Page 42 of Bones

Skull turns curious as he closely studies me.

“Want to try?” Suit asks.

“I’m in,” Nate replies, and Skull nods.

“Seriously?” Xanthe mutters, intertwining my hand with hers. “Come on, let’s go get some of the cupcakes Lu made this afternoon.” When we’re out of hearing from the men, she adds, “You don’t have to go along with their games. I swear, sometimes they are like kids.”

“It’s okay, I’m happy to back up my statement.” I grin.

She laughs and pulls out a chair for me in the kitchen. “You both look so good together. And I can’t remember the last time I saw him so happy and… carefree.”

I’m about to reply when Isla walks in, Natalia in her arms. She smiles widely when she sees me. “There you are, Meredith. I’m sorry I wasn’t down earlier, but Natty only just woke up.” I stand up from the chair as she gives me a one-armed hug. “I’ve been dying to meet you. And this is Natalia. Do you want to hold her?”

“Oh, um…”

She hands her to me anyway, and then I’m looking down into familiar blue eyes, framed in long dark lashes, soft, blonde hair, and a little button nose. She’s the cutest baby I’ve ever seen.

“Aw, look. She likes you.” Isla grins, her brown eyes warm and friendly. She’s a beautiful woman, and I can see why Skull fell for her. “I wanted to say sorry for Skull interrupting you both at the cabin. That must have been awkward when he just showed up unannounced. Those two have to know where the other is at all times.”

“I just showed up here unannounced, so we can call it even.” I grin, and she laughs.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she says, lowering her tone. “Really glad. We don’t want to lose Bones, and maybe if you like us, you’ll be around here more so that he is too.”

Xanthe sets a plate of cupcakes on the table just as Lu, Ora, and Atiana step inside.

“Yes, I was hoping it was cupcake time.” Atiana grins, pulling out a chair and taking a seat. “Lu, do you have any of the honey cake left?”

“Yeah, there are a few slices,” Lu replies, heading to the refrigerator.

“Wait, I’ll make up a platter in case Meredith is in the mood for savory.”

They all work around the kitchen in a blur until the table is filled with food and drinks, and I’m still sitting here holding Bones’ daughter. She’s staring up at me with those big, blue, curious eyes, her lips pursed.

“So,” Ora starts, picking up a piece of cheese from the platter and popping it into her mouth. “I heard a rumor. Please confirm or deny. Is it true that Bones kidnapped you?”

Isla gasps, like she’s surprised Bones would ever do such a thing.

I’m about to reply when Suit comes in, his gaze going straight to me. “Come on, Doc. We’re ready for you.”

I guess the nickname is catching on.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell the women, gently giving Natalia back to Isla, then following Suit. “You really don’t think I can tell them apart, do you?”

His lip quirks, and he wraps his arm around me. “Come on, just humor us. We don’t get out to play much.”

“I have a feeling you play too much, Suit.”

He laughs under his breath, both of us coming to a standstill when we run into a pretty woman with curly brown hair. She places her palm on Suit’s chest and smiles up at him seductively. “Where are you heading off to in such a rush? Want to meet me and Brandy in the pole room a little later? Maybe we can get Angel to join us.”

I have so many questions.

Suit glances down at me and smirks. “I’m a little busy right now, Rose, as you can see. Come and find me later when all the old ladies have gone to bed.”

Her smile fades, and she turns to me. “Who are you?”

“This is Bones’ woman,” Suit tells her, a warning in his tone.

She opens her mouth, then closes it, sadness flickering in her eyes. “Of course, it is. No wonder he hasn’t touched me in a few weeks.”