Ryley's Revenge (Gloves Off #2)(72)

“I can’t believe this,” I whispered. “I get my boy.”

“And I get my girl,” he finished. “Hopefully, she’ll look like her mother.”

Looking at the picture of our boy, I laughed and held it over my heart. “Is it bad that I’m scared our boy will look like you? He’ll be one good-looking heartbreaker when he gets older. I feel sorry for the girls already. Although, none of them will ever be good enough for my little man.”

Ryley put his arm around me and helped me off of the table. “I wouldn’t worry too much about him. If he takes after me, it won’t be so bad. I mean, I found you, right? That at least counts for something. Our girl, on the other hand, is going to hate me when she starts dating. Maybe I should invest in some rifles?”

“You have a long time before that’s necessary,” I teased.

“Let’s hope so. Now all we need to do is come up with names.”

“I want our girl to have Gabriella as a middle name. She’s the reason we met and she’s my best friend. I think she’ll like that. Besides, she’ll basically be their aunt anyway.”

Ryley nodded, but then his lip turned up in a sad smile. “I don’t see a problem with that, just as long as you let our son have my father’s name as his middle.”

“What is it? I don’t think you ever told me.” I never wanted to bring up the topic of his father since it was such a sore subject. I couldn’t imagine how horrible it would be to have one of your parents die in your arms.

“Alexander,” he answered softly.

“Alexander,” I repeated. “I like that. Now all we need are first names. I think Ethan would be a great name for a boy. Ethan Alexander Jameson. What do you think about that?”

Ryley pursed his lips, furrowing his brows. “That sounds good. Just as long as you let me pick our daughter’s name.”

“Oh, hell. I don’t know if I like the sound of that. I’m afraid of what you’ll come up with.”





“I think I have it,” Ryley murmured. It was late and I could barely keep my eyes open, but I turned in the bed and faced him. His crystal gaze shone bright and full of life as he stared down at me.

“What are you talking about?” I mumbled, snuggling into his chest.

“I figured out our daughter’s name. I’ve been thinking about it all day and it finally clicked into place.”

“Oh yeah?” I smiled. “What did you come up with?”

Lowering his hand to my bare stomach, he bent down and kissed the swell of my belly, speaking against my skin. “Emma.”

“Emma,” I said aloud, trying it out. “It’s beautiful. What made you think of it?”

Keeping his hand on my belly, he smiled. “The name Emma means whole. I wouldn’t be complete without her, or you, or Ethan. All of us together are what makes me who I am. I would be nothing without you.”

Bringing his hand to my face, I held it on my cheek and leaned into it. “I feel the same way. And I know Emma and Ethan feel the same way too. They won’t stop kicking me. I guess they’re going to take after their daddy.”

They were still small, but their little fists and feet were giving my insides a workout. Ryley sat up on his elbow and chuckled each time my stomach would flutter. “They’re going to take after us both, angel. I just hope they can handle a father like me.”

“They’re strong,” I said. “I’m pretty sure they can handle anything. They’re Jameson’s, what do you expect?”

He looked up at me, full of love. “And soon you will be too. I can’t wait for the day I can call you my wife.”

Me too. Soon . . .





FOR THE PAST week, Paxton had given me time to adjust to my life without Ashleigh by my side. She was gone to her cabin in the mountains, living the dream life. I was happy for her and Ryley, but I sure as hell was going to miss her. I had a feeling I knew what Paxton’s terms were going to be anyway. Maybe he’ll forget about me this week. Fat chance on that.

When the knock sounded on my door, there were two options. It was either going to be Bradley or Paxton. For the past week, I had basically thrown Bradley to the side, and I could feel the hole growing bigger between us. Every time I was busy, I was with my fighters and he didn’t like it. We spent more time angry at each other than actually civilized. However, when I opened the door, it wasn’t Bradley. It was a tattooed fighter wearing f*ck me jeans and a tight black T-shirt. Walk away, Gabby.

“So we meet again,” he said simply. For a moment, his sea green eyes flustered me like they did every time I saw him. This time, I couldn’t let that happen.

Throwing open the door, I rolled my eyes and ventured back into my living room. He was going to come in anyway, there was no reason to stop him. “It appears so,” I grumbled. “You know, I was kind of wishing you’d forget about me. I guess the hundred pennies I threw in that well didn’t work.”

The door shut and I could hear him chuckle. “Sorry, love. No wish is going to get you out of our agreement. I gave you a week of freedom, but now your time’s up. You’re not thinking of backing out are you?”

Instead of sitting beside me on the couch, he sat in the chair across from me, his gaze boring straight into mine. “No. I made a promise and I’m going to keep it. I always keep my promises.”