A WEEK LATER, NICKY drove up to the compound with his baby momma, newborn Daniel, and Viper the precious Rottweiler drooling in the back of his upgraded hardtop Jeep.
Cat was on maternity leave from the family business, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t ride roughshod over anyone who dared slack in her absence. Lucky for me I worked only on the custom car and motorcycle orders, rarely stepping into the offices because that woman right there was nothing short of a ball-buster. Gorgeous as a gypsy with her long straight black hair and fully inked sleeves and eyes that flashed like blue ice—but no woman I wanted to tangle with.
Nicholas Loveland? Nicky Love? Mr. Famous Romance Writer? Word was he’d actually taken her on in the ring at Crossfit and let her kick his ass. The letting part was still up for debate. Whatever it was, they made a good couple. Maybe because they’d both known hard times and come out the better for it.
It was time for midmorning break, and Brodie and I’d been heading to the gym set up at the back of the MC building, but Viper made a beeline for me, all big paws and long sloppy licks.
Brodie hurried over to catch the door for his sister with Nicky carrying the car seat containing Daniel. Snapping my fingers under Viper’s velvety nose, I led her to the office of the business side of things then watched the huge canine almost knock the receptionist, Lucy, on her ass once the doggie bolted inside.
Ultimate chaos ensued. The best kind. Happy dog. Happy families. Men from the MC invading the building as soon as they’d seen the Jeep pull up.
Cat glowed. That shit was not a lie.
Boomer stood in front of the car seat perched on a chair, glowering. “When can I hold him?”
“How about now, Boom?” Cat gently unbuckled a worrisome number of straps before lifting the tiny baby boy up and out, still sleeping.
Brodie watched, just a couple months away from his first baby being born, grumbling, “I get him next.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Boomer couldn’t care less what Brodie said.
He rocked Daniel—the little bundle cradled against his huge shoulder.
The baby startled at his deep voice, his eyes popping as wide as his mouth, before Boom ssshhhd him in a gentler tone.
I kissed Cat on the cheek. “He’s really beautiful.”
She reached for Nicky, dangling her hands in his wavy hair. “I think he’s gonna look like his daddy here.”
Other men held off just enough of a discreet distance, but fuck it, it was clear to see every single big bad MC dude was spellbound by the tiny being.
“So, is he gonna have cool blue eyes or violet like Nicky’s there?” Tail was the first to ask.
Cole glanced over, his eyebrows raised question mark high. “Time to start a new wager?”
“I’ll collect the bets.” Tucker’s thumbs beat against his chest as he beamed at the baby in Boomer’s arms.
“You men are hopeless.” Cat happily sighed.
Grudgingly—when Brodie’s impatience brooked no more waiting—Boomer handed off the sleeping parcel.
Brodie’s eyes immediately glazed over. “Oh, fuck. He’s a tiny thing, isn’t he?”
Cat held a hand at her mouth, giggling.
“Shit. Probably shouldn’t swear in front of him, right?” He went on with the gentle bouncing technique, cursing again. “Sometimes need to bite my damn tongue around Cara too. But fuck, this little dude’s cute as hell.”
Most of us were chuckling with laughter by that point. Typical freakin’ Brodie.
He whispered, “Just remember, Danny-boy, I’m your favorite uncle. Brodie. Not Boomer.”
“Bullshit.” Boomer struck his arms across his chest. “I already rate with Cara.”
“And I think Josh might have something to say about that,” Nicky countered.
Brodie snorted. “He ain’t even blood.”
“Like he gives a shi—” Nicky glanced at Cat then amended, “Like he gives a . . . sugar?”
This place was a goddamn circus. Definitely had enough fucking clowns to take it on the road.
Daniel woke abruptly, stared up at Brodie, and immediately kicked off with an ear-splitting wail.
Boomer looked vindicated.
Brodie frowned. “I swear I didn’t do it.”
Nicky stepped forward to collect his pissed off baby. “That's his hungry cry.”
Cat grabbed the diaper bag, slung it over one shoulder, then held her arms open, immediately murmuring to Daniel in sugar-soft tones. His crying slowed to little whimpers.
Heading toward her office, Cat shot back, “Don’t worry. He's fast just like his daddy.”
“What's that supposed to mean? You better not be talking about when I fuc—”
Swinging back to clamp a hand over her husband’s mouth, Cat stopped Nicky. “I meant you eat fast too. And what did we just say about swearing in front of Danny?”
She swept off, and we chuckled again, seeing Nicky Love—famous romance author—brought to heel.