Damaged and the Knight (Damaged #2)

Judd had sighed in a sad way as if he didn’t believe my words. The next day in the hospital, he barely looked at the baby. Yet, once we were home, Judd and his boy became inseparable. Quiet like his dad, Gunnar even smiled like him. Hell, his half grin killed me every time.

Bags packed, we left the cats and drove to Farah’s house. Things were moving slowly on the dream house she and Cooper were building in the woods. I suspected this pleased them both since they had enough new things to worry over without adding a move to the list.

Answering the door, Farah was still dressed for work in casual slacks and a stretchy pink shirt covering her latest baby bump. A son was on the way after two girls, but Cooper was just happy to have another baby. Crazy about the Irish twins Lily and Miranda sitting on his hips, he joined Farah at the door. Lily with her dark wavy hair and Miranda with her matching blonde locks waved at their little cousin who hid his face against Judd.

“He’s not thrilled,” I told Farah as she took his bag.

“We’ll keep him busy.”

Rubbing her bump, I felt Colton kick my hand. “Three more months and this place will be a zoo.”

“If you get your wish for a Vegas baby, you’ll add to our zoo soon enough,” she said, giving me a wink.

Laughing, I joined her on the couch. Even exhausted, Farah was happy and confident. Having found a job share arrangement with another second grade teacher, Farah worked in the mornings while the girls stayed with Aunt Maddy who ran a small daycare. Five year old Scarlet played big cousin and kept everyone entertained with her loud mouth and easy laugh.

Leaving Gunnar was harder than I expected, so we lingered at the house for as long as we could without missing our flight. Finally, Farah hugged me against her and glanced at where Judd settled Gunnar in with his cousins. on the ground with the kids, Cooper bench-pressed Lily to Miranda’s amusement. Even Gunnar laughed at his silly uncle.

Motorcycle club president and crime boss by trade, lawyer on the side, and Daddy and husband twenty four seven, Cooper had everything he wanted. Proving this fact, he paused his goofy play long enough to wink at a beaming Farah. My sister had her dream life and so much more.

Judd and I didn’t say much as we drove to the airport. Like most parents, we felt guilty for leaving our child, so we could party on our own. Yet, we deserved to celebrate. Early in our marriage, Judd hasn’t been sure we’d make the five year mark. In fact, there were days when I saw him waiting for me to leave. If I tried a new haircut or talked about learning a new skill, Judd gave me his sad-eyed look as if I was outgrowing him.

Of course, I never did or ever would. I’d always be his angel and he’d always be my knight.

THE END