Three nights with Wren instead of two. “That’s fantastic news.”
“What time are we going to dinner?”
“Supposed to meet them in an hour but traffic will probably be chaotic. Can you be ready to go in thirty minutes?”
“Even if I put on a little makeup I can be ready in fifteen.”
“I love when a girl is beautiful and low maintenance.” Bridgette used to piss me off so bad taking forever to get ready. That’s Warren’s problem now.
As promised, Wren is ready in fifteen minutes, and lovely as ever. “Denim shorts and a tank top okay for the restaurant and an outdoor concert?”
“It’s a bar and grill that serves vegan. Very casual so you look perfect.”
I lean against the back of the couch and pull her to stand between my legs. She wraps her arms around my shoulders as I slip my hands into the back pockets of her shorts. “I’m very happy you’re here.”
“Me too.”
“I’ve been working on Stout, getting him used to seeing me fully committed to a girlfriend. You may not know it but I walk the line for you. And it’s a fine one.”
“A fine line, huh? I like that.” Wren puts her hands on my chest and rubs my nipples through my T-shirt. “You’re with Ollie almost every day. When you feel he’s ready to know, I’m all in.”
“He’s not there yet but I’m afraid he’ll feel betrayed in a different kind of way if we hide it from him too long. I was thinking maybe we tell him after we’ve had a couple more weekends together.”
“I’m good with a month.”
I pull her close and inhale deeply. Damn, I’ve missed this smell. “This bar and grill has some great specialty drinks. Want to go on a little early and grab one?”
“Sounds good.”
“They’ll probably be late anyway. Bridg doesn’t have the best track record for being on time and adding another kid to the equation isn’t going to speed things.”
“Poor thing. We should have gone over there to make things easier on them.”
I’m not opposed to that. “We still can. It might help them get out the door a little faster.”
Wren’s eyes widen. “Let’s do. I would love to see Ava again and meet little Tripp.”
“That works for me. We can get them to chauffeur us so we can drink as much as we want without worrying about driving.”
“Yes. Because we don’t need a DUI and rehab for a damn month to get out of it.”
“Amen.”
Wren gasps when we walk out. “Where did my car go?”
“I moved it around back while you were getting ready. It would be a dead giveaway if Stout came by.”
“True.”
I follow Wren to the passenger door of my truck and open it for her. “Such the gentleman.”
“You won’t say that later.”
“Mmm . . . have something feisty in mind?”
“Definitely.”
* * *
Warren is the one to answer the door. “Boudreaux, it’s gone to hell in a fucking hand basket.”
No surprise. “We suspected it might. That’s why we’re here.”
“The babysitter is late, Bridgette can’t get ready because Tripp wants to nurse every fifteen minutes, I haven’t showered because Ava is acting out and doesn’t want us to leave. By the way, nice to see you again, Wren. I’m sorry you’ve unsuspectingly walked into hell.”
This carnival is rolling on four flats. “What can we do to help?”
“Whatever you’re willing to do.” Warren is too damn overwhelmed to even make that decision. Parenthood is no joke.
“Uncle Boudreaux, you get Bebelle.” Wren points at Warren and then toward the hallway. “Bring Tripp to me so Bridgette can finish getting ready and then you go shower.”
Warren nods. “That’s a good plan.”
He leaves and returns a moment later with Tripp, passing him to Wren. “Thank you for coming by and doing this.”
“No problem.”
Wren isn’t a wife or mother. How is she able to walk through the door, dish out orders, and become the element to bring calm to this storm?
This woman never ceases to amaze me, no matter the issue.
Others judge. She accepts.
Others choose cruelty. She chooses compassion.
Others deny sympathy. She offers empathy.
Such a beautiful woman, inside and out.
Wren goes to the sofa with Tripp. She places him on her lap and bends over him, making eye contact. “Hello there, little guy. Are you using your mama as a pacifier? I think you are.” He grasps her thumbs and she kisses his tiny fingers. “He’s so cute, Brou.”
“I told you he was awesome.”
“He is indeed.” She picks him up and presses his cheek to hers. “What a snuggle bug.”
Ava runs into the room and tackles my leg. “Hello, Bebelle.” I pick her up and toss her into the air. “How is my girl?”
“Good.”
Ava looks over and sees Wren. “Wren.” I can’t believe she remembers her.
Ava goes to her when Wren holds out her arm, inviting her to sit next to her. “What do you think of your little brother?”
“He cwies a lot. I wanted a sista.”
“I have a baby brother too. Well, he’s not a baby anymore but he was a long time ago. I didn’t like him much at first because he cried and stole my toys but then he got a little older. And you know what happened?”
“Wut?”
“He became my best friend. And he has been since. I know you love Tripp even if you may not be crazy about him right now. And it’s okay. But that will change. Tripp will be your best friend one day soon.”
“’Kay.” Ava’s off and running.
Wren shrugs. “Well, I tried.”
“Good effort.”
Wren strokes her finger down the center of Tripp’s face from his forehead, down the slope of his nose, over his lips, ending at his chin. He closes his eyes each time she does it and before long, keeps them closed. “Is that baby voodoo?”
“He’s probably picking up on Bridgette’s anxiety so I’m helping him relax.” Within minutes, Tripp has gone to sleep.
Wren brings his hand to her cheek and strokes it down her face. “Nothing is sweeter than a baby.” Shit. She loves babies. She is a natural with babies. How could I have been so wrong?
Bridgette could be right. I may end up losing Wren because she wants things I can’t give her.
Things I won’t give her.
Lawrence Thorn
The food at the bar and grill was delectable. The drinks were to die for and the concert was one of the best shows I’ve seen in a while. It’s been an excellent night, although I’ve probably had more to drink than I should.
Bridgette pulls to a stop in front of Brou’s house. “This was a great first post-baby outing. I’m so glad you were able to make it into town, Wren.”
“It was so much fun. I’m glad you had the extra tickets.”
Brou opens his door and I slide over to get out behind him. “We’ll come by and get my truck tomorrow.”
“That’ll be fine.”
I wrap my arms around Brou from behind while he digs for the keys in his pocket. “I’m glad we did that. It was a great night.”
“Bridg and Warren are fun people.”
“She cracks me up.”
“Yeah, Bridgette’s the comedian of the two.” I can see that.
“This reminds me of a time not so long ago when someone had his hand in my panties while I was trying to open the door.” I slide my hand into the front of his jeans and move it up and down his cock. “I was so distracted I could hardly get it open. Let’s see if you do better than me.”
“Definitely distracting.” He puts the key in the lock and turns it. “Mmm . . . damn, that feels good. Eleven days is a long time.”
He swings the door wide. “Open sesame.”
He twists in my arms and grabs my waist, pulling me hard against him while we
clumsily pass through the entrance. “God, I’ve missed you so bad.”
“I know the feeling. I’ve missed you, too.”
“I want you in my bed right now.”
“I’m good with that.”
Brou walks backward, kissing me the whole way while removing our clothes. We’re both naked by the time we make it to the bed. “Tell me what you want.”