by Samantha Bee
My eyes flick between Ryder and Declan. There's a different type of tension floating around now. Can't say I hate this kind though.
I think it will be kind of fun to watch all three of them try and continue denying their attractions to each other. Should make for some good entertainment at least for me and Noah. Luca is too serious for that but when I meet Noah's eyes and see the sparkle of amusement there, I know we are having the same thoughts.
I smirk at him and roll my eyes. Scar looks back and forth between us and shakes her head. Her exasperation with us only makes my grin grow wider.
"Dopey," Declan says, drawing me out of my thoughts. He nods to himself. "I finally get it." I snort, realizing he's talking about my smile. That is how Scar always describes it. I guess it’s good to know she didn’t only tell him the bad about us.
He leans down and kisses Scar's forehead, handing her an iced coffee. She preens under his attention, her whole face lights up as she takes the coffee. I look back to Noah and cock my brows. He's already shaking his head and rolling his eyes.
How the fuck those two aren't fucking yet is beyond me. Especially, with the level of care Declan lavishes on her. I wonder how clueless Scar actually is about his feelings for her. I know she's completely off base with Ry's attraction to her. She thinks he's the one who doesn't see her that way.
Idiots.
"There's something on your cup." Noah points out to Scar and I see Declan already smirking, so he must have known it was there. Scar lifts the cup up to read what's written in sharpie on it. There's only one moment of silence before she throws her head back and cackles.
I slip my phone out of my pocket and take a quick picture.
The lighting in the kitchen is perfect, the sun shining just perfectly on her making her look almost ethereal as she laughs. Her hair flowing behind her. Her eyes closed as she loses herself in her laugh.
We all start to chuckle with her, not even knowing what she's laughing at. The sound is just infectious. Lighter and louder, more carefree than I've heard from her in too long. These are the moments I live for with her.
She finally settles down enough to read to the rest of us what's on the cup. "I miss you, you fucking cunt. Signed your favorite barista bitch. Fuck, I miss Britt." She shakes her head, her hair swinging around her.
I grin. I kind of miss the fierce little redhead too. I've enjoyed having Jade around more. She's much tamer than Scar's other friend. Less reserved than Josie though. It's funny to see how many different personalities Scar draws to her side, even when it comes to her friendships. I send Mikey and Ronan a quick text to bring Britt to training later if they can. I know they miss each other something fierce. Plus, it’ll be a good way to ease all these newbs into the fold.
Before any of us can respond, we hear the doorbell ring. Just before I leave the kitchen, I sneak around Scar and swipe Noah's coffee from in front of him as he gets up.
"You bastard!" he calls after me, but I'm already laughing as I make my way into the living room behind Scar, Ry and D.
Ry reaches the door first and opens it to a grinning Joe, a smug looking Charlene, and Roe bouncing on her little feet in her excitement. As soon as the door opens enough to reveal Ryder standing there, Roe is launching herself at his legs. She wraps her arms around as she yells excitedly, "Daddy!"
Oh shit.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Daddy. Daddy. Daddy.
The one single word runs on a never ending loop through my mind. A feeling close to elation bubbling up in me with every step I take. I push myself harder than I ever have as I run through the tunnels. Ian, Holden, and Ty at my side.
It's just the four of us today but we've all gotten much more confident in the different pathways down here. Our pace is faster than normal but none of them complain as I push it into an even higher gear.
They all know what happened and by the smirk I can make out on Ian's face as he matches his pace with mine, I know he's aware of exactly what has put an extra pep in my step today.
Daddy. Fucking Daddy.
I’ve never really considered having kids. I guess a part of me was probably worried that I would fuck them up the way my dad fucked me up. Part of me thought I would never really find someone I wanted to spend the rest of my life with either. It always seemed like this impossible idea. Something for normal people to dream about and I lost any chance of that when my mom died.
I wonder if Jen felt the same way. We never really talked about it, but she didn't date all that much either. A sharp pang tears through my chest. I wish Jen could see the relationship between me and Rowan now.
Daddy.
She's such a boss little kid. We should have known it from the very beginning. The way she took hold of all of us and had us eating out of the palm of her little hand without ever having to even try. She became the head dictator in charge. The way she just decided that Scar was her mom. The way she had all of us dressed up for Halloween, in the most ridiculous costumes. And yet none of us even batted an eyelash at her orders.
Yeah, she's definitely the one in charge now. I guess none of us really should have been all that surprised by the way this played out too.
I smile to myself as I run through the whole thing in my head once more.
I looked down at her wrapped around my legs, my eyes wide and my mouth hanging open as her scream registered. Did she just call me Daddy? My eyes moved up to see the knowing expressions on Joe and Charlene's faces before swinging my gaze around at the others.
The only two who weren't wearing expressions of shock are the two that brought Roe here. The two that told us they had something to discuss with us. And it dawned on me that this must be exactly what they wanted to discuss.
I swallowed past the emotions in my throat as I pat Roe's head. "Hey, Roe baby." I offered my arms for her to jump into. The rest of the room was still frozen as everyone tried to figure out how we are supposed to react.
She shook her head, releasing my legs before she looked around at everyone else. She giggled as she waved to Scar. "Hi, Mommy."
Scar huffed, clearly just as clueless as how to respond. "Hi, baby." She walked over and scooped Roe into her arms, not giving her the chance to protest the way I did. She tickled the little girl's belly until Roe was shrieking with laughter.
"Momma! Stop! I have to talk to The Daddies." Scar pulled back a perplexed look on her face. I traded looks with the other guys. Did I just hear Roe correctly?
Scar looked at Roe thoughtfully. "Who do you have to talk to, Roe?" I heard Joe smothering a laugh somewhere behind me and the distinct sound of a smack. I assumed that was Charlene hitting him.
Roe stood up tall and straightened her shirt as she gave her mom a serious look. "The Daddies, Momma. I gotta talk to them."
Yupp.
We all heard clear as day that time around. The Daddies. What the actual fuck is happening right now? I looked around at the others only to see my own shock reflected on all of their faces. The Daddies. Holy fuck. I started to chuckle before I could get it under control.
Scar just ignored me as she got down on her knees to talk to Roe. "Mhm." She nodded before sneaking a quick peek at the rest of us. "And just who are The Daddies?" she asked Roe.
Roe beamed at her before pointing to not only me but all four of the other guys as well. The five of us were still unable to do anything other than just gape at the little girl who owns the other half of our hearts.
Scar nodded like she had expected that. But not me. Nope. I was fucking floored. Confusion, happiness, pride, and a generous serving of fear mixed in there too.
"And what do you need to speak to The Daddies about?" She stumbled over our apparent new name. Not that I could blame her, we sound like a bad eighties band.
Roe dropped her voice to a whisper as if we wouldn't be able to hear her. "I don't think they know they're my daddies. I have to tell them." At that, Joe finally lost it. Bursting into laughter even as Charlene smiled and chastised him. Scar st
ruggled to remain straight faced, gnawing on her lip as she regarded Roe.
"I see you're very serious about this," Scar reasoned. Roe gave her a quick nod in agreement, her little face set into a fierce expression. "Why do you think they don't know?"
Roe tilted her head while she thought about it. "Well, I've never called them Daddy before."
Scar nodded as if that made perfect sense. I guessed in a way it did? I was still so baffled by the conversation. We all had slowly moved closer until we were all hovering around the couch, just watching Scar deal with the conversation. I didn't trust myself to add anything in, I don't think the guys did either.
Scar finally got to the biggest question I think we all had. "So, kiddo, what exactly made you decide to start calling them Daddy?"
Roe wasted no time in telling us all about the little boy at school that had brought the entire subject up in the first place. As she started to get to the end of her story, she let out a deep breath. "So, I asked what a daddy even was." She shrugged but it felt like a knife to the heart that she didn't even really know what the word meant. She really was completely alone until Scar saved her. "And he said daddies kiss your mommy and tuck you into bed and buy you presents, and they kiss your forehead too. So, then I asked Kai if he was right and he had to think about it but then him and Cal agreed that's what their daddy does. And then Trev agreed too except they don’t have mommies. They don’t know why but then I realized that I had heard the word daddy before, but I didn't think I had one. But then I realized I had lots of daddies!"
Her words rushed out of her so fast in a way that only little kids are capable of. With every word out of her mouth she grew more and more excited. I already knew none of us were going to burst her bubble and tell her that we couldn't all be her daddy. Or that not all of us give Scar kisses like that.
She may have simplified it in her mind, but in a way, we do all act as her parents. I can't deny the growing sense of rightness in my chest.
Scar on the other hand, got a serious look on her face. "I don't kiss all of them." She pointed out to her, but Roe just laughed her off. "Yes, you do! Daddy D gives you kisses on the head all the time." She paused as the words came out of her mouth, thinking about it for a moment. "Oh, Daddy D gives you forehead kisses. Is he your Daddy, too?"
I couldn't help the snort that escaped at her innocent question. I wasn't the only one either. All five of us had a hard time collecting ourselves. Before Scar had a chance to backtrack, Kade jumped into motion, crouching down next to them. "Yeah, Scar. Is Declan going to be your daddy?" She groaned and smacked him and the rest of us broke free of the trance we had been in. All moving towards Roe.
"Never mind," Scar muttered. Roe had already focused on Kade, an excited little smile on her face. "Come here, Butterfly. Daddy K wants a kiss." He opened his arms for her, and she didn't hesitate to jump into his arms and smack a kiss against his cheek.
The rest of us traded looks and shrugged. We already were kind of acting as her parents. We all already agreed that the six of us were family. We might not all be romantic with Scar, but as far as I'm concerned, that's not the most important factor in being a family. We tick all the other boxes. If Roe wants five dads, who were we to say no?
After we all had a turn getting hugs from Roe and accepting our new roles that she had decided for us, Scar swept her back up in her arms. "So this kid?" She started. "Is it the same kid you punched?"
Roe blushed at the question. "You know about that?"
We all laughed, and Scar gave her a little fist bump. "Good form, kiddo."
"Scarlett," Charlene snapped and Scar's eyes went wide as she turned to face her. "Umm, I mean. Whatever Pops and Grandma told you?" It came out as more of a question as if she wasn't sure what else a parent should say.
Joe nodded like that was the perfect answer. "Remember what we talked about, Roe?"
She nodded seriously. "If we are going to punch rude kids, make sure not to do it in front of the teacher."
My mouth parted open as I snorted again. I don't think that's how you're supposed to parent. But Scar just nodded. "That's solid advice." Not one person in the room disagreed. Not even Charlene, although she did look exasperated.
Yeah, raising Roe sure is going to be interesting.
We finish the run and I check the time to find that this was our fastest time yet. I look around and see that Ian was able to keep pace with me as I pushed myself harder than I ever have before. Tyler and Holden were only a few paces behind us though.
All four of us have sweat dripping down our faces and are panting to catch our breath. Even as I double over, a cramp working its way up my side, I can't help but keep smiling. This might be the best day of my whole life.
The more I think about that smiling little girl, the more perfect my life seems. I wish Jen were here to see it but even that pain isn't as sharp. Roe's love dulling the pain of even my worst monsters.
Ian's hand slaps down on my shoulder. "Hell, you really pushed me today."
"No kidding," Tyler pants next to me. I just grin back at them. Not sure I want to vocalize just how hyped I am that I became a dad today.
Holy shit. I became a dad.
It's strange as hell to think about and yet nothing has ever come to me easily as I accepted this place in her life. I wonder if it was like this for Scar. It always did just seem to make sense to all of us as soon as Roe started calling her Mommy.
Even with it being all five of us, I have the same sense of rightness in this. Her excitement over not only having one dad but five, just makes the entire thing that much better.
Holden stretches his arms over his head when we all flinch as Scar's voice sounds through our earpieces. "Good times, boys. Better still have energy left for me to kick your asses though."
Oh fuck. Forgot we were back to training today.
We all trade worried looks and I know she must be watching the cameras when she cackles through the line. "That's what I thought. Buck up, buttercups. See you soon."
"We are so fucked," Holden groans. We all nod our agreement before we start to stretch out.
I can't bring myself to regret the run though. It was invigorating and it sure as hell matched my mood.
I'm not surprised to find everybody already here when we pull up to the gym. The guys all seem to be running on the same energy high as I am. We walk in to find Luca and Kade already sparring. They're both wearing savage grins on their faces as they hold nothing back. Throwing everything they have into taking down the other.
If I didn't know them, didn't know the brotherhood between them, I would think they hated each other something fierce. I can see the fight for what it is though, a show of respect. They both know the other can hold their own, so there isn't a need to hold their punches. I know when we spar, they do hold back. I've come a long way since I started this, but I know I'm nowhere close to their league. They fight with a brutality and a dominance without ever losing control. That kind of balance can only be learned through years of conditioning and muscle memory.
Declan and Noah lean back against some of the other equipment taking in the gym around them. I feel my brows raise in surprise as I trade looks with the others. It doesn't seem like they knew they were going to be here either. I mean, I don't know why they would know, and I wouldn't. But it's nice to know I'm not alone.
I look around trying to find Scar but can't seem to find her. I catch sight of Roe and the boys playing in the ring that I've started to think of as theirs. I head that way to say hi and see if she knows where her mom is.
When she sees me, she gives me a huge but sleepy grin. "Daddy," she says softly. That feeling expands through my chest again. Pure joy and pride rushing through my veins as I smile at my girl.
My daughter.
Holy fuck.
I think I must be channeling Kade's big ass, dopey grin because I've never liked the sound of anything more. My cheeks actually hurt from how much I've been smiling all day.
"Com
e here, Rosie Posie." She climbs into my arms and I cradle her to me as she yawns. "Is it nap time?" I ask her but she vehemently shakes her head. "You sure?" I chuckle at the defiant little expression she makes. "Whatever you say, sweet girl." I kiss her head as I rock her in my arms.
I look around at the boys as all eyes are on her. "Hey kiddos."
They grin up at me. "Hi, Uncle Ry." The same feeling rushes through me. Not as much as when Roe calls me Daddy but that same damn warmth. What is it about kids that really take the meaning of family to the next level?
I have fun teasing the boys and hearing about their escapades at school, all while rocking Roe in my arms. At first, she piped up with her own commentary but before even five minutes had passed, I hear her soft little snores as she sleeps with her head on my shoulder. I grin down at her.
"Have you boys seen your Aunt Scar?"
I hear her laugh behind me. I turn to find her, Jade and Britt standing there with their arms full of pillows and blankets. "We knew they needed to nap," she explains as she climbs into the ring and starts laying out the blankets and pillows. "Charlene had an appointment and we needed Joe here today. So I thought, pillow fort." She shrugs before looking at Roe again, her features softening the way they always do. I have a feeling it's the same for all of us. Roe has a way of making even our most jagged edges seem dull.
"I guess she couldn't wait though."
Britt laughs. "I wouldn't want to wait either if tall, dark, and handsome over here was willing to spin me in his arms." My chest rumbles with my laughter even as I try to stay quiet and avoid waking Roe up. I lose when Ronan comes up behind her though and pinches her ass and she yelps.
"Watch it, girly, or I'll show you tall, dark, and handsome."
She arches one brow. "Is that a threat? Because it sounds a hell of a lot like a promise to me."
He brings his hand back down across her ass, but she just smiles. "You're really asking me to show you just how dark I can be."
"Whoa, turn it down there, Casanova," Scar jokes. "You're making me all hot and heavy."
