Stripping Callum (Last Hangman MC Book 6)(20)

“Aren’t Gail and Danny bothered by it?”

“They think of you as their sister. They love you to bits and care for you as much as I do. They never fought for my attention or love. They know I love and care for them both the same way. I love kids. If I could still have them without any possible consequences to my health or the baby’s health, then I would probably have ten more kids. I’ll have to settle for a couple of grandkids, starting with little Elijah.” She beamed, rubbing my tummy.

“You have no idea how much this all means to me. I was devastated when my parents died. Even though things were good in the beginning with my aunt, things went down fast. I wasn’t feeling the love anymore. It feels amazing and fills me with joy to be a part of a family again. I love all three of you like you’re my own family, too.”

“Stop it, you’re going to make me cry.” She fanned her face giggling and pulled me in for a hug.

“You started the sappy talk, not me.” I chuckled and hugged her back.

“Okay, okay, I’m guilty on that one.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Yes, of course, sweetheart. What is it?”

“What happened to Danny’s father? I don’t think I’ve ever met him,” I said, perplexed, wracking my brain trying to remember if I did meet him or not.

“No, you haven’t. He’s still very much alive, but we don’t get to see him in person often,” she said sadly.

“Why not? If I may ask.” The last thing I wanted to do was step on any toes and say or ask the wrong thing.

“He’s in the Marines. He’s due to come back in two months, finally.”

“Was it his last time serving in the Marines?”

“Yes, he has an ongoing injury from the previous tour. He wanted to go back and serve his country, but his body isn’t coping with the injury as it used to. I can’t wait to finally have him back in our lives for good. The kids and I always Skype with him every other day, but it’s not the same. The last time they saw him in person was two years ago.”

“I can’t even begin to imagine how it must feel.”

“It’s hard, but you know they’re doing it for their country.”

We kept talking for hours about how it was living with a Marine and not being able to spend much time with him. I long to have the relationship they have one day. They can be thousands of miles apart and still stay faithful to each other and love each other as much as day one. It seems like being apart for so long is reinforcing their relationship and their love. It’s beautiful to see.

I’ve dated two guys these past four years and it was always awkward, especially when they found out I had a baby and I was so young. They don’t deserve to be with me if they don’t accept everything I come with. It might not be easy to take on, but no need to be a dickhead about it. The last one was the real winner. He gave me the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ bullshit, and I never heard from him ever again.

Nothing came out of those relationships, not even heartache. I was gutted it ended, but nothing more than that. Gail questioned my sanity and wondered if I was human. For some reason, I just can’t fall in love or develop deep feelings for anyone. In a way I’m glad, saves me heartache, but a part of me wants to experience that kind of feeling. I guess I haven’t met the right person to fall for just yet.

I jump as I hear the front door open and see a shadow move toward the living room. I tiptoe toward the kitchen and grab a frying pan. I’m not going to let anyone rob this place without a fight.

I hide by the fridge, trying to be as quiet as I can, which is weirdly easy when you fear for your life. I’m ready to swing at whoever is invading our apartment when the lights turn on, and I see the mysterious shadow is none other than Gail.

“What the hell are you doing coming back at this time of the night? You scared me half to death!” I exclaim.

“Shush, you’re going to wake Elijah up. What the hell are you doing with a frying pan in the air?” She raises a perfectly groomed and filled in brow.

“What? I wasn’t going to let anyone rob us or hurt us without a fight! That doesn’t explain what you were doing out at this time of the night, or morning.” I put the pan down and sit at the kitchen island.

“I was out with friends, Mommy.” She glares at me and rolls her eyes.

“Either you’re drunk or you’re hungry or maybe ashamed that you were caught doing the walk of shame?” I snigger.

“Hungry, yes; drunk, no; you should know better. Caught doing the walk of shame? Maybe.”

“Spill, woman.” I tap my nails on the counter.

“You’re going to think less of me if I tell you,” she says, looking down.

“Nothing would make me think less of you, babe. Remember, no judging?” I nudge her side, and she smiles softly. If I know something about Gail it’s that she’s highly ticklish, and I can get the truth out of her that way. Besides, she can never stay mad at me for long.

“Promise me it won’t change anything between us.” She looks up at me.

“I promise.” I lift my right hand and wait for her to start talking.

“I’m a stripper.” She blows out a breath. I stare at her for a good few seconds with wide eyes, and I burst out laughing. “I’m serious!”