Are You Ready? (Everlasting Ink #3)

Chapter 2

CHAPTER

TWO

Briar

“How you doing over there, Momma?” my twin sister, Brogan, asks me.

“Am I that obvious?” I glance at her in the passenger seat, where she’s watching me.

“Pretty much.” She grins. “Come on, Briar, you’ve known Monroe for a while now. The girls are going to be just fine with her parents tonight.”

“I know.” I exhale and glance in the rearview mirror at the girls. They’re smiling and chatting happily with one another, just like they always do. Since we moved to Ashby two years ago, I’ve not had to leave them with anyone but Brogan. I know that’s not realistic, but she’s my only family, and I don’t trust easily. Then again, neither does she.

“It’s for a couple of hours, tops.”

“Right.” I nod as I turn into Monroe’s parents’ driveway. I met Heather and Eric Morrison earlier this week. I’ve seen them around town, and, of course, Brogan works with their daughter, Monroe. I do too. Kind of. I’m employed by the same company, but I work from home in medical billing. They’re good people and were thrilled to keep the girls for a few hours. They insisted it would give them practice for when Monroe and her husband, Legend, start having kids.

Brogan and I have worked with Monroe since moving to Ashby, and she’s invited us out and to her place several times, but we always decline. I’m sure the last thing they want is my twin girls running around like the silly, tiny humans they are during their backyard barbecue. And like I said, I don’t trust easily. My ability to do so was torn away from me.

Monroe kept asking, never giving up, and here we are, going to a girls’ night dinner with her and her best friend, letting her parents watch my daughters for a couple of hours. Something she insisted they would be thrilled over, and after meeting them, I know she was right. It still makes me nervous.

“We’re here,” I say brightly. The girls cheer from the back seat and rustle around to unbuckle their seat belts. A task they learned not long ago. They about gave me a damn heart attack when I was driving down the road and suddenly, they’re both peeping into the front seat over the console. I immediately pulled over to the side of the road and read them the riot act. Of course, they cried, which made me feel like a shitty parent. However, I’m the only one they’ve got, and it’s my job to keep them safe.

I might have made a detour for some ice cream to help with the sad faces. In case you didn’t know, ice cream for three-year-olds is the cure-all.

After everyone is unloaded, and the girls have their backpacks strapped to their backs, we make our way to the door. Heather greets us with a wide smile before we can knock.

“My friends are here!” she says excitedly.

“We’re sisters,” River tells her.

“And we look the same!” Rayne adds, making Heather laugh.

“Did I hear we have twin sisters in the house?” Eric asks, stepping outside on the porch with us.

“My mommy and my auntie too!” River says, jumping with excitement. Brogan and I are fraternal twins, just like the girls, so we look similar, but you can definitely tell us apart. However, my daughters are still amazed by the fact that they are twins, just like their mommy and Aunt Brogan .

“Yeah,” Rayne adds.

“Well, come on in. We’re going to make pizza.”

“We are?” both girls say at the same time.

“We sure are. Then we’re going to watch a movie. Wait, do you like princess movies?” Eric asks, feigning concern.

“Yes!” they scream.

“Okay, girls, inside voices,” I remind them.

“But, Momma, we outside,” Rayne points out.

“Don’t you worry, Momma. You go have some fun. We’ll be here when you get back,” Heather assures me.

I lower to one knee and pull the girls into a hug. “I’ll be back in a few hours. Best behavior,” I remind them. I was worried about them staying here since they’ve never really stayed anywhere, but they really hit it off with the Morrisons when we met earlier this week, and there are no tears in sight.

“We sleep ins our bed, right, Momma?” River asks. She’s my inquisitive one. She needs to know when, what, where, and how. Whereas Rayne is happy to go with the flow.

“Yes, you will sleep in your bed. Mommy is going to dinner with some friends while you stay here.”

“Okay.” She nods, satisfied that I’m coming back for her.

I stand and address Heather. “Are you sure you don’t mind watching them? I feel terrible even asking you to do this.”

“Briar, we’re honored. This house is too quiet with Monroe gone. I know she’s an adult, but she moved back home after college, and with her gone again, it’s too quiet,” she says again. “We’re thrilled to watch the girls. I’m happy to help out anytime you need me. When they say it takes a village, they’re not wrong. Lean on us.”

Hot tears prick my eyes. I miss my dad so much. I wish I could say that I miss my mother, but I don’t remember her. I do mourn the loss of never having a mom in my life, but my dad, he was the best man, and we never went without and always knew we were loved. “Th—Thank you.” I swallow hard. “I appreciate you so much.”

“I have personal pan pizzas ready for cheese!” Eric calls out .

“Pizza!” the girls cheer and rush past Heather into the house.

“Well, that went well.” Brogan chuckles. “They won’t even miss us.”

“Not helping.” I glare at her.

“Come on.” She tugs on my arm.

“Two hours, tops,” I tell Heather over my shoulder, allowing Brogan to lead me to my car.

“Take your time. We’ll be here.” Heather smiles kindly and waves before walking into the house and closing the door. Brogan leads me to the passenger side of my car and opens the door.

“Get in.”

I do as I’m told because my heart is breaking. “I’m leaving my daughters with strangers,” I say as soon as she slides behind the wheel.

“They’re going to be fine. We’ve known Monroe for a while now, and you toured the house, and the girls are happy. They didn’t even care that we were leaving. It’s all going to be fine,” she assures me.

I know she’s right, but leaving them with people I don’t know very well still makes my heart race. I know I need to get over it. They’re turning four soon, and then in another year they’ll be heading off to kindergarten. I need to adjust to them not being with me or Brogan twenty-four-seven. Besides, I know this is good for them, to have other people in their lives.

Baby steps.

“I’m so glad we did this,” Emerson says, smiling widely as she takes a drink of her beer.

“Right?” Monroe agrees. She glances over at me and Brogan, and then at Maggie, a nurse who works with Emerson. “It’s nice to have some other ladies to hang out with. We’re surrounded by men.”

“I mean, they’re sexy men, but yeah.” Emerson shrugs.

“I’m going to need photographic evidence, or it’s not true.” Maggie points her finger at Emerson .

“Please hold.” Monroe holds up her index finger, telling us to wait before grabbing her phone from the table. She taps the screen and grins, nodding. “This was from New Year’s Eve,” she says, passing her phone to Maggie.

“Damn.” Maggie nods her approval and passes the phone to Brogan.

“Holy hell. You’re complaining about hanging out with these guys? Really?” Brogan asks, handing me the phone.

I glance down at the screen, and staring back at me are five very gorgeous, very tattooed men standing side by side. I take in each of their features. They’re all gorgeous, but one stands out in particular. His blondish brown hair is cut short on the sides, and longer on top. His eyes are dark brown, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think I was the one he’s looking at in this picture. His gaze is piercing.

“Wow,” I finally say, reaching across the table and handing Monroe her phone.

“So, which one is yours?” Brogan asks Monroe.

“Legend. He’s on the very far right,” she says, nodding to the picture. She lifts her phone so that we can see it again. “The guy next to him is Roman, Emerson’s husband, and the middle man is Forrest, Emerson’s brother. Beside him is Lachlan, and then Maddox.” She rattles off names I probably won’t remember, but I do remember the name of the man in the middle.

Forrest.

“I feel so bad for you,” Maggie says, smiling and shaking her head.

“They’re great guys,” Emerson says. “But it’s nice to have this too. For so long, it was just me and Mo, and the rest of them. Hey, why don’t you all come to Lilly’s birthday party next weekend? You can meet the guys for yourselves.”

“There are three of them and three of you,” Monroe says, wagging her eyebrows dramatically, making us laugh.

“The girls would love that,” Brogan tells her.

“Twin girls, right?” Emerson asks me.

“Yes. They’ll be four in April. Wow, that’s next month. ”

“Time flies,” Emerson says. “I can’t believe Lilly is turning one.”

“It really does. Another year and they’ll be going off to kindergarten,” I say, voicing my earlier thoughts. “I’m so not ready.”

“You have to bring them to the party. Lilly will love it. It’s a small group and no other kids. My mother-in-law watches her, so no daycare kids or anything, and no cousins yet.” She winks at Monroe, who smiles brightly.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude.”

“Positive,” Emerson says. “Lilly will love having other kids there. I’ll grab your number from Monroe and send you the address. Brogan and Maggie, you’ll both be there, too, right?” she asks.

“If the tattoo hottie squad is going to be there, I’m in,” Maggie jokes. At least, I think she’s joking.

Monroe tosses her head back in laughter. “Oh, wait until I tell them that you called them that. They’re going to eat that shit up.”

“They look badass,” Emerson tells us. “However, you should see them with Lilly. They’re really just a bunch of teddy bears.”

“They’re all in competition for the favorite uncle title.” Monroe laughs. “That girl isn’t even a year old yet and has all five of them wrapped around her little finger.”

I smile, but inside my heart breaks for my daughters. They don’t have a male figure in their life. Lilly is such a lucky little girl to have so many people around who love her. Picking my phone up from the table, I look at the message Heather sent about thirty minutes ago. It’s of the girls smiling as they eat ice-cream cones.

Moving to Ashby was the right choice for us. And maybe, just maybe, I can let go of this inability to trust and allow more people into our lives. Tonight has been eye-opening in that regard. I’m glad I came.

“Thank you, Monroe. For inviting us and helping me find sitters in your parents for the girls. This was a lot of fun.”

Brogan leans her shoulder into mine and I know she’s happy. She has the same fears as I do, but her experience and mine that made us unable to open up and trust are vastly different.

“Always. ”

“It was nice meeting both of you,” I tell Emerson and Maggie. “I really should get going. I promised the girls they’d be home to sleep in their beds, and it’s well past bedtime already.”

“Mom life.” Emerson smiles. “I’ll text you the address for next weekend. No need to bring gifts. She’s blessed beyond belief. We just want your company.”

I nod. It will be nice to make friends with another mom and compare notes. After another round of goodbyes, Brogan and I head to pick up my girls.

I stand with the girls on Emerson’s front porch and ring the doorbell. The door opens to a smiling, handsome man covered in ink. I can’t remember which one he is, and I don’t get time to ask because River speaks before I do.

“We party!” she says excitedly.

The giant of a sexy, tattooed man laughs and kneels so he’s eye level with the girls. “Well, if you came to party, you’re in the right place.” He holds out his hand to River. “I’m Roman. It’s nice to meet you.”

“My name is River, and I have a twin sister.” She points at Rayne.

“I see that.” He chuckles. “And what’s your name?”

“I’m Rayne.” She places her little hand in his, and he gently shakes.

“Our mommy and auntie are twins too!” River tells him. I swear that’s her favorite line.

Roman peers up at me. “Roman, Emerson’s husband,” he offers helpfully. “I’m so glad you could make it.” He stands to his full height but keeps his eyes on the girls. “How about you come inside, and you can meet my daughter, Lilly?”

Rayne peers up at me. “Can we, Mommy?”

“Of course. It’s Lilly’s birthday. Remember, she’s smaller than you, so we have to be gentle.”

“We will,” they say together.

Roman smiles. “Come on in.” He steps back and allows us to enter .

“Thank you. I’m Briar, and as you know, these are my daughters, River and Rayne. Thank you for having us.” I hand him the pink and purple gift bag holding the gifts the girls picked out for Lilly.

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“We wanted to.”

“My little girl is blessed.” His smile is kind as he ushers us into the room.

“You made it!” Emerson calls out. She’s standing at the kitchen island, slicing tomatoes. “We’re grilling, even though it’s cold outside. Have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?”

“No, thank you.”

“Mommy, can we go play?” Rayne asks, pointing to where Lilly is playing with some blocks.

“Stay where I can see you.”

“They’ll be fine. Trust me, there are enough adults around here. They won’t get into anything. My husband has kid-proofed every inch of this house. They’re safe.”

“That makes it nice not to have to worry so much. Can I help?” I ask her.

“I think I’m all set. This was the last part. I don’t like to slice them too early because they get soggy.” She wrinkles her nose. “Where’s Brogan?”

“She worked today. They had a blood drive for Hoxworth, and she’s exhausted. She was getting home right as we were leaving. I told her we would wait, but she said she just wanted to go to bed.”

“Can’t say as I blame her there. I’m sorry we missed her. I’m glad you and the girls came. Let me wrap up here, and I’ll take you around and introduce you to everyone.”

“Is Monroe or Maggie here?” I ask.

“Monroe is here, but she’s not feeling well. She’s lying down in the guest room. My guess is that Legend is with her. Maggie picked up a shift at the hospital. She works there just on an as-needed basis for extra cash, and they gave her a bonus, plus double time. She couldn’t pass it up.”

“Wow. Good for her, but I’m sorry she missed this. ”

“I know. I really wanted all of you to meet everyone, but at least you’re here, and your girls. Let me wash my hands, and I’d love to meet them.” She places a lid on the bowl of tomatoes and moves to wash her hands.

“Okay. We’re all set. Maddox and Lachlan are manning the grill. Roman’s parents are out there supervising. Roman and my brother are with the girls, at least my brother was in there with him.” She links her arm through mine and leads me to the living room where the girls are playing.

“River, Rayne, come and meet my friend Emerson.” The girls come rushing over to me.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Emerson says, lifting Lilly, who just slowly toddled after them into her arms. “After we eat, we’re going to have cake and ice cream.”

“I wove to party,” Rayne says with a wide smile, making us laugh.

“Rome, you met Briar, right?” she asks her husband, who’s sitting on the floor in front of the couch next to where the girls were playing.

“I did.” He smiles.

“And this is Lilly.” She bounces her daughter on her hip, making Lilly giggle.

I offer Lilly my finger, and she takes it, smiling. “Happy Birthday, Lilly.”

“And this is my brother, Forrest.” Emerson walks to the front of the couch and smiles down at the two men.

Forrest.

The man in the middle of the picture from last weekend.

Emerson’s older brother.

I school my features and smile at Roman, before turning my gaze to Forrest. Damn. The picture didn’t do this man justice. I shift my stance as he studies me. “Hi.” I wave awkwardly.

“Hey.” He climbs to his feet and offers me his hand. “Forrest.”

“Briar.” I take his hand and the warmth of his wraps around me. His dark brown eyes stay locked on mine. There seems to be this… current of electricity that flows between us, and even th ough I know I should, I can’t look away. His eyes have me held captive in their gaze.

“She’s our mommy,” Rayne offers helpfully.

I can feel my face heat. Any semblance of attraction he might have been feeling is surely wiped away, finding out I’m a mom of two. “These are my daughters, River and Rayne.” I love my daughters, and they will always come first in my life.

I don’t know what I was expecting, but it’s not for Forrest to drop to his knee just as Roman did and greet them.

“Hey, ladies. I’m Forrest. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Why do you and him draw on each other? Mommy says that’s bad,” River asks.

Forrest’s deep rumble of laughter fills the room, and it does something to me. The carefree sound is soothing.

“These are tattoos. See.” He holds his arm out. “They don’t wash off.”

“Oh,” River and Rayne say at the same time.

“Mommy, can we get one of these?” River asks me.

“No, sweetie. Not until you’re older.”

“We’re almost this many.” Rayne holds up four fingers. “Is that enough?”

“Not nearly enough,” Forrest tells her.

Rayne’s shoulders sag.

“How about we draw on some paper instead? If that’s okay with your mom?” He glances up at me. “Sorry,” he says sheepishly. “I should have checked with you before I said something.”

“No. It’s okay. They don’t need to draw. We’re getting ready to eat.”

“It’s no problem,” Emerson says, speaking up.

Shit. I forgot she and Roman were even in the same room with us. “We have crayons and paper that Lilly uses. Well, tries to use. The girls are welcome to use them as well.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive,” Roman speaks up.

“Food’s done!” another male voice calls out, as what sounds like the patio door closing fills the room. Footsteps follow and two new men appear, faces I recognize from the photo, but I don’t know who is who. “Em, you invited a gift for me?” the shorter, but only slightly of the two, says.

“She’s mine,” Emerson fires back. “This is Briar, and her daughters, River and Rayne. Ladies, this is Lachlan, and that one is Maddox. And that’s my father-in-law on the grill. My mother-in-law is somewhere around here too.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” I tell them.

“Damn, all the pretty ones are taken.”

“Oh, she’s not taken,” Monroe says, joining us. “Hey, Briar. Good to see you.”

“You as well. Feeling better?”

“I am. This is my husband, Legend.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Where’s Brogan?”

“She worked today and was exhausted.”

“Wait. Who’s Brogan?”

“My twin sister.”

“There are two of you? Fuck,” Maddox says.

“Language,” Roman growls.

“Sorry.” Maddox winces.

“Is your sister single too?” Lachlan asks.

“She is. So is Maggie,” Emerson offers helpfully, “but she couldn’t make it. This is our girls’ night crew, minus Brogan and Maggie, of course.”

“My mommy and my aunt are twins like me and sissy,” Rayne announces.

“Twins?” Lachlan repeats, sounding as if he’s pained.

“Yep,” River and Rayne reply.

My daughters are not used to strangers, so I wasn’t sure how they would act, but they don’t seem the least bit intimidated by these men. Maybe because I’m here with them. I’m not sure.

“You gots lots of taboos too,” Rayne blurts.

“Tattoos,” I correct her .

“Mommy said we can’t have them,” River adds.

“Not until you’re much older,” Legend says, joining the conversation.

“Come on. Let’s eat,” Roman’s dad says, placing a tray of grilled meat on the island.

Roman takes Lilly into his arms and bounces her on his hip, and she latches on to his hair with a gummy grin. My heart aches for my daughters, who are standing still, watching them together. Forrest moving pulls me out of my trance. He bends so that he’s eye level with the girls.

“You ladies want a lift?” he asks them.

“What’s that?” River asks.

“I can carry you to the kitchen,” Forrest explains patiently.

“Yes!” They move to crawl all over him and before I can tell them to—I don't know what—he’s standing with a twin on each hip, and moving toward the kitchen.

I’m rooted to the spot, watching them go. It’s not until I feel a presence beside me that I pull my gaze away. I look to my left to find Monroe and to the right to find Emerson. It’s just the three of us.

“What just happened?”

They both smile, but it’s Emerson who speaks. “Welcome to the family.”

I don’t know what she means by that, but emotion wells in my throat. I choke it back. For far too long, it’s just been me, Brogan, and the girls. For her to say I’m part of their family… is not what I expected, and my head is telling me to take a step back, but my heart, the one that yearns for more, wants to race full-speed ahead.

Forrest peeks his head around the corner. “The girls are all set up. Are you ready?” he asks.

I know he’s asking us if we’re ready to eat, but to me, it feels like more.

So. Much. More.