Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“Yeah, I’ll be in the single camp for a while,” Baker adds. “I need to learn how to be a dad before I can worry about being anything more to someone else.”
“We’re here for you,” Corie tells him. “You’re not alone in this, Baker.”
“I’m going to be a single dad who’s gone over half the year.”
“We’ll help you,” Sloane tells him. “Corie and I can help babysit.”
“I can help too,” I offer. “CPR certified and everything.” I smile, hoping it helps to ease his fears a little.
“Me too.” Sloane raises her hand. “The job requires it.”
“I’m in,” Corie tells him.
“You don’t have to do that,” Baker says, getting choked up.
“I want to do that. Whatever we can do to make this easier on you, we’ll do it,” Corie says.
“Us too,” Foster tells him. “Whatever you need, brother, you know that.”
“Thank you.” Baker nods.
“We got the last of the boxes in the truck,” Knox tells Corie, changing the subject. “Welcome home, Corie girl.” He leans over and kisses her, and I turn to look away.
I find Landry watching me. He rolls those green eyes of his that match his sister’s, and I can’t help but laugh.
“Let’s get this truck unloaded and find something to eat. I’m starving,” Reid says, rubbing his flat stomach.
“Food. I need food,” Landry agrees.
“I’ll order pizza,” Corie tells them. “I was going to cook since everything in the kitchen is unpacked, but I need to go to the store, and honestly, I just don’t have the energy.”
“Pizza works,” Foster tells her.
“Breadsticks, baby Reynolds. All the breadsticks,” Reid says.
“Mrs. Beckett,” Knox corrects him.
“She’s always going to be baby Reynolds to me,” Reid tells Knox.
Knox grumbles something under his breath, and the guys all laugh. I smile as well. I love the dynamic between all of them. The more time I spend with them, the more of their personalities I learn, and it’s plain to see that they have each other’s backs. No matter what. That’s a good quality to have. It’s one I’m not familiar with, but I can understand its worth all the same.
The guys head back out to unload the truck, talking about who can carry the most boxes. Sloane and I finish breaking down boxes while Corie calls in for pizza delivery. My eyes widen as I hear her rattle off a massive amount of food.
“It will all get eaten.” Sloane laughs. “These guys can put it away. Especially during the season when they’re training.”
“They’re all so fit.”
“Right? I even think about more than a couple of slices and my hips expand.” Sloane chuckles. “Knox usually doesn’t eat badly, but Corie has been a bad influence on him.”
“I have not,” Corie says, hanging up the phone. Sloane gives her a knowing look, and she grins. “Fine, maybe a little, but he’s a machine, eating grilled chicken and green beans all the time. I get that he’s a professional athlete and needs to stay in shape, but damn, a little pizza never hurt anyone.”
“Hear, hear!” Landry says, placing two boxes on the living room floor. The house has an open-floor plan, so it’s no wonder he heard our earlier conversation. However, I should have been paying more attention to my surroundings. I should have heard them come in. I let my guard down. It was minor, but I’ve lived through situations that are not. That’s a hard lesson to learn, so I’m shocked I let myself get so comfortable so quickly.
“Stop listening to our conversations!” Corie calls back.
“Love you, little sister.” Landry calls out his reply before going back outside for another load.
“What’s next?” Sloane asks.
“Most of what’s left is our clothes. We’re going to buy new furniture, but the new bedroom suite was delivered yesterday. Come on, I’ll show you.” She nods for us to follow her down the hall.
“Wow. This is gorgeous,” I say as we enter their bedroom.
“Thanks. This is the owner’s retreat. At least, that’s what the realtor called it as the primary bedroom. There are four more bedrooms upstairs as well as a loft sitting area.”
“I love this bed,” Sloane says. “It’s massive.”
“It’s a California king,” Corie explains. “And check out the bathroom.” She takes us into the bathroom, showing us the huge walk-in shower that is so spacious, you could literally play baseball in it. Nickelback would be jealous. There are his-and-her sinks and a huge clawfoot tub made for more than one person. It’s a dream bathroom.
“Damn,” Sloane mutters. “How attached are you to that husband of yours? I’m thinking we kick him to the curb and call this our girls’ haven,” Sloane says with a laugh.
“I’m pretty attached,” Corie teases. “But anytime you need a spa day, we’ll send him to my brother’s place and can make that happen.”
Sloane points at Corie. “I’m going to hold you to that.”