Sweet Treats and Deadbeats

CHAPTER 14: Father's Arms (Part 2)

Madison

In a past life, I must have done something incredibly wrong. As I watched Ross feed Tina a slice of my delicious chocolate and raspberry cake, I couldn’t help but think about how that would never be me. I didn’t begrudge T her happiness, but a part of me was a little jealous.

“Can you believe it, Madison? I’m married! I don’t even believe it myself,” Tina gushed, holding up the large diamond so everyone could see.

Even though I had been married, I never had a ring. Tom pawned it early in our marriage, promising to get it back. It was just one more promise he didn’t keep. After a while I forgot about it. I didn’t remember much except it was small.

Natalie sighed and scooped up more party punch. “You’re so lucky Tina. I don’t think it will ever happen for me.”

“Or me,” Ashley and I said in unison.

The words were barely out of my mouth before Declan wrapped his arms around my waist. Instinctively, I stilled in his embrace. The whole day had been an emotional nightmare. I didn’t know where we stood and that scared me.

“Why not you?” he asked quietly, nuzzling my neck.

I stepped away, needing some distance. “This is kind of a girl’s conversation, Declan. Can you go wait upstairs? I’ll be there in a minute.”

He kissed the column of my neck, which made me blush. “Hurry up.”

After he left, I looked up to see the ladies watching me. I glanced down at myself and immediately saw what had their attention. My n*****s were clearly visible through my t-shirt. It was just more evidence of the effect Declan Walsh had over my body.

Natalie giggled, covering her mouth. “Declan must be quite the kisser.”

“He looks like a man who puts his all into anything he does. Am I right?” Ashley asked, needling me.

Tina rolled her big, blue eyes dramatically. “I wish he could teach Ross. He has so much potential, but he gets nervous and then it’s over before it begins.”

I hip checked her. “Be gentle, T. Port Townsend needs a good Sherriff. He just wants to make you happy.”

She turned her head to the men at the table. Then her gaze was only for Ross. “He does, doesn’t he?”

He noticed and walked over. Natalie, Ashley, and I tried to play it cool as they sucked face. The guys hooted and encouraged Ross. Thankfully the kids were in the den. I was not looking forward to explaining the whole birds and bees thing to my babies yet.

Clearing my throat, I touched T on the shoulder. A few seconds later she pulled away from her…husband. Both of them had glassy eyes and flushed faces.

“Um, you guys feel free to stay and eat. I need to go talk to Declan. I’ll be back down later.”

T frowned. “Are you okay, Madison? Is it the…”

I held up my hand. “I’ll tell you later.”

Declan was waiting for me at the base of the stairway. He practically carried me up to the room. The gnawing in my stomach made me tense and edgy. It wasn’t from hunger, I just felt exhausted. Every since we’d moved to the Port, there had been one crisis after another. My whole body just felt rundown.

When we arrived, Declan sat on the corner of the bed, dragging me down onto his lap. I took a deep breath. This moment was going to change our lives forever. There were no guarantees about the future.

He’s going to leave me.

Damn right, b***h. Who can blame him? My mind taunted mercilessly.

All those depressing thoughts disappeared when I looked up into Declan’s bottle green eyes. He looked hopeful and…happy. There was a new energy in him since he’d gotten the good news from Daniels. He was always handsome, but now he practically glowed.

“Please, sweetheart. I need to know,” he begged, massaging the back of my neck.

Here goes nothing.

I went to the bathroom and retrieved the Clearblue Easy pregnancy test. The girls had insisted I do more than one, and the results were the same for all of them. Peeing on a stick was just another crap ass part of being a woman.

When I got back, I sat next to Declan. He reached for the test. Sighing, I handed it over. He studied it for several minutes. After awhile, I started to get nervous. I expected something, but he was like a zombie.

Finally, he set the test on the nightstand and looked at me. “Uh, Madison, I have no idea what that means. Are you or aren’t you having my baby?

I opened my mouth but no words came out.

“Madison?”

Feeling like my life was spiraling out of control, I laid down on the bed and covered my eyes.

“I’m having your baby. I’m pregnant. I didn’t mean for it to happen. We can figure something out. There isn’t…”

Suddenly, Declan began laughing loudly. Then he pounced on top of me, planting kisses all over my face. After that he raised my shirt and kissed my belly button. I uncovered my eyes, overwhelmed at the emotion he was displaying.

“I love you, sweetheart. I love our baby. I love Noah and Soph. I’m so damn happy, I may even love Dean right now,” he shouted.

Surprised, I grabbed a hold of his arms. “You’re…happy? Declan, I’m not sure you understand. This baby is going to change our lives. I’m used to it, but you’re not. Being a parent is the hardest job in the world.”

Lazily, he rubbed his stubbled cheek against my lower stomach. “I know all of that. This is the happiest day… I just…I love you, sweetheart. I promise you I’m going to be a good father.”

Resigned, I buried my fingers in his hair. It was getting long again. “Declan, I’m going to get really fat. Some days I’ll be cranky and gross. My energy level will be low. God, I should show you the pictures of when I was pregnant with my other babies. You’d run from the house.”

Declan sat up, tugging me along. “None of that matters to me. I’ll be there with you every step of the way. This is what I’ve always wanted. Is this, uh, a secret or can I tell the guys?”

I shrugged, playing with a hangnail. “You can tell everyone. This is a small town. They’re all going to know. Then I’ll be called the town slut and possibly lose the shop. My problems don’t matter, though, because you’ll take care of it all! Declan Walsh with his money bags and good looks on top of it. Why don’t you just f**k off back to Los Angeles now and save me the heartbreak?”

Now you’ve blown it, b***h.

Declan practically growled. “Madison, I’m really sick of this woe is me crap. I’m a good guy. I want to be here. Nothing you say is going to make me run away. I am worried, though.

He paused. “Do you think you can love our baby? I’m worried that you hate all of this, and you’ll take it out on our kid.”

It was like he’d dumped a cold bucket of water on me. He was right. I loved all my babies, and Declan’s child would be no different. Even when I was married to Tom; none of our kids had been planned, but I made the best of it. At least Declan wanted to be around.

“I’m sorry. You’re right. This baby is a blessing from God. I’ll love him or her just as much as the others.”

He smirked. “That’s what I want to hear, sweetheart. I love you.”

As he stared, I pulled him down for a long deep kiss. He tasted a little like Coca Cola, which somehow turned me on. Pretty much everything about him made me hot so that was no surprise. I had just managed to get my hand on his zipper when he halted.

I just sat there completely shell shocked. “Jesus, Declan! Are you already disgusted with me? We’re usually all over each other.”

He rolled his eyes and helped me out of my pants. “You’re going to give me a coronary, woman! I’m in love with you. There will be no lies between us. I’m hard as a stone. Feel me,” He grunted, placing my hand over his…oh my.

“Then why won’t you let me help you? I need this.”

Playfully, Declan shook his head and began kissing my inner thighs. I moaned, tangling my hands back into the spun silk of his hair. His woodsy, masculine scent filled my nose making me moan in pleasure.

“Relax, sweetheart. I just want to taste you,” he whispered dipping his head.

Languidly, I watched as he moved my panties aside and kissed my core. The sensation racketed through my spent nerves, resulting in instant o****m. It was a strong one, but I knew it could be better. Declan never left me wanting.

“Again,” I moaned, spreading my legs widely.

He licked my pelvic bone until I was squirming. “Say it again. Tell me.”

I liked forceful Declan. “Don’t stop. Inside. Harder. Ungh.”

After a few minutes he removed my underwear, placing my legs on his shoulder. “I live to serve you, sweetheart.”

For the next thirty minutes, his tongue became one with my most private flesh. I saw stars, felt the Earth move, and tasted ambrosia. Declan had a longe tongue so he was able to go deeper. I’d been with guys who had long tongues and big d***s with no idea how to use either, but Declan didn’t have that problem.

Between slurping and heavy breathing, Declan managed to have a semi conversation with me.

“I love your c******s, Madison. It’s beautiful. When it throbs in my mouth, my c**k jumps. You taste like wet honeysuckle and pure woman,” he whispered, blowing on my slit.

I rode his tongue hard, taking my pleasure and not giving a f**k about the rest. A few times I thought I was suffocating him, but he wouldn’t let up. When I felt him bite down on my c**t, I screamed.

“My god, Declan. That was perfect. Take off your pants. Let me…”

He crawled up my body, crashing his lips against mine. The kiss was possessive, sweet, and sensual all at the same time. In my s****l past only one man had gone down on me, and we’d never kissed afterward. I liked tasting myself mixed with Declan, though.

“We’re not having s*x until after the appointment, Madison. That was just to motivate you.”

The look he gave me turned me into some kind of lovesick puppy. “Are you really and truly excited about this baby? I’m just…scared. I’m so used to doing it alone. I’m sorry I’ve been giving you a rough time, but um, I love you, Declan. No regrets.”

After washing up, Declan and I returned to the impromptu wedding celebration. He fretted and nagged while I finished decorating the cake. We both decided to wait until after the doctor’s appointment to tell everyone about the pregnancy.

It was hard getting the kids to sit still long enough to eat. They all wanted to work on their Halloween costumes and eat sugar. I scolded Declan for passing around big boxes of candy. He was the top pusher, but the other men were no better.

The newlyweds were the first to leave. Then everyone else filtered out with plenty of leftovers. Declan barely let me lift a finger, insisting that he should do all the work. Noah was happy as a clam, but Soph was acting strange.

After an argument, I convinced Declan to leave me and baby girl to talk. Laughing, he hoisted Noah on his shoulders and pretended to be a helicopter. They looked so good together, like father and son.

At first, Soph was really quiet. When I began to ask questions about Tina, she opened up.

I passed her a bowl so she could rinse it for me. “Baby girl, what’s wrong.”

She shrugged and adjusted the water temperature. “I’m going to miss Aunt T. It’s not the same without her here. Why did she have to marry Ross? What if he hurts her?”

I gathered her into my arms, kissing away the tears at the corner of her eyes. “You know Ross, sweetheart. He’s a good man, and he makes T happy. I think you should be more worried about her hurting him. You know how your Aunt gets when someone eats her pizza.”

“I know, but why can’t it be you…and Dex? It wouldn’t be so bad if he took Aunt T’s place. Noah and I could take Brando for walks. We could all play games in the living room at night,” she suggested hopefully.

I sighed, really not wanting to have this conversation. “Declan is my boyfriend. Sometimes grownups need to live apart before they move in together. We may never take that step, but we still love you and Noah.”

Suddenly, I heard footsteps echo across the floor. When I looked up, Declan was glaring at me from the other side of the sink. He looked kind of angry.

I dismissed Soph so Declan could take her place. He picked her up, spun her around, and passed her a not so secret box of candy. Her delightful squeals continued until she was out of view.

After she left Declan pushed me against the sink, planting his knee right over my heat. “So you don’t think I want to live with you, Madison? I want to marry you, damn it! I want it all, but you’re still stuck on that asshole. We can’t move forward until you let him go. I’m not him.”

I tried to get away, but he held me in place. After awhile, I began rocking my hips. Declan’s eyes went emerald a second before he unzipped us and plunged into me. The force took my breath away. He eased out and guided himself back inside.

“I wanted to wait… Your mouth. I can’t… Damn,” he grunted, digging his fingers into my ass.

Part of me was worried about the kids walking in but mostly I didn’t care. We crashed and burned next to the suds and bubbles in the sink. I would never look at doing dishes the same again. Just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, Declan laid his hand on my breast and came.

After that, I was spent. He finished the dishes while I lazed at the table. Somehow, I managed to help him bathe the kids and get them into bed. They were both in a good mood, so it wasn’t too hard.

By the time my head hit the pillow, I was asleep. “Night, Declan,” I mumbled, snuggling into my pillow.

He kissed my forehead and pulled the blanket up to my neck. “Sweet dreams, sweetheart. I’ll get the kids breakfast in the morning, so you can sleep in for a change.”

I started to argue, but I was just too tired. During the night, I dreamed of babies, townspeople calling me a w***e, and eggs. I woke up several times just to make sure Declan w as next to me. Even in his sleep, he held me tightly.

Declan

After I made Noah and Sophie breakfast, which consisted of their favorite cereal, I helped them get ready. Noah was fairly easy, but Soph made a horrified face when I tried to come into the bathroom with her. She insisted she was old enough to bathe herself. She looked so much like Madison when she got mad.

An hour later, the kids were done so I called an old friend in Seattle to make an appointment. Doctor Kelly was a client at my yoga studio. She was also one of the best baby doctors on the west coast. She was thrilled when I told her the news and promised to fit us in by Wednesday.

My sweetheart was cranky when she woke up. Luckily, I had a bowl of maple and brown sugar oatmeal, one of her favorites, ready. She took one look at it and ran to the bathroom. I ended up holding her hair as she retched

After she finished, I gave her a cup of Listerine. “You look beautiful this morning, Madison. Are you feeling okay? I mean besides the obvious.”

To answer my question, she gave me the middle finger. I smiled and kissed it before running a shower for her. In my opinion, things were going great. Madison was stubborn and moody, but we were moving along.O

“I’m going to have a baby,” I sighed, hugging her tightly.

She smiled against my chest. “I’m pretty sure I’m the one with the baby inside.”

I teased Madison for being mean. When the laughter died down, I just looked at her. She was already glowing. In my opinion, Madison was the most beautiful woman I’d ever had the pleasure to look upon. Long ago, I promised myself that I would make her see it.

“Hey, I called a doctor and made us an appointment for Wednesday. We can’t have s*x again until then. Last night I couldn’t control myself.”

As expected, my sweetheart groaned. “I guess I can wait a few days, but you can’t walk around naked or I’ll lose all self control.

“Were the kids good this morning?”

I chuckled, helping her take off the nightgown. “They were perfect. Noah already asked if it was time for trick or treating.”

Madison laughed. “That sounds like my little boy. He loves Halloween. Since the shop is closed in preparation for tonight, what do you want to do today? If you have errands to run, it’s fine. I was thinking of taking the kids to lunch later.”

I shook my head. “You’re not getting rid of me. I can handle business from here. How about we pick up lunch and take the kids to my house? I have some stuff they can use for their costumes. I collected a lot of s**t from movie sets over the years.”

In hindsight, I should have covered my sweetheart. She was nude, her n*****s pointed straight at my chest. I whimpered and tried to help her step under the water. She had other plans, though, darting around me and wiggling her ass.

“Come get wet with me and baby, pretty please,” she begged, lifting my shirt.

How can I deny my sweetheart and our baby?

Yeah, we ended up having s*x. Again. I had no willpower when it came to my sweetheart, and she wasn’t even trying to help me. Fortunately, I was able to be gentle. She ravaged my mouth as I slid her up and down my shaft.

After our shower Madison got dressed in a pretty plaid blouse and jean skirt. She blew kisses and smiled cheekily as I tried not to stare at her breasts. It had only been a few minutes since my head was buried in them, and I was already having withdrawal symptoms.

About fifteen minutes later, Noah and Soph knocked on the door. I was making up our bed and tidying the room while my sweetheart talked to Natalie. Most of the conversation was cryptic, but I did catch Madison squealing over the prospect of a future double date.

Noah flew at me, wrapping his body around my legs. Sophie sat next to her mom on the couch. Almost immediately Madison had her down on the floor so she could braid her hair. I tried to follow the movements, but I still didn’t get it.

.“Girls like hair, Dex. One time mommy braided my hair and it hurt!

“Girls are weird,” Noah said, looking over at the couch.

I threw my head back and really laughed. “They only get weirder as you get older. The trick to making girls happy is just to agree with them. They like to be right.”

Madison giggled, taking the Bluetooth out of her ear. “I heard that, guys. We are not weird, are we Soph?”

Our daughter stuck her tongue out. “Definitely not. Girls rule and boys drool. Besides, boys are gross. They play in the mud and never want to take a bath.”

I put that in my memory bank. When she became a teenager and decided to date, I was going to use that line. It would also come in handy if our new baby was a girl.

First, we took the kids to meet their new therapist, Dr. Anne. She was a hearty woman with a big laugh. Like a professional, she put the kids at ease. Madison signed up for a block of lessons which I insisted on paying for. Dr. Anne said it would be fine for me to come sometimes, since I was the main male figure in the kid’s lives. Thankfully Madison didn’t argue.

After that, we piled into my SUV and drove to the diner to pick up burgers and fries. Surprisingly, people greeted us happily. Even the old gossips were friendly. I paid the bill before we took off.

When we pulled up the house, Ryan, Cynthia, and Laurie were just coming in from a walk. My sister looked beautiful with a crown of bluebells in her hair. She’d also made one for Cynthia. As usual, Ryan greeted me with a handshake and a smile.

I waited until the women and kids were out of earshot to pull him aside. “Hurt her and I hurt you. Laurie’s had a rough life. Please, be good to her.”

He looked taken aback, and then resigned. “I’m in love with her. She’s so good with Cynthia, not that that’s the only reason I love her. She’s just…special. Under all that armor is a heart of gold.”

Thankfully, I always brought extra so there was plenty of food for everyone. Madison and Laurie set the kids up while I showed Ryan my man cave. He was really impressed with my three HDTV entertainment combo.

Brando trotted out from his hiding place and licked my hand. Ryan told me they’d taken him for a walk. Maybe dogs really were a reflection of their owners, because Brando looked happier and healthier, too.

When we got back to the dining room, our plates were ready. Madison found Brando’s left over pork loin and put it in his dish. The kids wanted to play with the dog but were ordered to leave him alone and wash their hands. Conversation flowed easily.

“I eat fren fry, daddy,” Cynthia declared, shoving a handful into her little mouth.

Ryan groaned and cleaned her up. I learned that each child liked their hamburger cut a certain way, vegetables were the enemy, and Ketchup had to poured over everything. The parenting thing was going to be harder than I thought. My sweetheart handled it all like a pro.

After the kids finished, I set them up in the den. They were all starting to get sleepy. Cynthia and Noah curled up on either side of Soph. Madison decided that we should let them nap before ransacking my storage for Halloween props.

My sitting room was connected to the den, so the grownups gathered there. I still had brownies from Madison’s shop so we had those for dessert. Laurie made coffee to go with them.

“So, we need to talk,” I said, taking Madison’s hand.

She took reigns. “Laurie already knows.

“Ryan, I’m pregnant.”

He reached across the table, grabbing my hand. “Congrats, man. Tis a beautiful thing.”

Then he turned to Madison and smiled softly. “You’re a great mom. This kid is lucky to have parents like you.”

“I’m going to be an Aunt,” Laurie squealed, standing up and kissing us both on the cheek.

We talked until the kids woke up. I learned that Ryan had big dreams of being a veterinarian. He also enjoyed working at Sweet Treats. Laurie hung on his every word.

After bathroom breaks and clean up, I led everyone upstairs into one of my storage rooms. Noah’s eyes bugged out of his head when he saw my baseball card collection. Madison tsked and called me a nerd.

Cynthia was going as a fairy, so Laurie found her a pretty wand. It was from the set of a fantasy film I’d co-written. As we went through things, everyone asked me questions. It felt good to share this part of my life with people who cared but weren’t obsessed with the fame.

“Dex, can I wear this?” Soph asked, holding up an Astronaut Helmet.

I helped her try it on. “Of course you can, sweetheart. It looks good on you.”

In that same box, she found a NASA pin. Our little girl had goals, and I was going to make sure they all came true. Space camp, college, etc, she’d have it all and more.

Noah was going as a Mariner’s player. Madison found a baseball cap that fit and a pin to attach to his uniform. He looked really cute holding his little bat and posing. Looking around at my beautiful family, I decided I pitied Tom. He’d been a bastard and now he would never know how great they were.

Before long, night came and it was time to go back to Madison’s house. Joey, Natalie, Ambrose, and Ashley had spent the day in Port Angeles shopping. They met us at the house. Ambrose was going as a baseball player too, but from Joey’s favorite team-the Texas Rangers.

The night began early and the huge bowls of candy we had began to dwindle. Soon after Will and Taylor came Soph took Wiinie and Poppy upstairs so they could all get ready. The house was crawling with people.

Dean came over with Snowflake, whom Brando took an instant liking to. The dogs ran off together to do god knows what. Madison and the girls talked babies while they passed out candy. I had to smile when my sweetheart said she was happy.

“Hey, let’s get some pictures,” Ashley suggested, pulling out a digital camera.

Since the adults were going to have our social later, we weren’t in costumes. Madison was wearing a black shirt with an orange pumpkin on the front and jeans. She’d bought me a matching one. All the other adults had on similar outfits.

The kids hammed it up, posing and showing off. Winnie and Poppy were zombie nuns to the chagrin of Pastor Will. I was feeling down as I watched Joey and Will pose with their families. Madison changed all that when she insisted I be in the pictures with her and the kids.

Apparently, Halloween was Natalie’s favorite holiday. With a war cry, she led the kids out the door, chanting ‘trick or treat. Smell my feet. Give me something good to eat,’ at the top of her lungs.

It had been years since I participated in Halloween, but it was fun. The kids were very excited. We were on the fourth house when one of my guards texted me:

Tom is one the move. I’ll tail him. He’s headed to Port Townsend.—P

Angrily, I pulled Madison aside. As expected she was upset. I managed to talk her out of cancelling the night, promising that my guards would keep us all safe. As we walked I kept my eyes on her and the kids at all times.

An hour and a half later, the kids decided to call it a night. Their huge pumpkin baskets were filled to the top. Madison helped Noah and Sophie separate what they wanted to eat immediately and what they wanted to save.

Since the kids were having a sleepover, I’d hired Vanessa Banner as a babysitter. She was good with kids and had references from people all around town. I arranged for two of my guards to stay and watch the house while we were gone. I made sure they knew it was a high alert.

“Maybe we should stay home, Declan. I’m scared. What if Tom comes here?” Madison fretted while putting away the candy.

I kissed her lips, hugging her to me. “We’ll just go for an hour. My men are here. It’s more likely that Tom may try to confront you in town. I hope the asshole violates his restraining order so we can press Sophges and send his ass back to jail!”

She sniffled. “Sometimes, I wish he’d just go somewhere and die. I know it’s wrong to wish such a thing, but he always finds a way to ruin my life.”

“I won’t let him near you or the kids again. Tom is the past, I’m the future. From here on out, you’re safe, sweetheart.”

Vanessa arrived early and helped clean up. Madison seemed to trust her, and they became fast friends. A little while later, Jimmy came over to steal some candy. As Madison teased him, Vanessa watched him fiercely.

I walked up to her. “He’s single, you know.”

She blushed, looking away. “I know. I take my car to his shop. He never notices me.”

Suddenly, I tickled her rips. She was so surprised that she squealed. Jacob and Madison turned to see what we were doing. Once he saw Vanessa he began to smile.

Madison and I left them alone to talk. Then, we went upstairs to tell the children that we were leaving and would be back soon. The girls were watching the Hannah Montana movie and barely noticed we were in the room. Noah and Seth had fallen asleep playing video games.

Since Jimmy decided to stay and keep Van company, Madison and I rode with Ashley and Dean. Under care, Ashley had blossomed into a beautiful and confident woman. She seemed to really like Dean and laughed at all his corny jokes.

My sweetheart was quiet, staying curled up in my arms until the car stopped. City Hall was packed. The Mayor was dressed in his best suit and flirting with every woman who passed by. Ross was on duty, but he spent almost all his time sneaking kisses to T.

The event was a success. Sweet Treats alone raised thousands of dollars. I added to that figure by writing a big check. The needy families of Forks would be taken care of for a long time.

Lucky for me, Madison was able to forget Tom for a while and dance with me. We did silly moves to The Monster Mash and other themed songs. For the first time in my life I felt really damn happy, like I belonged.

Since the event was alcohol-free, Neal and his sober house buddies were allowed to attend. He asked for a dance with his daughter. Reluctantly I gave up her hand. They bounced around the floor happily through two songs. Then Neal said he was too old to continue.

“I’m glad you’re getting along with your dad,” I said, reclaiming my dance partner.

She smiled. “Me too. I never thought we’d get here. You’re my good luck charm, Declan.”

I was about to reply when there was a commotion at the door. I recognized the voice as Madison’s mother. My sweetheart stiffened in my arms.

“Holy hell. Why is she back?”

Rhonda Smith didn’t look like she did the last time I saw her. She had on baggy clothes and no makeup. Sheriff Ross led her over to our corner. Natalie and Joey started the music again so people wouldn’t stop dancing, and we’d have some privacy.

“Madison, I’m so sorry. He’s crazy. I never believed it… I thought… You’ve got to get home, he’s headed over,” Rhonda said, wringing her hands.

Ross looked grim. “I’ve sent some men over to your address, and I have others on the road.”

“I’m going to f*****g castrate him if he goes near my babies,” Madison yelled, startling the people near us.

I checked in with the guards, making sure there were no disturbances. Tina insisted on riding with us to the house. Ross put on his siren and sped through traffic. When we got to the house, several cops and my men were out front.

Madison ripped off her seat belt, running into the house. “Oh my god! Something bad happened.”

My heart almost collapsed until I saw Jimmy and Van with the kids. Everyone looked tired, but they were okay. Madison gathered the children into her arms and whispered soothing words. I left her to go speak to Vlad.

“Hey, boss. We lost him, but I got his tag information,” he said, showing me a slip of paper.

I frowned. “How did he get so close? I want him gone for good.”

Ross came to join the conversation. “There were three cars. Someone let loose fireworks to distract everyone, Declan. Your men got two of the perps. We’re taking him in for questioning. Rhonda says Tom wants to kidnap the kids and hold them for ransom.”

Vlad cursed. “We won’t let that happen. This guy is crazy.”

I agreed with him, glancing over at Madison. She was sitting in one of her rocking chairs and talking to her mother. I knew the conversation was going badly because her knee was shaking uncontrollably.

After briefing Vlad, I went to my family. Rhonda vacated her chair so that I could sit down. The night had been going great until that bastard ruined it all! My blood boiled as I imagined myself pounding his head into the pavement. He was not going to lay a finger on our kids.

“Madison,” I said softly. “Let’s pack. You guys are coming to stay with me until Tom is caught. Don’t’ argue. We’ll figure something out.”

She nodded, already standing up. While Jimmy and Van helped everyone pack, I called Natalie, Joey, Will, and Taylor to let them know the kids would be at my house. They were going to meet us there.

“I scared, Dex,” Noah confided as I zipped up his bag.

I leaned down and kissed his head. “Don’t be. I’m not going to let anything happen to you guys.”

Soph wrapped her arms around my waist. “You promise, Dex? I don’t want to see him again! He hurt mommy, and he’s mean.”

I was hugging and assuring the children when my sweetheart walked into the room. She joined in the group hug. I knew stress was bad for the baby, so I kept up a light conversation until we left.

Later, after everyone was asleep under my room, I went to my safe and took out my registered gun. I kept it for security, but I’d never fired the damn thing. Luckily, I had bullets and it was in working order.

After I got dressed and kissed my family, I headed downstairs. My house was on high level security with all alarms and the guards nearby. I was confident that Madison and the kids were safe. Before I left, I decided to make some coffee. It was going to be a long night.

Joey was in the kitchen eating a sandwich. “Hey, man. Where are you going? It’s after two in the morning?”

I started the coffeemaker. “I’m going to find Tom and bring him to Ross, dead or alive. I won’t have my family living in fear. He’s going to pay.”

Joey stood up and cleared his plate. “Hang on a minute. I’m going with you. I know I can’t talk you out of it. Do you have a gun?”

I nodded. “Yeah, and I’m going to use it to put a bullet in that asshole’s body."

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