“Something smells good.” And it does. The scent of garlic and rosemary permeates the air, and my mouth starts its Pavlovian response.
I’m stepping into the kitchen at the main house when I’m greeted with Mila’s index finger pointed in the air, asking me for a minute as she presses a cell phone to her ear.
“Uh-huh. That’s right. Montana.” There’s a pause, and it’s a good minute before she responds to whomever is on the line. “Sure. I’d really like that.”
I look over at Mary who’s at the stove, silently asking her who Mila is talking to, but all she does is raise a brow, wordlessly chastising me for being nosy. Do I care? No.
This girl belongs to me, even if she hasn’t realized it yet.
“Okay. See you soon, Dad.” Mila’s words have my stomach churning, giving me the urge to rip the phone from her hand and give that man a piece of my mind.
I’ve taken two steps toward her when Mila is pulling the cell from her ear, ending the call with the asshole who’s bailed on her since birth.
I’m raising a brow as I close the distance between us. “Was that your father?”
Mila nods, but the smile on her face doesn’t correlate with what I’d be feeling after speaking with an estranged sperm donor.
“Yes, but I don’t want to talk about him. I want to say thank you for all of this.” She’s opening her arms wide, encompassing the kitchen that’s decked out with balloons and homemade banners the kids made in honor of Mila’s birthday. “I know it had to be your doing.”
“It was, with the help of the kids and Pen.” I rub my palms up and down her arms. “Happy belated birthday, baby. You deserve this and more.” I’m whispering that last bit, but I know I’ve caught Mary’s ear. She’s peeking over at us, a curious smile playing on her lips.
Fuck. I don’t think I’ll be able to hold back from showing Mila affection much longer.
“Jason.” Mila bristles, but the biting of her lip lets me know she likes this—my touch and words of adoration. Still, she clears her throat and takes a step back, the action making my heart clench.
How much longer until she accepts that we’re destined to be together? I’m ready. Willing to tell her mother what’s what and set clear boundaries.
I’ve realized that denying myself Mila’s touch is for the birds. It’s absolute horseshit and no way to live.
Just because I’m having a child with someone else doesn’t mean I can’t be with the woman I love. I refuse to deprive myself of everything that she is, knowing she would make an amazing partner in life.
Unfortunately, it’s not looking like Mila is feeling the same way. I’ll need to convince her. For now, a change of subject is in order.
“What did your father say?”
Mila’s demeanor shifts, her smile dropping and eyes dimming. “He wants me to visit him once school has started. Said he wants me to be his intern. Maybe take over for him once I’m done with school.”
“Does he have a design firm?” I ask, remembering that’s what Mila wants to major in.
“No, he—.” Mila is interrupted by loud crying.
“Nanna Mary! Nanna Mary! Alex said I’m not allowed to have any birthday cake!” The little blonde girl is wailing with her brother in tow.
“That’s not what I said.” Alex is rolling his eyes, his face one of deep annoyance. “I said she can’t have any cake until the birthday girl blows out the candles.”
“There’s a cake?” Mila’s face is flushed, clearly not having expected as much.
“Of course there’s a cake. What kind of birthday dinner would it be without one?” Mary is rounding the kitchen island before lowering herself to Amanda’s level. “Now, sweet child. Your brother is right, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get a huuuuge piece of cake with ice cream.”
“Ice cream?” Amanda’s eyes go wide.
“Yup.”
Just then, my niece turns to her brother and blows a raspberry at him, the sight making Mila chuckle and my heart warm.
I can’t help but take Mila’s hand in my own, giving it a quick squeeze. “Are you happy?”
Her eyes meet mine and I see the wonder and joy dancing behind them. “Very. I can’t believe you planned all this… and there’s cake!” She whisper-shouts, making me chuckle.
“What’s all the commotion?” Catherine walks in and Mila quickly pulls her hand from my hold, her retreat only making me want to pull her in harder. Fuck who sees.
I will always offer my support to Catherine, and I will be more than an active parental figure in my child’s life, but I’m done trying to deny my feelings for her daughter.
“We’re waiting on birthday cake!” Amanda shouts in answer to Catherine’s question.
“Birthday? Who’s… oh, wow.” Catherine’s eyes land on Mila and then on me. “Jason, you really are something else, aren’t you?” She’s speed walking toward me, her arms wrapping around my waist before I even have time to respond. “But I thought I’d told you she’d already celebrated.”
“Mila is celebrating her birthday with family today. Albeit, not on the actual date. But it’s still important that she sees she has family now.” Family that cares. Clearing my throat, I slowly pry her hands from my back. “Had she stayed back in Florida like you’d wanted, this wouldn’t be possible.”
Looking toward Mila I see her eyes are as big as saucers, meanwhile Mary’s mouth is hanging wide open. That’s right. What kind of mother wants to leave their child behind? Not a very good one.
“Oh, Jason. But she’s so independent. She enjoys her solitary time.” She looks up at me sheepishly, but I have no sympathy.
“Is that right? Have you asked her that yourself?” I’m ready to go toe to toe with her, unwilling to back down, when a boisterous greeting cuts into the tension.
“Happy Birthday, babe! Again! It’s like the Groundhog Day of birthdays.” A young blonde strolls into the kitchen like she owns the place and instantly I know this must be Melissa. One of my birthday surprises for Mila.
I know how much she means to her and I couldn’t have planned a surprise birthday dinner for her without her close friend and roommate.
Looking toward my girl, I know it was the right move. Her previously soured expression is replaced with one of sheer joy as she runs toward the blonde.
“Oh my god! Mel! What are you doing here?!” She’s pulling her friend into a hug, practically mowing her over where she stands.
“Jason called, wanting to know what you’d done for your birthday. So I told him, but he wasn’t having it.” Melissa looks over toward Catherine just then. “Although I love our pajama days and Gilmore Girls marathon, this sounded like a lot more fun. Thank god for your new daddy, am I right?”
Wow. I know Mila and I play, but I didn’t think she’d openly tell her friend about it. Guess I was wrong. Not that I mind. I just hope her friend is team Jace, urging her to drop whatever hesitation she has with us moving forward.
Catherine, not having missed the dig, narrows her eyes on Melissa. “Yes. Jason is so sweet. Even after I told him Mila enjoys her private celebrations, he planned all of this for our baby’s big sister.”
The reminder of our connection is like a dark storm cloud coming over us. Not that the thought of a child is a bad one. Just a child with her.
I shake my head, needing to clear it of the negativity. It isn’t the baby’s fault it will be born to a mother who evidently lacks compassion and warmth.
Taking a step toward Mila’s roommate, I extend my hand in greeting. “Melissa. Thank you for coming. I’m glad you found the ranch okay.”
“I did! It got a little hairy on the crossing, but the Civic delivered me in one piece. And now here I am!” The tall blonde releases my petite Mila and pulls me into an embrace next. “Come here, big guy. We’re practically family, aren’t we?”
My cheeks are flushing with heat at the surprise greeting when I hear a growl to my left. What the fuck?
Before I can fully assess the situation, my eyes are drawn back to Mila who is making a strangled sound, her pouty lips falling open with one lone word falling out. “Maverick?”
My brows are pushing together when I feel Melissa’s hold on me stiffen. As if in slow motion, she’s prying herself from me, her body ever-so-slowly turning toward the direction of the growl.
Taking in the scene, I see Melissa’s bright blue eyes go wide as she stares at Hunter, his gaze fervently set on hers as his chest rises and falls at a pace that’s rapid for our normally stoic brother.
Wow. My face splits into a shit-eating grin as I piece it together.
My girl and her roommate live on the other side of the mountain. The very mountain Hunter lives on. Oh, this is just too good. He has been pining after the wrong girl, alright. The girl who’s standing right in front of me.
Hunter’s chest makes a rumble before he’s choking out his next words, a clear strain as evidenced by the chords in his neck going taut. “Baby doll.”
What in the ever-loving-fuck am I witnessing? My brother, Hunter, calling someone by a sweet term of endearment? Yeah. I’m clearly in the twilight zone.
But as I look back at my girl, seeing the glee in her eyes, I know that this is real. Very real if Hunter’s shaking fist is any indication.
“Brother. Everything okay?” I’m walking over to him, clapping a hand on his shoulder while Melissa remains quiet behind me—the previously boisterous woman having gone as silent as a mime.
Hunter gives me a sharp nod before he’s finally ripping his gaze from Melissa and acknowledging everyone else in the room.
With a clearing of his throat, my brother finally starts contributing full sentences. “What is she doing here?”
“I was invited, thank-you-very-much.” Melissa finally comes to life at what appears to be Hunter’s hostility.
“By whom?” Hunter has gone back to staring at Mila’s roommate, but the look on his face speaks of anger instead of lust and possession like before.
Melissa steps forward, coming toe to toe with my brother’s looming height. She might be taller than average, but Hunter still has a good head on her at his six-foot-three.
She’s glaring up at him, not caring that he’s staring daggers at her. “Mila’s stepdaddy invited me.”
“I’m not her stepfather” and “He’s not my stepfather” are uttered simultaneously by Mila and me, neither of us wanting such a damning title being tied to one another. Not if we want a chance of us ending up together, that is.
There’s a beat of silence before Catherine reaches for Melissa, pulling her into a tense hug and interrupting the awkward moment. “Melissa. Such a pleasure to see you, dear. You’re like crabgrass, aren’t you? Always popping up everywhere.”
“Did you just compare me to a fucking weed?” Melissa is bristling as she pulls away from Catherine, her eyebrows dropping dramatically.
“Did you?” Hunter follows up in defense of Melissa and I’m suddenly in need of some popcorn, wanting to see how this plays out.
There’s no way in hell I’m coming to Catherine’s defense. That was damn rude of her, and no doubt it was intentional based on the look of annoyance she’s giving her daughter.
“Mila, please explain to your friend that I was just making a statement. There’s no need for everyone to get up in arms about it.”
“She’s standing right in front of you, Mom. You can tell her yourself.” Mila raises a brow, urging her to do as she said.
“Apologize. Now.” Hunter is growling at Catherine, her face suddenly going flush.
“Jason?” She’s turning toward me now, as if I were going to fight my brother on this.
“What? I believe you did liken Melissa to a weed.” I’m staring at her blankly, feeling only a slight sense of pity since she is carrying my child. “Look, it’s clear my brother feels offended on this young lady’s behalf. The sooner you clarify you meant no ill will, the sooner we can go back to the birthday festivities.”
“So you invited her?” Hunter’s narrowed gaze is on me as I nod in confirmation.
“She’s Mila’s roommate.”
“I know.” Hunter’s eyes fall on Mila, and I see that she’s shifting nervously on her feet.
“You two know each other?” Catherine is looking back and forth between Mila and Hunter, but it’s my brother who answers first.
“Yes. Now apologize to Melissa,” Hunter grunts, and I feel the need to step in at his harshness. Yes, she may be an ice queen, but she’s still the mother of my unborn child.
“Hey. Watch your tone.” I nudge my brother. “Let’s keep things light, for Mila’s sake. We don’t want a brawl ruining her surprise dinner, do we?”
The girls’ eyes go wide as Mary speaks up. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”
“I meant nothing by it, Mel,” Catherine quickly adds, not wanting to see exactly what a Crown brother brawl entails.
“Mhm.” Melissa makes a non-committal sound, but thankfully drops it.
As much as I’d like to see how this plays out for my brother, I want nothing tarnishing Mila’s dinner.
“Good. Now that it’s handled, how about we make our way into the dining room. Dinner is ready!” Mary is carrying a huge dish out of the kitchen and into the other room that is equally decked out in birthday decorations.
As we all shuffle behind her, I can only hope and pray the rest of the night is uneventful. But if the introductions were a foretelling, I’m not holding my breath.
