“Well, eventually, we have to let them go to school.”
“Not yet.”
Brayden grunted and yanked on my shirt. Bentley leaned over, offering him a small giraffe, squeaking it. Brayden nabbed it, his baby hand still uncoordinated. It hit him in the face, making him frown. He looked so much like Dee when he did that, I had to laugh. I held it for him, squeaking it as he gurgled in delight.
“I think we need to expand.” Bentley grinned. “We can hire more caregivers, offer it to the staff as a perk, and, ah . . .” His voice trailed off, his ears turning red.
Instantly, I knew. The euphoric mood had a reason.
“Emmy’s pregnant again?”
He beamed. “Yep. I’m going to need the nursery for a long time.”
I ran my hand over Brayden’s peach-fuzz hair, smirking. “Me, too.”
Aiden gaped at me. “Brayden’s only six months old!”
“What can I say? My boys are determined. It’s early, but Dee’s pregnant again.” I laughed. “You better catch up soon, Aiden.”
He glared. “Ava is nine weeks old. Give me a break.”
Reid strolled in. “You mean, give Cami a break.”
He folded himself down onto the floor, holding out his arms. “I need a baby. Any baby.”
Addi squirmed, holding out her arms, and Bentley handed her to Reid with a frown. He was a natural with kids, but Bentley didn’t like to share Addi time.
Reid glanced up from his crooning at Addi. “So did I hear right before I joined the baby circle of truth? We got more little bammers coming?”
I laughed. “Yep.”
He raised his hand, and I fist bumped him. He did the same to Bentley. “Congrats! More minds for me to mold. You know, we need to add some computers to the new nursery. Kids love all that, and I can teach them.”
“Gimme Addi back,” Bentley demanded, reaching for his daughter.
“Nah, she’s happy with me.”
Bentley plucked Brayden from my arms.
“Hey!”
He ignored me, teasing Brayden with his tie. “You ready for the move?” he asked.
Phase one of Ridge Towers was complete. As Richard predicted, it had sold out long before we broke ground, with a waiting list for phase two. I had purchased the penthouse unit. Four bedrooms, with a roof terrace, and overlooking the water, it was spectacular. Dee was at the condo, packing a few last-minute items. The movers had handled the rest, and we were taking possession tomorrow.
“Yep. All set.”
Reid grinned. “I get mine next week. I’m still doing some tweaks on the sound system upgrade.”
“Of course you are.”
“It’s gonna be fantastic.”
“Is Becca excited?”
“Yes.”
“How’s the cottage?” I asked Aiden with a smirk.
He grinned, his eyes crinkling in the corners. “Awesome. We’re heading there for the weekend. Cami thinks she wants to stay for a few weeks. Use the peace and view as inspiration.”
Van and his crew had rebuilt the place, making it spectacular. It had the porch Aiden wanted, a loft for Cami to work from, and lots of space for their growing family. I knew, one day soon, they would live there full-time, and now I understood why. I was happy for him.
“You all need to come for a visit.” Aiden nudged Bentley’s foot. “And you need to build.”
Bentley smirked. “Soon. Baby number two has shifted my plans a little.”
I had to laugh. Babies certainly did that.
“We’ll figure it out. And finalize the resort. Now that Ridge Towers is almost complete—” he said with a quirk of his mouth “—and before we start the next one.”
We had found another piece of land, and Ridge Estates was in full planning mode. This time it was a gated community for adults. The designs were spectacular, and investors were begging to be part of it.
I took Brayden from Bentley. He snatched Addi, and Reid frowned. He turned to Aiden, who shook his head. “No. You’ll have to get your own.”
Reid ran a hand through his hair, looking wistful.
I glanced around the “baby circle of truth.” My best friends, our children. Life was good—no, it was great. Our company was strong, our personal lives even more so. We had all come a long way. Together.
Reid was an invaluable addition.
I studied him. He had matured and grown into himself. He was broader and thicker. More confident. He kept his hair short, and he dressed in business casual, the torn jeans and T-shirts retired only to the weekends. He was a solid part of our team, and we had rewarded him with a small stake in the company. He deserved it.
I wondered how long until he joined us in our weekly dad and babies meeting with one of his own in tow. I knew it was something he wanted.
He had been through so much and landed on his feet. We had been there with him for a lot of it, but he had pushed to make his dreams come true. I was proud of him.
But it was his story to tell.
And what a story it was.
You’ve met the men of BAM. Now get to know the rebel.
Reid—Coming fall 2018
Who is Reid Matthews?
A child, abandoned and unloved.
A teen, adrift and disregarded, using his superior tech skills for the wrong intentions.
A young adult, his future overshadowed by his prison record, his life an endless loop of loneliness.
Until he is given a second chance and a new life emerges.
A career he once thought he could only dream of, surrounded by people who show him that family and home aren’t simply words.
And a girl who shows him the greatest, most complex code he could ever write.
Love.
Depression, anxiety, and other thoughts can make someone feel isolated.
Know that you are not alone. If you are struggling, reach out to a mental health professional.
Someone is ready to listen.
Call:
1–800–273-TALK (8255)
Visit:
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
www.afsp.org
https://letstalk.bell.ca/en
AS ALWAYS, I have some people to thank. The ones behind the words that encourage and support. The people who make these books possible for so many reasons.
To my readers—thank you for taking a chance on this series. Your love of BAM makes me so happy!
Deb, thank you. Your input is invaluable, your friendship a gift. So many books. Here is to many more!
Lisa, your comments made me laugh and your expertise made it better. Thank you.
Denise, your support is so appreciated. I am honored to call you friend.
Caroline, thank you—your keen eyes and enthusiasm mean so much.
Beth, Shelly, Janett, Darlene, Carrie, Suzanne, Trina, Mae, Jeanne, Eli—I love you. That is all.
Flavia, thank you for your support and belief in my work. You rock it for me.
Karen, my wonderful PA and friend. Of all the blessings in the book world, you are the greatest. Thank you for everything you do. I cannot even begin to list the ways you encourage, support and help. So much love to you. Hugs.
To all the bloggers, readers, and especially my review team. Thank you for everything you do. Shouting your love of books, posting, sharing—your recommendations keep my TBR list full, and the support you have shown me is so appreciated.
To my fellow authors who have shown me such kindness, thank you. I will follow your example and pay it forward.
To Christine—thank you for making my words look pretty!
Melissa—your covers make my books shine. Your teasers and banners are epic. Thank you!
My reader group, Melanie’s Minions—love you all.
Finally—my Matthew. Thank you for your patience when you lose me for days. For the times I forget dinner and the pizza guy grins at you again. For listening to me mumble about my characters as if they were standing right there(because they ar
e) and understanding. Thank you for loving and supporting me. You are my greatest gift.
Into the Storm
Beneath the Scars
Over the Fence
It Started with a Kiss
My Image of You
THE CONTRACT SERIES
The Contract
The Baby Clause
VESTED INTEREST SERIES
Bentley (Vested Interest #1)
Aiden (Vested Interest #2)
Maddox (Vested Interest #3)
NEW YORK TIMES/USA Today bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of twenty-eight-plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and enjoys travelling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
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Maddox ~ Melanie Moreland Page 25
