Page 88 of Calling a Cease-Fire

“Not at all. Honestly, I’m not sure if I even want them.”

That shocked me. The way he was with everyone’s kids made me think he wanted some of his own. “I think you would be an amazing dad.”

“And you would be an amazing mom.” He cupped my face. “But we have plenty of time to figure those things out. Right now, the only thing I know for sure is that I love you and I can’t imagine my life without you.”

I swallowed, remembering the pain I’d felt for the last two days. “That night when you left my apartment, I cried myself to sleep. And then when I heard you were hurt, it felt like someone was ripping my heart out of my chest. I’m sorry I didn’t figure all of this out sooner.”

“I’m just glad you did figure it out.” His lips twitched. “If not, I planned on showing up at your place and convincing you.”

I laughed. “And how were you going to do that?”

“I hadn’t gotten that far.” His gaze heated. “Maybe spanking your ass until you admitted you loved me?”

“That actually might have worked,” I mused.

His eyes twinkled with hilarity. “Ready to meet my parents now?”

I gasped and raised up on my elbow. “Now?”

He nodded, a slight grin playing on his lips. “Yup. They’ll be here in the next ten minutes.”

I relaxed back with a sigh. Why the hell not? Apparently I was knocking out all my firsts today. “Can we maybe leave out the part where I broke your heart?”

“They’re going to love you regardless.” He tucked me tighter into his side and reclined back with a slight groan, closing his eyes.

“Is the concussion bad?”

“Mild. I’ll be okay.” The way this group all seemed to get concussions was shocking. “Just gonna need someone to take care of me for a few days. Maybe I’ll ask Savannah.”

“Over my dead body,” I snapped, more playful than mad.

His lips lifted into a devilish smirk. “Now who’s jealous?”

“Damn right I am.” I pinched his side. “I’m the only one allowed to take care of you. You’re mine. I’m yours. End of story.”

“I think our story is just beginning.”

And with that, I fell in love with him even more.

Chapter Thirty-Five

ZACK

I smiled as Adam pulled a giggling Lyla into his arms, peppering her with kisses. Those two were perfect for each other, and I loved that my best friend had found someone who made him that happy. I glanced around the group of couples and kids gathered in my backyard for the cookout I’d decided to host to celebrate Lyla and Adam finally getting engaged. Adam had gotten the ring months earlier, but he’d wanted to wait until after Logan and Izzy’s wedding to pop the question.

This time, being surrounded by all the couples in love didn’t leave me yearning for that same thing. Because I already had it.

I tightened my arm around Mia’s waist, pulling her closer to me.

She side-eyed me with a warning look. “Don’t you even think about it.”

I frowned, giving her my best puppy dog pout. “You don’t want a kiss?”

She rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to be tickled. But I’ll take the kiss.”

I pursed my lips and tipped my head back and forth, trying to decide if I’d rather tickle her or kiss her, because I was smart enough to know I wasn’t getting both. I was comfortable and happy with her sitting on my lap, so for now I chose the latter. I’d hold her down and tickle her later when it was just us, and I could get her naked.

Threading my fingers through her hair, I pulled her to me and claimed her mouth in a long, slow kiss.