by Liv Brywood
“Hopefully never. Go ahead and send Emily in. We should be finished quickly.”
After Emily gave her statement, the two returned to the kitchen where Kade and his mom sat sipping tea. Tucker slept in the high chair.
“I’m off to work on a mountain of paperwork,” Hannity said.
“Are you coming back tonight?” his mom asked.
Kade arched a brow. He hadn’t realized the sheriff had been spending the night. Apparently, their relationship was more serious than he’d realized.
“I won’t be done until morning, but I’ll be by for some quiche and coffee cake if that’s okay with you.”
“Of course.” Kade’s mom kissed the sheriff. “Be safe out there.”
“Will do.”
After the sheriff left, Kade’s mom turned to him.
“You’re staying here tonight. I don’t want you driving up the mountain in the dark. You too, Emily. I can make up the spare room.”
Emily’s cheeks darkened at the implication. Kade winked at her. Screw the judge’s orders. He wasn’t about to let her leave his side, not after everything she’d done for him tonight.
When they finally had privacy, he lay his son in the crib. Kade closed the door to the bedroom before returning to stand over the crib. Emily stood next to him.
“He doesn’t have a scratch on him,” he said.
“I’m glad he’s okay.”
“I’ve been keeping something from you.”
“Oh.”
“Nothing bad,” he said quickly. “I wasn’t sure how to say it or when, but I can’t wait anymore.”
“Should I sit down for this?”
“Maybe.” He managed a smile and waited while she perched on the edge of the bed. He knelt in front of her and took her hands in his. “Emily, I love you. I’ve loved you since the day I met you. When you left, part of me died. I never thought I’d see you again. I know I’m not a good man, but I’m trying to be better.”
“You are a good man,” she whispered. “And I love you too.”
“You do?”
“Of course.” She smiled. “Do you think I’d risk my career for any old bear off the street? Leaving all those years ago was a mistake, something I’ll regret for a long time. But the past doesn’t have to dictate our future. If we love each other, nothing can stop us from being happy.”
“I love you, I do, more than I can express. And I know this is sudden and the last few months have been crazy and I haven’t even had my court date yet, but, Emily, will you marry me?”
“Yes!”
“Yay!” Came a soft cry through the door.
“Mom!”
The door cracked open. “I just had to make sure you’d finally come to your senses. If you didn’t ask this woman to marry you, I would have asked her for you.”
“You can’t do that,” Kade said.
“Maybe not, but I would have tried.” His mom grinned.
“Now I see where he gets it from,” Emily said.
“Gets what from?” Kade and his mom said at the same time.
All three of them burst out laughing. Tucker woke up and squealed with joy. Kade picked him up and bounced him on his hip.
“We should have the wedding as soon as possible,” his mom said.
“Why the rush?” Emily asked.
“So you can make more grandbabies.”
“Mom!” Kade shook his head. “We’ll talk about this more in the morning.”
“I’ll have my ear plugs in tonight and I’m way, way down the hall. So if you want to get frisky—”
“Out!” Kade pointed at the door.
His mom laughed and closed the door behind her.
“I love her,” Emily said.
“She’s crazy. Are you ready for a mother-in-law like that?”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
After Tucker fell asleep, Kade tucked him into the crib. He joined Emily on the bed. As much as he wanted to tear her clothes off, there was no way he’d risk it with his mom in the house. It would be way too weird.
He lay his head on her belly. She stroked his hair.
“Do you want more kids?” Emily asked.
“I hadn’t really thought about it. What about you? Are you okay with being Tucker’s mom, even though he’s not your baby?”
“I love Tucker as if he were my own flesh and blood. I’d die to protect him.”
“You almost did.” He held her close.
“I’d like two children,” she said. “A boy and a girl.”
“Okay.” He smiled. “But I don’t think you get a choice when it comes to the baby’s sex.”
“Then we’ll keep trying until we have a girl,” she said.
“What if we end up with five boys?”
“Good point. How about this, we try for a girl, but if we get to five kids, then we stop.”
“Five including Tucker? God, woman, how many children do you want?” He grinned up at her. “Are you trying to single-handedly start a new bear clan?”
“No. But I like the idea of trying.”
“My mom’s down the hall.”
“I didn’t mean right now.” She laughed. “Later. When we’re back home.”
“My house or yours?”
“Both. Mine in the winter, yours in the summer. As much as I like the seasons, I don’t like getting snowed in on the mountain.”
“I can live with that,” he said.
“Good.” She tilted his head up. “Now come up here and kiss me.”
“You’re going to rile up my bear.”
“I know how to handle him.”
Kade growled softly before giving her a toe-curling kiss. He wanted more, he wanted everything, but he could wait. As long as Emily wanted him, he’d wait forever to make her his mate.
14
Four weeks later, Kade paced the aisle in the middle of the courtroom. He held Tucker against his shoulder while he checked his watch for the tenth time. Twenty minutes until court would be in session and Emily hadn’t arrived yet. She had to be here. She was his rock, and although he didn’t anticipate any problems, he wouldn’t be able to breathe until the judge ruled in his favor.
The doors at the rear of the courtroom opened. Emily strolled in wearing a gauzy spring dress covered in multi-colored butterflies. Her chestnut hair flowed in soft waves around her face. As she walked toward him, her eyes lit up.
“There’s my big man,” she cooed.
“Uh, thanks?”
“I meant Tucker, but you’re pretty cute too.” She kissed him before reaching to take Tucker into her arms. “I missed you, baby.”
“You saw him last night.”
“Too long.” She lowered her voice. “And I think I could have spent the night. You were being a bit paranoid, don’t you think?”
“I didn’t want to risk it.”
“Everyone in town knows we’re together now. It’s not a secret.”
“I know, but I didn’t want to rub it in the judge’s face the night before the hearing.” He reached up to loosen the tie around his neck. He hated wearing the monkey suit, but Emily had insisted. “Are you sure I look okay?”
“You look so good…” She leaned closer to whisper in his ear. “…that as soon as we’re done here, I’m taking you home so I can do all kinds of bad things to you.”
A thrill raced down his spine.
“What kind of bad things?” He waggled his eyebrows. She burst out laughing.
The rear door opened again. Sheriff Hannity and Kade’s mom strolled in, arm in arm.
“Hey, Mom.”
“I’m so excited for today. I can’t wait until it’s official.” His mom looked him up and down. “You look so handsome today. Emily, you’re going to have to keep your claws ready to fend off other women.”
“She doesn’t have to worry about a thing.” Kade pulled Emily closer. “I’ve found my perfect mate. Why would I look at anyone else?”
“Good answer.” Emily grinned before k
issing him long and hard.
“Okay, kids,” the sheriff cleared his throat. “We should take a seat. Court’s starting soon.”
Kade walked through waist-high swinging doors to take his seat on the defendant’s side. He glanced over at Mrs. Olsen from the Department of Child Services. Her pinched features relaxed into a smile. She nodded his direction before returning her attention to the mound of paperwork in front of her. He didn’t envy her. Dealing with so many cases was a thankless job, but he admired her commitment to protecting children.
“All rise. The Honorable Judge Franklin is presiding.”
Kade stood until the judge sat. Propelled by nervous energy, his heartbeat kicked a notch faster.
“The first case is the State of Montana vs. Kade Hunter.”
“Mrs. Olsen,” the judge said.
She stood to address the judge.
“After several visits to the home, and on the recommendation of Deputy Slade from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department, we’re recommending that Kade Hunter be granted full custody of Tucker Slater.”
“Any objections?” the judge asked.
The courtroom remained silent.
“Good. Mr. Hunter, please rise. In light of the evidence acquired over the last 90 days, I have it on good faith that you will be a wonderful father. Your willingness and ability to clean up your act is impressive. I’d like you to consider volunteering at the youth detention center. The more troubled kids would benefit from hearing your story.”
“I’d be happy to help the community in any way I can. Thank you, Your Honor.”
“Very good. Full custody is awarded to Mr. Hunter. Case dismissed.”
When the judge banged the gavel, Kade had to swallow back tears of joy. Relief flooded his heart. With the custody issue behind him, he could finally start his new life with Tucker and Emily.
“Should we go celebrate?” Emily asked.
“Of course,” his mom replied.
Kade held his elbow out for Emily. After she grabbed it, he led her down the aisle and out of the courthouse. Kade’s mom and the sheriff joined them on the courthouse steps.
“Your ring is so beautiful.” Kade’s mom took Emily’s hand and held it up to the light. “I never thought you’d want my old ring. I considered it cursed.”
“It’s not cursed,” Emily said. “It means everything to me because it’s been in your family for generations.”
“One bad marriage isn’t enough to curse a ring,” Kade said. “And that’s all in the past anyway. I don’t know about you guys, but I could go for a mocha almond fudge milkshake from Gino’s.”
“I was thinking maybe pickles and chocolate and potato chips,” Emily said with a coy smile.
“That’s a weird combo,” Kade said.
“Oh my God!” his mom shrieked. “Am I getting another grandbaby?”
“Well…” Emily flushed as she met Kade’s stunned gaze. She rubbed her hand across her belly. “I was going to wait to tell you guys at home, but I‘m terrible at keeping secrets.”
“Are you serious?” Kade handed Tucker to his mom. He grabbed Emily in a tight embrace before quickly releasing her. He’d have to be a lot more careful with her going forward.
“I’m not fragile,” she said with a laugh. “Not yet at least.”
“Wait until you hit the six-month mark,” his mom said.
“Congratulations,” the sheriff said. He slapped a hand on Kade’s back.
“We should move up the wedding date,” Emily said. “I don’t want to look like a walrus in my wedding photos.”
“You could never look like a walrus,” Kade said. “You’ll be my beautiful bride every day for the rest of our lives.”
“Even when I’m old and wrinkly?”
“As long as they’re getting laid, no man cares if you’re old and wrinkly,” Kade’s mom said with a wink at the sheriff.
“Mom!”
Emily and his mom burst out laughing. Kade and the sheriff shook their heads.
“Women, am I right?” Kade asked.
“Can’t live without ‘em.”
“So true.”
By the time they’d reached the diner, Kade was ready to eat an entire cow. He’d been too nervous to eat all morning, but he was more than ready to make up for it now.
After helping the women into the booth, he set Tucker in a high chair. The sheriff took a seat across from Kade.
“Maybe this isn’t the right time to bring this up,” the sheriff said. “But the judge mentioned volunteering at the youth detention facility.”
“Yeah,” Kade said.
“There’s a new position opening up next month. It’s a life-skills teaching job at the detention facility. You’d be teaching kids how to do basic carpenter work, read, write, things like that. Would you be interested?”
“I don’t have a teaching credential. I barely passed high school,” Kade said.
“But you can read and write, right?”
“Sure.”
“Then you’ll be fine. We have a whole day-by-day training program laid out. All you have to do is follow it. You don’t have to give me an answer now, and I can’t guarantee you’ll get the position, but if you’re interested, I’ll put in a good word for you.”
“What are the hours?” Emily asked.
“Eight to five. You’ll be home at night and you’ll have weekends off.”
“That’s much better than the crazy hours you work at the logging company,” Emily said.
“Less dangerous too,” his mom added.
“They’re still violent offenders,” the sheriff cautioned. “But they’re not so far gone that they can’t be helped.”
“How do I apply?”
The sheriff sat back and smiled. “I’ll handle it. I’ll email the application as soon as I get back to the office.”
“You have to go back to work?” Kade’s mom asked. “I thought I’d get you for the whole day.”
“Not today, honey. But you’ll have me all night long.”
Kade buried his head in a menu. He was so happy that his mom had found love again, but he sure as heck didn’t need to know any details.
When Emily slid her hand across his thigh under the table, his groin tightened. He couldn’t wait to take her home and show her how much he loved her.
* * *
Emily followed Kade into his cabin. Most of the snow had melted and wildflowers had sprung up in the grass around his home. She planned on picking some to put in a vase later. Right now, she had other things on her mind.
After getting Tucker settled in his crib, she met Kade in the bedroom. He’d stripped his suit off and stood in his boxers.
“Couldn’t wait to get naked?” she asked.
“I’ve been wanting to get naked with you since last night. It’s okay for us to keep doing it, right?” He brushed his fingertips across her belly.
“I’m only a month along,” she said. “You won’t poke the baby in the eye.”
“Oh my God. You just killed it for me.” He plopped down on the edge of the bed. “How can you be so sexy and so not sexy at the same time?”
“I have magical skills.”
“Really?” He leaned back on his forearms. “Come show me.”
She untied the front of her wrap dress and let the fabric billow to the floor. Still clad in stockings and a matching lace bra, she did a sexy sashay.
“Oh yeah.” Kade’s eyes darkened with desire. “Are you going to do a sexy strip tease?”
“Maybe.”
As she danced around the room, Kade’s cock pressed against his boxers. She couldn’t believe she’d get to make love to him whenever she wanted. With the custody case behind them, they could truly be together in every way possible.
“Get over here,” Kade growled.
When he lunged off the bed to grab her, she laughed. He pulled her down into the sheets with him. As he covered her with his body, she sighed.
“I love you, my sexy shifter.�
��
“I love you too, naughty bear,” he said.
She skimmed her lips across his before returning to seal their love with a soul uniting kiss. With nipping bites, she marked his throat, his chest, and his shoulders. He belonged to her, now and forever. The wedding was only a formality. One she definitely looked forward too, but in her eyes, they were already committed.
“Do you know what I love most about you?” he asked.
“No, what?”
“You’re feisty in bed.”
“My bear brings it out in me.”
“She’s a little monster.”
“Don’t I know it.”
“I wonder how she’ll react to the pregnancy,” he said.
“She’ll be fine. She knew before I did and of course she demanded I go to the doctor right away.”
“Smart bear.”
“Don’t let her hear you say it. I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“I thought I was the only one who fought with their bear.”
“Sweetie,” She rolled onto her hip and propped her head on her hand. “My bear and I argue about the color of the sky. You’re not the only one with a big, bad bear trapped inside them.”
“What should we name him?”
“Who?”
“The baby.”
“It might be a ‘her’. And seriously, honey. I’m naked and you want to talk about baby names?”
He laughed and rolled to pin her to the bed. Teasing nips soon turned into long, languid kisses. His tongue glided across hers, stealing her breath and making her feel like the luckiest woman alive. And when his fingers dipped between her thighs, she surrendered to him.
Lingering strokes excited every nerve ending in her body. His hands caressed her breasts, cradled her thighs, and swept across her hips. By the time he’d marked every inch of her with his scent, she was wild with need.
“Kade, make love to me.”
He parted her thighs and surged to fill her with his cock. She clung to him, moving in time with his luxuriously slow thrusts. He didn’t rush. Instead, taking the time she needed to come completely alive. Before Kade, she’d only been living half a life. Now she was whole—because of him.
As she soared toward the height of ecstasy, he trembled from an overwhelming rush of love. She was everything he’d ever wanted. A mate for life, a mother for his son, and a woman capable of matching him in every way. She was strong, and fierce, and protective, a momma bear ready to defend their cubs. He silently vowed to spend every day trying to give her the best life possible.
