Until Cobi (Until Her/Him #7)(66)

“You’re Sage’s cousin, right?” a deep voice asks, and my hair stands on end while butterflies take flight in my stomach.

I don’t have to look to know it’s him speaking. Still, I tip my head way back to catch his gaze. Lord, save me. He’s tall and so beautiful. I thought I got that from across the room, but seeing him up close is something else.

“I think he told me you were.” His brows draw together over his dark eyes surrounded by thick lashes as I stare at him.

I mentally slap myself and force my mouth to start working. “Yes, I’m December.”

His brow relaxes and he leans into the bar next to me with his hip, crossing his arms over his chest. “Another month.” His eyes twinkle with humor.

“Pardon?”

“Met a July, June, May, and April. Now, December.”

At the mention of April, my stomach twists. “Our parents were keeping with a theme.” I pick up my wine and take a very unladylike gulp. Why didn’t I see him first?

“Gareth.” His hand comes my way. I don’t want to take it, really don’t want to, but my manners force me to place my hand in his. When his rough, warm strength envelops my hand, my breath sticks in my lungs. “It’s nice to meet you.”

I lick my lips, and whisper, “You too.” With my hand still held in his, his gaze searches mine. The intense look in his eyes makes me feel funny, makes me feel like he sees some part of me I don’t even know about.

“I thought you weren’t drinking.” My eyes close, blocking out Gareth, as April suddenly tosses her arm around my shoulders. “You’re such a rebel, drinking wine when you’re supposed to get me home safely.”

“It’s just one glass. I’ll be fine to drive you home later.” I open my eyes and turn my head to look at her.

“I know,” she agrees, looking at me, and then she looks at Gareth and smiles. “My sister is a good girl. She always follows the rules.”

God, I really wish that weren’t true.





Epilogue


Hadley

WITH CHLOE FINALLY LATCHED onto my breast, I study her beautiful little face while gently rocking her. At just five days old, we’re still in the process of me getting used to breastfeeding, and her taking my breast. It’s been a learning curve, but I can honestly say there is something beautiful about having her take whatever she needs from me.

When she’s finally had her fill, I adjust my shirt before bringing her up to my shoulder and rubbing her back. I press my nose into the top of her head and breathe in her scent, closing my eyes. The rattle of dog tags catches my attention, and I smile when I see Maxim wander into the room. He’s been a trooper the last few days, between spending time at Cobi’s mom and dad’s while I was in the hospital giving birth, and coming home to a baby eating up most of his parents’ time.

“Hey, big guy,” I say, and he sets his head on my lap then presses his nose into Chloe’s leg for a couple of seconds before looking up at me. “I know it’s going to take some getting used to, but you’ll be okay.”

I stop rubbing Chloe so I can scratch behind his ears, and then move my hand back to her when she lets out a cry. Maxim lifts his head from my lap, tipping it from side to side, studying her before going and lying down next to her crib with a long groan.

After Chloe has burped and gone to sleep, I lay her down in her crib and turn on the baby monitor so I can watch her while I’m in the kitchen. Maxim doesn’t move from his spot next to her crib, but then again, when she’s in there, he never does. When I make it to the kitchen, I see Cobi left the news playing on the TV before he left to run to the store. I don’t change it; instead, I pour myself some orange juice, drink it, and then go to the couch. Taking the monitor with me, I set it on the coffee table before I lie down.

Cobi wanted us to move from the townhouse during my last trimester into an actual home with a yard, but I put my foot down and refused. The place is perfect for us, and just the right amount of rooms. I know that eventually we will build a house on the piece of property his parents deeded out to him and me as a wedding gift, but I don’t want to move before then. This place holds special memories for me, memories filled with falling in love and building a family. These walls hold our story, and even though I know we will eventually grow out of this place, I’m not ready to let it go just yet.

I feel fingers trail down the side of my face and open my eyes, sitting up quickly. “It’s okay, just wanted to let you know I’m back,” Cobi says, and I notice he has Chloe resting in the crook of his tattooed arm.

“Did she wake up?” I ask, feeling like a horrible mom if she woke up and I didn’t hear her.

“No, saw you asleep, went to check on her, and couldn’t resist picking her up.” He gives me a sheepish smile.

“I think we’re spoiling her.” I run my fingers across her cheek, and her lips pucker in response.

“And I don’t think I care,” he responds, looking down at her for a moment before lifting his eyes to mine. “I’ll always spoil my girls.” My face gets soft and I lean over Chloe and press my lips to his jaw. When I pull away, I touch my fingers to where my lips were.

“We love you,” I whisper.

“I know,” he whispers back.