it so casually,” Maddie teased. “Four drop-dead gorgeous men and the cutest baby girl? Chica, you hit thejackpot.”

I chuckled. “Well, when you put it that way...”

Our laughter and reminiscing were interrupted by the chime of my phone. Glancing down, I saw a text from Kai light up the screen.

We're ready.

My heart fluttered, a tinge of excitement coloring my cheeks. The text was simple, but its meaning profound. It was time for the next chapter in our life.

Maddie's eyebrows knitted together, her gaze sharp with curiosity. "What's up?" she pressed, sensing my excitement and electric energy.

With a sly smile tugging at the corners of my mouth I leaned in, mischief glinting in my eyes. "It's time."

Her eyes widened in realization, a gleam of excitement mirroring my own. "Oh, hell yeah. Let's move!"

I threw a few bills onto the table, more than enough to cover the bill and tip, and we quickly exited the café. The sun immediately warmed our skin as we stepped outside, its brilliance seemingly reflecting our current mood.

Walking a few steps ahead, I unlocked my new car, a sleek, cherry-red Expedition. I’d never been much of a car girl, but the guys had said I’d needed something safe to drive our precious daughter around in and roomy enough to accommodate all of us. It was also decked out with every bell and whistle I could ever want or need.

“Those boys are taking care of you,” she said.

“They insisted,” I replied.

Starting the engine, I felt the familiar thrum beneath my fingertips. The streets beckoned, and as I merged into the flow of traffic, the vibrancy of the city enveloped us.

A light breeze tousled my hair as I rolled down the windows, letting the rich tapestry of city sounds fill the car. The rhythmic beat of Latin music from a nearby club, the distant sound of waves crashing, children laughing, and the occasional shout from a vendor selling fresh mangoes or chilled coconut water.

Driving past Ocean Drive, the iconic strip with its art-deco buildings and lively beach vibes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. This was my city, a place I'd grown to adore with every fiber of my being.

It was myhome.

"We're almost there," I announced as I brought us into Wynwood, the familiar signboard of Blackjack's coming into view.

The tattoo parlor looked more magnificent than ever. After the renovations, it exuded a revitalized and modern vibe. The freshly painted walls bore witness to its metamorphosis, and the neon sign declaring its name sparkled brilliantly. Newly acquired leather lounge chairs awaited outside beneath a large awning, providing clients a space to relax and choose their designs, while chic pendant lights dangled from the interior ceiling, enveloping the place in a soft, welcoming radiance.

Parking the car, Maddie and I exchanged a look, the weight of the moment sinking in. We'd been through hell and back, but there we were, ready to embrace the future.

We pushed the door open and headed in, the smell of fresh paint still in the air, and there, in the midst of it all, were Kai, Finn, and Andrew but no James. Their faces lit up at the sight of us, their smiles echoing the love and warmth I felt.

Maddie nearly lost it. "Oh my God! This place is unreal!" she exclaimed, eyes darting around in wonderment, taking in every detail of the redesigned space. She darted over to Finn first, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. Kai got a hug too, and Andrew, not one to be outdone, playfully spun Maddie around.

"You guys outdid yourselves," Maddie laughed, stepping back and taking it all in again. "This place... I can't even. It's amazing."

“Glad you like it,” Finn said.

"We always said you'd have a home here," Kai remarked, nodding toward an empty inking space near the window. A small sign next to it read "Maddie. Reserved."

Maddie clasped her hands over her heart. “Oh, you guys! I can’t wait to get back to work.”

I chuckled at their antics, but my eyes scanned the room, searching. "Where's James?"

---