Page 54

I follow Stella and Laney downstairs. I know they haven’t had a chance to catch up with everything that’s been going on for the past couple days. I’ve been around my sister long enough to know they’re going to want to talk about me and probably dissect mine and Laney’s relationship. I’ll always give her the time she needs, whatever makes her happy. “Let me take Amanda her snack so you guys can catch up.”

Stella took a seat at the island. “Oh please, Nate, I can’t get all the gossip from your wife here with you in the room. Besides, most of that gossip concerns you. I should start calling you Beast. Remind me not to get on your bad side. I wouldn’t want to be thrown out on my ass like Michael was.” She gives me a wink.

“Michael had it coming,” I say, standing next to the fridge closest to Laney.

“Seriously, was he really in your house, Laney?”

“Yep, he kept a key I let him borrow one time.” I watch her as she takes some veggies out of the fridge and places them on the island. Her eyes catch mine, and she blushes.

“What?” Stella asks. She looks between the two of us. “What was that look for? Why are you blushing like that?” My eyes flick to the island, and Stella puts two and two together.

“Are you serious? Nate, did you fuck your wife on the island? When the hell have you two had the time with the girls in the hospital?”

“What can I say, Stella? He can’t keep his hands off me.” She laughs. “I wouldn’t be surprised if that little tidbit is on the front page of tomorrow’s gossip rag.”

“Me having sex with my wife better not be on the front page of anything tomorrow.”

“It’s fucking crazy what those rats come up with. I’m surprised the paps weren’t sitting out front now.” Stella says.

“I kinda have some undercovers sitting in their cars out front. Whenever they see a pap, they’re supposed to send them on their way.” Laney looks at me surprised at my revelation.

“Is that why the hospital was cleared too?” I nod.

“Well, how has Vivian been taking everything?” Stella asks. “I take it by the way you answered my call earlier she still isn’t thrilled with everything?”

“That’s putting it nicely. It’s funny how supportive she was when she first found out that Nathan and I were married.” I see her eyes flick to my wedding band. “But that was before she realized Nathan wasn’t a lap dog.” Laney loads up Amanda’s plate with healthy and sweet snacks; it’s a perfect balance.

“Ahh, I see Vivian has met her match then?”

“Oh my dear, Stella, there is no competition when it comes to me and that woman. She needs to understand that Laney is no longer her doormat. She needs to find someone else to clean her feet on.”

“I knew I liked you, Nathan Whitmore. There isn’t anyone else I would want for my best friend.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re a fan because I’m not going anywhere.”

“Let me take this up to Amanda.” Laney grabs a juice box from the fridge and the plate of food.

“Why don’t you and Nathan go to dinner? I’ll sit with Bear and watch some movies with her until you guys get back.”

“No, I couldn’t.”

“Come on, Lane. Let me do this for you. After tomorrow when Addie gets out, when are you going to have the alone time with your new husband?”

“Addie gets out tomorrow?” I ask.

“Yes, I’m sorry. I haven’t had chance to tell you yet between my mother and getting Amanda settled.”

“Don’t worry about it, Love. I’m just excited. Tomorrow you and the girls will be at my house.”

“I guess so.” She smiles at me. “I’ll be right back.”

I watch her go up the stairs, and I wonder how she feels about moving in with me. I’m sure she’s nervous, maybe freaking out a bit. I wonder if she’s having second thoughts. Maybe I’m pushing too hard, or I should have made other arrangements. On the other hand, I’m scared shitless myself. I’ve never lived with another woman other than my sister. Now I’m going to have my wife and girls in my home. As scary as the unknown is, I’ve never been happier.

I turn and look at Stella. “Do you think Laney’s alright with everything?”

“Yes, without a shadow of a doubt. She’s great with everything.” She reassures me.

“I love her, Stella. I don’t care about the time frame. I love her. Those girls nearly knocked the wind from my lungs when I first saw them. They’re so precious. All three of them are precious to me.”

“I know, Nate. You’ve have to convince me of anything. I’ve known Laney a long time and in that time, I’ve never seen her act the way she acts with you. She knew it in Vegas, she saw what you were about, she’s just scared, and she should be. It’s not just her who she has to worry about.”

“This is so crazy,” I laugh. “I never thought I would want to get married. To be a father, but now all my thoughts are of Laney and the girls. I keep thinking of ways to make them happy, to show them that although it may be unconventional, we work. We are what we could be, what should be.”

“You don’t have to try too hard, Nate. Laney thinks you hung the moon. I can already tell, and it’s only going to get better.”

“Can I tell you something, Stella?”

“Of course, you can always tell me anything. I don’t care if I’m Laney’s best friend; I’m a vault. Unless of course you tell me that you couldn’t keep it in your pants, and you cheated on my friend. Then I’m not a vault, I’m your worst fucking nightmare.”

“Chill, woman, Jesus you’re intense.” I rub my hands through my hair. “I’m having my penthouse redone. I’m making sure the girls feel like it’s home. I’m giving them their own room and playroom. My sister is doing everything fluff and sparkles.”

“I knew there was a reason why I liked you. You’re a good apple, Nate, a very good apple.”

“It’s simple, Stella. They are my family, my future. My everything.”