Chapter 37
The baby is okay.
According to the ultrasound and the slew of tests I underwent, we’re going to be just fine. My heart rate is within normal range and the taser didn’t leave me with any lasting damage.
My pregnancy with Luna was my first and greatest challenge. When I got pregnant with Sammy, I had already overcome some of those pregnancy scares and worrying thoughts. With this little guy or gal, I’m more focused on how to make the next few months as comfortable as possible for the both of us.
“Looks like you’ve got yourself a clean bill of health, missy,” Wyatt quips as he escorts me out of the hospital.
“Thank the stars,” I reply, smiling as I link my arm through his. “Marie is keeping the kids all day, right? I think that’s what she said last night.”
Marie and Steven showed up at the crime scene to pick Luna and Sammy up while we stayed behind and gave our statements to Charlie and his team. The kids were a tad reluctant to leave my side again, but they were also too tired to protest much.
“Yeah. They’re still sleeping, in case you were worried.”
“Good. They need their rest. It was so awful for them,” I stop myself as a flurry of emotions threatens to turn the waterworks back on. It was such an emotional night and spending so many hours in the hospital afterwards didn’t make the experience any easier.
“Apparently, Sammy snores,” Wyatt says.
I give him a long look, admiring his tanned profile and the way in which the morning sun hits the green specks in his eyes. He’s exhausted. Wyatt and his brothers spent half the night with me in the hospital, the other half working out the investigation details with the police.
At least they’re all on the same page and there is no room for anybody to poke holes. Especially Harriet Nash’s lawyers.
“He does that when he’s exhausted,” I giggle.
“Let’s go home, baby.”
We reach the parking lot where his pickup truck awaits. I look back at the hospital building and take a deep breath. I didn’t get much sleep in there, but it was worth it to know the baby is okay.
“I can’t wait,” I tell Wyatt as I get in the passenger seat.
He turns on the AC once the engine roars to life and gives me a warm, loving smile. “Gosh, you look so pretty.”
“I look like hell,” I chuckle. “Don’t lie to me. They have mirrors in the hospital, you know.”
“Darlin’, you will never be anything other than beautiful to me.”
I perk up in my seat, feeling my cheeks flush.
It’s different between us. There’s a softness now that wasn’t there before, a certain sense of comfort that we all needed but was missing. Everything for this relationship to work in the long run now seems to have fallen into place. It was Colby and Harriet’s shadows that were keeping us from reaching this higher level. We’re there now, and the view is spectacular.
“Do we know where Harriet is now?” I ask as Wyatt drives us out of the parking lot and onto the main road.
I look out the window and watch the world go by—cute little store fronts and cafes; office buildings rising high into the sky with people going to work, latte in hand and headphones on. Life goes on and thanks to the Danson boys, the world has one less monster in it.
“If I’m not mistaken, in custody as we speak,” Wyatt replies.
“Whoa,” I gasp. “Already?”
“She had no idea we planted a bug in her office yesterday. After we left, she got on the phone and started yammering to her lawyers. Then, she brought some of her fixers in, barking orders at them, explaining how she wanted us extinguished. You’d shudder if you heard what she had planned for us.”
“Oh, God.”
He doesn’t sound that affected, though. In fact, he looks rather amused. “Harriet Nash thought she had the world at her fingertips. She thought that she could fix anything with money. When it became clear that her own precious flesh and blood would ultimately become her biggest liability, she went into survival mode. Her business sense went right out the window. She had to protect herself but she also had to nurse her wounded ego. She didn’t believe that we would actually chase her down and kill her if she retaliated.”
“I believe you. I’m just glad it didn’t have to get to that.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“So what now? How does this all work out? The investigation, Colby, the whole thing.”
Wyatt takes a deep breath. “Open and shut case on Colby. There’s enough evidence to prove all the charges that were raised against him and his death will be ruled self-defense. The cops picked Dwight up in the ER last night and got him to flip, so they’ve got that, too. It’s done, Halle. You won’t even have to show up in court for his case.”
“Good. At least there will be closure for those who lost their loved ones in that warehouse fire,” I say. Shivers run down my back. “I still can’t believe he did that.”
“I can. I’ve seen a lot worse.”
“And yet, you never let your inner light fade,” I reply, giving him a soft smile.
Wyatt keeps his eyes on the road, but every now and then sneaks glances at me. “Be honest, it’s what you love about me. Eric’s a goody two-shoes, future President of the United States type. Chase is the brooding mercenary with a soft spot. I’m the hot and funny one.”
“And modest too.” I can’t help but laugh.
Wyatt grins. “Oh, and another thing. You won’t have to worry about those photos going anywhere,” he says.
I’d almost forgotten about those damned things. “I won’t?”
“Nope. Charlie was with the team that raided her office building. They seized everything. Files, hard drives, CDs, USB sticks, recordings, memos. You name it, they got it, and brought it all down to the precinct. Eric was there and helped the fellas sift through all of it until he found the photos. Printed copies and the original image files. Charlie spoke to the cops about it, then the DA, and they agreed that the photos did not need to appear anywhere in their case against Harriet because they already had her on so many other counts. She’s gonna spend what’s left of her life in prison. So we’re in the clear.”
“You three have been hard at work, I see. I can’t thank you enough.”
“No reason to thank us,” Wyatt says. “Those were our asses caught on camera, too, not just your gorgeous booty.”
I haven’t laughed this hard in a while. My ribs hurt. Then again, my whole body still feels sore after the events that transpired. “Wait, I thought you said you promised her a deal if she helped you track me down,” I say after a while.
“That deal went straight into the bin after she ordered a hit on us not twenty minutes after we left her office. She’ll die in prison. All of her assets were seized, so it’s likely she can’t afford those hotshot lawyers of hers anymore.”
“It really is over then,” I mumble. “The Nash empire has finally burned down.”
“To the ground, darlin’. There’s nothing left. Which means the rest of us can go on with our lives and make the most of each day.”
“That sounds… wonderful.”
“Almost surreal, huh?”
I nod slowly. “Yeah.”
But it is real. It’s the payoff of years of fighting, hiding, and suffering while still trying to find the silver lining through it all. I had to be a mom and a dad to my kids. I had to hide my own pain so that they wouldn’t feel like the world was an awful place to be. And while my road was rocky as hell, I muddled through.
Eric, Chase, and Wyatt found me during the most difficult time, and they showed me a different, better way.
And now, Luna and Sammy will get to grow up with not one, but three dads who love them and put them before themselves.
And a baby brother or sister.
“I should’ve told you about the pregnancy,” I say after a long pause, finally ready to address the elephant between us.
“Oh, no, darlin’. We’re not having that conversation yet. We’re getting you home, first.”
I give him a worried glance but he doesn’t seem angry. He’s still smiling and flaunting his sunny disposition. Whatever happens next, I know it will be alright. I have them, and they have me.
I can finally step out of survival mode.
We arrive home laughing. Wyatt spent the whole ride telling me stories from their early firefighting days. It’s amazing how much they learned from the weirdest and craziest accidents they’ve ever responded to.
“Trust me, when Chase pulled the chainsaw out of the truck, we knew he meant business. There was no stopping him. Chief Holt just backed off and let him deal with it.”
“Yeah, that sounds like Chase,” I giggle as we go inside the house.
It’s such a relief to not be looking over my shoulder anymore. I’m no longer checking to see if anybody followed us home. No more black-and-white cruiser parked outside the house, but that’s a good thing. We don’t need a police unit watching us anymore. The minute I heard Colby give his last breath, it was as if all the trauma I had stored in my body was finally gone.
The house is quiet. Sunshine smiles through the wide, east-facing windows.
“Where are the twins?” I ask as Wyatt closes and locks the door behind us.
“They should be in the kitchen,” he says.
As soon as the words leave his mouth, I hear the coffee machine brewing its magic potion, teaspoons clinking in the sink, cups taking their rightful place on the counter. I smell freshly baked croissants, too.
My heart swells as I follow Wyatt through the hallway and into the giant kitchen. A familiar space that I had missed.
We find Eric pouring the coffee while Chase lays the pastries out on a large plate. Outside, I can see summer unfolding across the garden, the hydrangea and lavender bushes quivering in the gentle breeze. Later, I plan to float in the pool for a couple of hours with a glass of lemonade and a good book. I need to shut down for a while. Until then, however, I will gladly enjoy every second of what’s left of this morning with my three, strapping, ridiculously handsome firemen. I will not dwell on the past anymore. I’ve had enough of the bad stuff.
“Mother and baby are in the clear!” Wyatt announces as he strolls into the kitchen and takes his seat at the counter island.
“Wow, what a conversation starter,” I chuckle dryly.
“You wanted to talk about it,” he shoots back with a cool grin.
I give Eric and Chase an awkward smile. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” Eric asks, looking slightly confused as he comes over to kiss me.
“I should’ve told you about the pregnancy.”
“We talked about it,” he says.
“You were scared out of your mind, Halle,” Chase adds as he joins us and plants a brief but intense peck on the side of my neck. “Can’t blame you, given the circumstances.”
“Okay,” I mumble, checking each of their expressions carefully. “But how do you feel about it? I know we weren’t planning for—”
“Remember what I told you yesterday?” Eric cuts me off.
I need a moment. “A lot was said yesterday.”
“I told you that as soon as Colby mentioned your pregnancy, everything changed in me,” Eric replies. “And I meant it. I love you, Halle. We love you. The fact that we’re going to have a baby only makes this thing we have all the more precious.”
“So you’re not mad,” I quip, almost laughing. I’m melting on the inside, about to burst with emotion.
“We’re gonna be dads,” Wyatt says. “Don’t get me wrong, I think I speak for all three of us when I say we already consider ourselves dads to Luna and Sammy. But now, we’re having an itty-bitty Danson on top. It’s a bonus.”
“I don’t know which of you is the father, though.”
“Doesn’t matter. All of us are the father,” Chase says. “He’ll be loved like no other.”
“Or her,” I reply with a grin.
“If the Danson gene is as strong as I think it is,” Eric chimes in, scratching his chin stubble, “I reckon we’re looking at a strapping, miniature fireman arriving in about, what, six months?”
I dare imagine the possibility. I can almost see him. Curly blonde hair. Cool blue eyes. Dimples when he smiles and laughs. I wonder how each of these wonderful men will impact his development and personality.
“Personally, I just look forward to kissing that baby bump,” Wyatt says, getting up from the counter island. He walks over and takes me in his arms, capturing my mouth in a hungry, almost desperate kiss. “I was so scared I’d never see you again.”
“There were moments when I was scared of that too,” I whisper against his soft lips.
His touch ignites tiny fires all over my skin, the scent of his cologne filling me and turning my senses upside down. I listen to his ragged breathing as he deepens the kiss, while Chase and Eric approach us. The temperature has shifted. It’s getting hotter. The air is thicker. The thrill of simmering anticipation has my blood pumping faster and faster.
Chase’s hand comes up from behind, his fingers on my chin prompting me to tilt my head back away from Wyatt as he claims my mouth next. He’s hungry but deliciously tender. Passionate, but determined, to set my soul ablaze first. I melt against his hard body as Wyatt comes closer. I find myself sandwiched between them, desire swirling between us with tendrils of peppered steam and honeylike sweetness.
Eric’s hands work their way between us. “It feels like ages ago that we last touched you, Halle,” he says, his voice low and dripping with something dark, something enticing.
He pulls my top off while Chase and Wyatt take a single step back.
I am helpless and hungry among the three of them. They peel their jeans off, then my bra and panties. Before long, I am naked and wanting, liquid heat gathering between my legs as I return the favor and start taking their remaining clothes off.
“Come here,” I tell Eric first. He smiles as he lets me undress him. He springs free, his cock standing at attention, thick and throbbing for me. I kiss him, hungrily, mindlessly, our tongues wrestling as I stroke him with both hands, nice and slow, before turning toward his twin. “Chase…”
He lets me do the same as I lick and suckle his lower lip. This man is so thick I always marvel at how easily, how smoothly I manage to fit all of him inside of me. I feel myself getting even wetter at the thought of it.
I take Wyatt’s shirt off while he plays with my nipples. He brushes his thumbs over them until they perk up like glass cutters, then pinches them. I hiss from the raw pleasure as his mouth makes love to mine. Chase gets down behind me and spreads my ass cheeks wide, fingers digging into my flesh.
“My turn to taste you, Halle,” I hear him say just before his tongue slides between my wet folds. I whimper as a shuddering sensation courses through my body. I am already so close to the edge, it’s insane. I need more, so much more. “I wanna spend the rest of my life eating you out like this.”
“I’m never leaving again,” I manage, my voice barely a whisper.
Eric plants wet kisses down the side of my neck, his soft lips working their way down my right shoulder. “We’re stuck with you, huh?”
“Somebody needs to look after the three of you,” I reply. “Oh… yes…”
I lose my train of thought altogether as Wyatt takes one of my nipples in his mouth, lips closing around it, suckling. The delicious sting travels through my whole body, sweetness spreading in heatwaves as I abandon myself to them. Wholly. Unequivocally. Irreversibly theirs.
“Oh, God, don’t stop,” I gasp as Wyatt moves his attention to my other nipple and Chase’s tongue probes my entrance. At the same time, Eric brings his hand down and strokes my clit, finger circling until it swells and thunders with tension. Their coordination is beyond flawless, their bodies in complete sync with mine.
“I will never stop,” Eric whispers in my ear.
Everything turns white as they bring me closer and closer to the edge. I cry out, gasping and inhaling deeply as they work me into a mindless frenzy. I hold on to them, grabbing and squeezing their taut muscles, nails digging until I come hard, shaken to the core, my orgasm releasing in hot waves.
“FUCK!” I moan, my legs trembling as Chase licks and drinks me whole while Eric flicks my tender nub into a savage overdrive, Wyatt sucking my nipple until it turns dark pink.
“In a moment, sweetheart,” Eric quips.
A split second later, he scoops me up in his arms and carries me upstairs. We forget about coffee and breakfast and everything else. We’re too busy satisfying our hunger for one another, our eyes filled with longing, our lips parted, our hearts thudding. He sets me down, then lies on the bed.
“Get on top,” he commands me.
“Yes, sir,” I reply with a devious smile. I know what’s coming and I want all of it.
Chase gets up and positions himself on his knees at Eric’s head, presenting me with that magnificently gigantic cock of his. He holds it tightly from the base as I lick my lips with anticipation. Wyatt climbs up behind me.
Eric eases me onto him and I whimper as I feel him enter, my pussy opening wide to receive him. Wyatt joins him inside, and I am stretched beyond my wildest dreams yet again. I part my lips and take Chase in my mouth. Our flesh and souls are bound forever, the rhythm quick to evolve between us.
“Take it all, my love,” Eric groans, planting his heels into the mattress as he thrusts into me. Between he and Wyatt inside of me and Chase in my mouth, I’m already close to a second orgasm.
Wyatt slaps my ass while Eric kneads my breasts, slowly working me into the next plane of pleasure. I loosen my jaw and relax the back of my throat to take in as much of Chase as I can. I love the way he slides down, the taste of precum lingering on my tongue.
“My favorite kind of breakfast,” I pause to say, then proceed to fondle his hard balls as I suckle the tip, over and over, until I feel him pulsating in my mouth. “Open wide for me, baby,” he says as I take all of him.
Chase grunts and throws his head back, working so hard to keep himself from slipping over the edge too soon. He wants to enjoy this for as long as he can, and I intend to do the same.
Wyatt smacks my ass again. The sting travels through to my core, and I clench myself around him and Eric. They fuck me hard and deep, each thrust dismantling my entire being.
My mouth is full, my screams of pleasure muffled. I’m taken both ways, hard and fast. The intensity of our rhythm rises, especially when Eric’s thumb finds my clit again, applying extra pressure. It’s too much. It’s too good. It’s too raw and insane. I savor every second, the tension tightening inside me until the string finally snaps.
I shudder and come again, glazing Eric and Wyatt’s cocks in my juices. They take me harder and faster. I welcome every ripple of a tempestuous orgasm as I feel Chase shooting down my throat. I swallow every drop, lovingly caressing his balls, and he cups my face, then runs his fingers through my hair, his gaze soft as he memorizes this particular moment.
My pussy clenches again as I ride this wave into oblivion, as Eric and Wyatt lose themselves inside of me. I feel their cocks throbbing and exploding deep within. I feel the heat of their love filling me to the brim.
We lose track of time. We lose track of reality altogether. After everything that’s happened, after we almost lost one another, we’re making the most of every God-given minute left on this earth.
Nothing else matters.
Not right now, anyway.
“I love you so much, it hurts,” Eric says, lovingly gazing up at me.
“You’re lucky the feeling is mutual,” I quip, nowhere near ready to get off him.
I can feel him getting hard again while still inside me. Wyatt isn’t rushing off anywhere, either. Chase sits back and watches me play with my nipples, an inviting smile lingering across my face.
“You are positively insatiable,” he says, his voice low and simmering with desire.
“What are you going to do about it?” I ask playfully.
I know he already has a plan.
The morning is still young, and I am still hungry for my men.
Luckily, I’ve got a whole lifetime ahead with them to satisfy it.