Until November (Until, #1)(48)

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I look up to see Asher watching me. I'm sitting on the floor with his cousin’s baby girl, Emma, holding her little hands as she bounces on my thighs. She is so perfect. Her cheeks are chubby and her little lips are so kissable. Holding her makes me want a baby of my own. I wonder if Asher even wants kids. He would be a great dad. I’ve seen him with his family’s kids and they love him. I look away, not wanting him to read my face. Emma giggles and grabs my hair, trying to pull it into her mouth.

“No, sweet girl. You don’t want to eat that.” I untangle my hair from her hand then tickle her, making her laugh louder. There is nothing better than hearing a baby laugh. There is something so pure and beautiful about it.

“You’re really good with her.” The rough voice startles me, and I look up to see a guy I’ve never met before standing over me.

“Um, thanks,” I say, wondering who he is. He’s about as tall as Asher but more bulky. His black hair is a little long, but it works for him, wisping out around his face in a messy I don’t give a crap kind of way. His tan skin makes the golden color of his eyes stand out more. He has full lips and a few days’ worth of stubble on his jaw that is angled perfectly. He’s not dressed up like most of the people here. He has on a pair of light jeans and a plaid shirt. I look away from him and back down to Emma, who is staring up at this guy, completely fascinated by him. I don’t blame her. He is very good-looking. But he also has a vibe about him that seems almost dangerous.

“Kenton,” the guy says.

“Sorry?” I say, looking back up at him.

“Name’s Kenton.”

“Oh, nice to meet you. I'm November.”

“Pretty name. Never seen you before.”

“I'm—”

“She’s mine,” Asher says, walking up, holding a beer.

“Shit, man. I didn’t know you were here. How are you?” They do a man hug and I stand, bringing Emma with me. When I get to my feet, Asher pulls me to him, tucking me under his arm.

“I'm good. Ma would have my balls if I tried to skip out on Christmas Eve.”

“True.” Kenton chuckles, looking between me and Asher. “So, this is your girl?” he asks in disbelief and I giggle. Everyone is always so surprised that Asher has a girlfriend.

Asher looks down at me and smiles. Then, he kisses the top of my head. “Yeah, she’s mine.”

“Do you know how many hearts are breaking?” he asks, looking at me.

“Trust me, I know.” I roll my eyes at him. I have become public enemy number one around here. You would think I went to the homes of all these chicks and personally stole their most treasured possessions.

“So, what are you doing in town? Last time we spoke, you were heading out to Mexico on a case?” Asher asks.

“I got back yesterday. The trail went cold. I came home for Christmas and to see if I can find any new leads. If I can’t find anything, I’ll leave again after the new year.”

“I need your help with something while you’re in town. I’ll set up a time this next week when we can meet up.”

“Is everything okay? Is it Joan?” Kenton asks. At the name Joan, Asher’s arm tightens. I look up and see that his jaw is locked, and I wonder who Joan is. But before I can ask, Emma starts crying.

“Um…I'm going to find her mom,” I say, looking up at Asher.

“Sure, baby. Come back to me when you’re done.”

“Okay,” I whisper as he kisses my temple.

“It was nice meeting you, Kenton,” I say, smiling.

He’s looking at me closely and shakes his head, smiling, then says, “Yeah, you too. I’ll see you around, I'm sure.”

“Yeah,” I mumble, feeling uncomfortable and wondering who Joan is and why that name would make Asher upset. I find Emma’s mom and we talk for a few minutes and exchange numbers. She lives a couple towns over and is around my age. I like her right away and would love to spend more time with Emma. I walk back through the crowd and see Asher still talking to Kenton. It looks serious, so I make my way to the kitchen to find Susan.

“Hey, do you need any help?” I ask Susan after I find her in the pantry. She’s standing on a ladder and it looks like it might fall over.

“Oh, thank God.” She turns, looking down at me. “I need help getting some platters made up and set out. Are your dad and grandma here yet?” she asks, going back to looking on the shelf.

“Not yet. He said they were running late but they’d be here soon.”

“Good. Here, grab these.” She hands me three trays. “You can help me until they show up.” She smiles, stepping down from the ladder. We walk into the kitchen. Their kitchen is a galley style. It’s long and updated, but closed off from the rest of the house so you can’t see anyone unless they walk into it.

“Can I ask you a question?” I ask, setting the trays down on the counter.

“Sure, you know you don’t even have to ask. I'm always here anytime you need me.”

“Thanks,” I say. My voice is clogged from the lump in my throat. “Um, who is Joan?” Her face freezes and I'm not sure what that means.

“She was Asher’s wife.” Well, crap. That’s not what I expected at all.