Page 30 of Hot Shot

“It’s been in my pocket of every pair of pants since I bought it, which by the way, was three months ago. I bought it at the small jewelry store in my hometown when I went back to see my sisters. I knew in my heart that we belonged together, that you were my soul mate. I placed a bet on us that day.”

“I think you maybe have just hit the jackpot.”

epilogue

Epilogue

Max

“Are you sure they’re going to like me?” Charlotte asks me for the third time.

“Beautiful, you’ve video chatted with my sisters more than once. Today is just in person. They already love you.” I reach over and put my palm to her belly. “How’s my baby doing today?”

“He’s very active. I think he’s dancing on my bladder. Maybe he’s practicing his ice skating.”

I chuckle. “Good to hear it, but I actually meant how are you doing? Other than being nervous for no reason.”

“Well, I have to pee, and I am nervous. But I’m excited too. Your sisters practically raised you; they’re a good reason why you are the man you are. So, I already love them for that.”

“They know you make me happy. That’s all that matters to them. “I turn down the driveway that leads to my childhood home, the house where Luna and Mason now live. “Ready? Because we’re here.” I reach over and grab her left hand, tapping my thumb on her engagement ring.

The front door opens, and my sisters and their husbands are already congregating on the porch. Dane has one of their dogs with them; I think this one is Cornbread, but I’m not sure.

I go around to Charlotte’s side and help her out, then link our hands together and pull her towards the house. My heart feels like it could burst at any moment. All my favorite people right here in one place.

“Charlotte!” my sisters squeal in unison and then run into the yard to wrap my woman in a three-person hug.

My brothers-in-law come down the porch steps and give me the standard handshake, one-armed hug combo.

“This is my fiancé, Charlotte. Baby, you know Shelby and Luna, but this is Dane and this is⁠—”

“Holy shit. Your Mason Ball from Soul Obsession.”

He gives her a grin. “That I am, love.”

Charlotte pulls me to her side. “Is there a reason why you neglected to tell me that one of your sisters is married to an international pop star?” She’s speaking through her teeth as if she’s whispering, but everyone can clearly hear her words.

“The shine wears off really soon,” Luna says.

“Little moon,” Mason chastises.

Dane steps forward. “I’m the boring brother-in-law. Nice to finally meet you, Charlotte. Max talks about nothing else.”

Shelby laughs. “Yeah, when he came home shortly after y’all first met, he was so sad. Weren’t you, Maxie-pad?”

“Oh God, can we not do that? I’m going to be a father, for fuck’s sake. I think I’ve grown out of y’all’s ridiculous nicknames.”

“I think Maxie-pad is kinda cute,” Charlotte says with a grin.

“Don’t even think about it. I know all of your tickle spots.”

“That’s just fighting dirty,” she says. “It’s unfair to tickle a pregnant woman.”

I pull her to me and kiss the top of her head.

“I picked up some more of those cinnamon rolls you like from Sugar Bakers,” Luna says to me.

Mason grunts. “I asked you to go and get me something there the other day and you said you were too busy.”