Fall Into Temptation (Blue Moon Book #2)(94)

“What’ll it cost me?”

“Naming rights for one of your kids.”

“Done.”

A second round of Summer’s Wheat and some more back slapping and razzing removed any leftover clogged emotions. Beckett was just considering slipping downstairs to check out the equipment and maybe start thinking about the next batch of beer when Jax cleared his throat. And Beckett braced for the unknown.

“How much was the loan?” His younger brother didn’t do serious often, but when he did it was enough to stop and take notice.

“What loan?” Beckett asked innocently.

“The one you took out to save the farm.” Carter’s tone was serious.

“Are we back on that again? What does it matter?”

“We’re paying our thirds,” Jax announced, whipping a checkbook from his back pocket.

“I don’t want your f*cking money,” Beckett bit the words off, the good mood from moments ago dissolved.

“We don’t f*cking care,” Carter said good-naturedly. “And you’re an * for thinking we’d let you carry the financial burden alone like that.”

“I’m not an *.”

“Then prove it. Let us pay you back,” Jax said. “How would you feel if one of us had done what you did?”

Beckett blew out a breath. “That’s beside the point.”

“That is the point. Dick,” Carter countered.

“It was years ago. I don’t need your money.”

“It’s not about needing the money,” Jax argued. “It’s about doing the right thing. Prick.”

“I might have a better idea. You know how Mom and Franklin haven’t been able to find a place to live?”

His brothers nodded, and Beckett filled them in on his plan.

Jax whistled. “You are on a roll today.”





35





Beckett sat by himself at the bar and watched the festivities. Summer glowed in her gown and Carter, buoyed by happiness, practically floated off the floor during their first dance as husband and wife.

Nikolai Vulkov, Summer’s best friend from the city, captured the moment through his camera.

Beckett noticed that Niko’s gaze had more than once found its way to Gia. But who could blame him? Her dress, a dusky purple, nipped in at the waist and dipped low in the back, leaving that long line of flawless ivory skin bare. It was sophisticated and stylish, just like Summer. But on Gianna it was even more. Sensual. Stunning.

When she twirled, as she was now holding Aurora, the skirt floated away from her legs and the lights caught subtle beading woven throughout the material.

He’d walked her down the aisle and wanted to do it again.

He rubbed a hand over his jaw, minding the fading bruises from Jax and Carter.

Jax, his black eye now more green and yellow, strolled up to him. Summer had threatened to plaster makeup on them for pictures until Niko gave his word he’d edit out the cuts and bruises.

“Think we’ll ever be that happy?” Jax asked, tipping the neck of the bottle toward Carter.

“It’s not humanly possible to be that happy,” Beckett shook his head.

“Maybe they put something in the beer, because Mom and Franklin are looking pretty cheerful, too.”

Jax wandered off while Beckett’s gaze found his mother standing on the edge of the dance floor with Summer’s parents. She was watching Carter and Summer as they danced, her hands clasped to her heart. Franklin’s arms were wrapped around her, holding her close. Together they swayed silently to the music.

He wanted to be that happy.

With Gianna.

“So you gonna marry her or what?”

Beckett choked on his beer.

Evan climbed up on the stool next to him.

“Barkeep, a soda for my friend,” Beckett said. Skye, the busty bartender from the caterer, gave Evan a slow-eyed wink and poured a Coke into a tall glass.

Evan swiveled on his stool to face the dance floor. “So, are you?”

“Pardon my bluntness, but shouldn’t you have some deep-seated need to keep your parents together?” Beckett asked.

Evan smirked. “You met my dad. And he’s great and all, but Gia deserves better. So do Rora and me.”

Beckett’s gut paused mid-churn. “And you think I’m better?”

“Even when Gia and my dad were together, she still did everything for us. Made our lunches, came to all my games, took care of us when we were sick. With you, it wouldn’t just be her. I try to help out when I can, but I’m still a kid. You’d want to be a team. You wouldn’t make her do everything alone. My dad left, you know.”

“Left, like for good?”

“He was just visiting between gigs,” Evan said. “He wasn’t going to stay with us.”

Beckett’s heart hurt for the kid who should be wanted. “Does that bother you?”

“I live with Gia. We talk about feelings and stuff a lot. It’s mostly annoying, but I get it. Dad isn’t focused on being a dad. He just doesn’t have that gene. And me getting mad at him for not being who I want him to be is a waste. He’s not a bad guy. He just doesn’t know how to be a dad.”

The kid yanked at his tie. “Plus, you’re sitting here looking at her like you wanna cry. My dad never looked at her like that. So I’m thinking this could be a win-win.”