Page 36 of Wicked William

I swallow. “He’s very sweet.”

“You’re very sweet. You like babies, Maisy?”

I shrug. “Sure.”

“That’s not what I’m asking.”

“Then ask what you’re asking.”

He pulls up into the driveway and shuts off the motor. “Do you want to have babies one day?”

William looks at me expectantly, waiting for an answer, and my chest tightens. I want to say yes. I want to say yes so badly. “I don’t know,” I finally whisper. “Do you?”

“I never thought so. I’m not much for fathers. Didn’t have a real good role model in my old man, after all. But things have changed a lot. For me. For my brothers. And I don’t know now. I’m starting to think I might. Is that crazy?”

William’s eyes search mine, and I feel a warmth spread through my body. “No,” I answer, my voice barely audible. “It’s not crazy at all.”

But I don’t know if I’d be a good mom. I mean, I love kids. I love William. But I also love my freedom. Having a store and boyfriend who I live with is way more than I ever thought I’d have or even want. Having a baby would change everything.

But when I look into William’s eyes, I know he’d be the best dad. And I want to make him happy.

“Yes,” I finally answer, my voice sure and strong. “I do want to have babies one day. Not one day soon, though.”

“Agreed. I think we should practice making babies though. So we get good at it.”

“How much better at it do you think we can get?”

“Only one way to find out, baby girl.”

Chapter Sixteen

William

Aweek after my nephewis born, Max and I are finishing up a new shop. After lunch, we ought to be able to get it done. Maybe an hour or two tomorrow, but hopefully this is it. I grab sandwiches from the diner and head over to bring my girl her lunch.

The sun is high in the sky, casting its warm embrace over the now nearly bustling town of Tempest. I walk down the street, feeling the pride seep into my skin. We did this. My brothers and I. Our women. What was left of the town. We brought it back.

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