Are You Ready? (Everlasting Ink #3)

Chapter 7

CHAPTER

SEVEN

Forrest

My last client of the day canceled this morning. When Lyra asked me if I wanted her to try to fill the spot, I told her no. I need to get caught up on a ton of designs for clients in the coming weeks, and it’s already three in the afternoon. It will be an early night, so I’ll probably see if Roman and Emerson will let me take Lilly for a walk. I’m sure they’ll appreciate the alone time. Not that I want to think about my sister and her husband and what they might use that time for. I’m going to pretend it’s to get caught up on household chores. Yep, that’s what they’ll be doing.

Dropping my pencil, I lean back in my chair and stretch my arms above my head. I need to take a quick break and find Roman to tell him I’m stealing his daughter later. I might as well enjoy time with my niece since I’m getting out of here earlier than planned. Standing, I twist and turn, stretching out my back before stepping out of my room.

I make it one step out of the door when a voice I recognize has me turning on my heel and heading for the reception area instead. I’m sure my mind is just playing tricks on me. It’s not her, but my feet carry me in that direction, anyway. I haven’t been able to get Briar out of my head for weeks. Two specifically, at least since I’ve been counting. Two weeks ago, her adorable daughters turned four, and I held her in my arms, not once but twice that day.

Twice. I held her twice. Her body molded next to mine perfectly. It’s as if she was made to be in my arms. Briar and her lavender scent are all I can seem to think about. I don’t know her well. I know she works with Monroe. I know that she’s a twin herself, and that her twin daughters are too damn adorable. I’ve been hoping I would run into her again. I’ve considered asking Emerson or Monroe for her number, but I’ve been holding strong by not asking.

Is she really here?

As soon as I step around the corner, I see her. She’s standing at the counter, and Lyra is flipping through the schedule. I stop so I can take her in without any interruptions. She’s gorgeous, and here. In my shop.

“Do you have a preference on which artist?” Lyra asks her.

“I was told that all of them are great. Whoever is fine,” Briar answers.

Yeah, whoever is not fine. If anyone is going to be putting their hands on her, inking her soft, milky skin, it’s going to be me.

“Put her with me.” In three long strides, I’m standing next to Lyra, smiling at Briar. “Hey, Briar. Good to see you.” Her cheeks turn a very light shade of pink. Most probably wouldn’t notice, but I do.

“Hi, Forrest.” She tucks her long chestnut locks behind her ear.

“You here to get some work done?”

She nods. “Yeah, I don’t really have a design, but I have some ideas.”

“Do you have some time now? My last client of the day canceled, so I’m free.”

“Are you sure? I know I need an appointment.”

“And I just gave you one. Come on back.” I motion with my head toward my room .

“Thought you were leaving early today?” Lyra smirks.

“Nope.” I glare at Lyra, and she covers her mouth with her hand to ward off her laughter.

“I don’t want you to stay late for me.”

“I was scheduled until eight. I’ve got plenty of time.” Besides, there’s nothing waiting for me at home. Sure, I wanted to get Lilly, but I can do that another day. I’m not passing up the chance to spend time with the woman who has consumed my thoughts for the last two weeks.

“Okay.” She nods.

“Come on.” I step out from behind the counter and wait for her to come next to me. Her lavender scent fills my senses, and I inhale deeply. I didn’t know it was possible to miss a smell so much. I’m sure it’s the woman, but I barely know her.

“This is me,” I say, waving my arm toward my room.

“This is nice. Do you all have your own spaces?” she asks.

“We do. We’re actually in the process of building a new facility. It will give us more room to bring on guest artists and a bigger break room. We’re also including a playroom for the kids. It’s just Lilly right now, but with Legend and Monroe expecting, there will be two, and I’m sure the rest of us will have families one day.”

“You want a family, right?” she asks. She quickly slaps her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry, that was rude of me. It’s none of my business.”

“There was nothing wrong with your question, Briar. You have nothing to be sorry for. Yes, I do want a family.” I know I’ve mentioned this to her before, but I’m fine with her confirming.

She nods. “So, how do we do this?” she asks. I know she’s trying to change the subject. I’m not offended by her question. In fact, I almost asked her if she wanted more kids, but I don’t know where the girls’ dad is or what her situation is, and I’d hate to embarrass her further. I know she mentioned before that if it never happens for her, she has the girls. And now I can’t stop imagining her pregnant. Fuck me, I bet she was glowing and gorgeous.

“Let’s talk about your ideas.”

“Well, I want something that represents my girls and my dad. ”

“Something with meaning. This is your first, right?”

“It is.” She smiles, and damn, I could stare at her all day.

“So, I get to be your first?” I wink, and she giggles.

“I guess so.” Something in her voice changes.

“I’m sorry if I upset you. It sounded bad, but I really was thinking about your ink.”

“I know.” She shrugs, staring down at her lap. “I’ve not always been able to choose all my firsts.” She lifts her eyes to mine. “I’m glad it’s you.”

Her words have my heart thundering in my chest. I’m certain if the noise of the shop was gone, she’d be able to hear it. Hell, she still might be able to. “Right. So, any ideas? Is there a direction you’re thinking?”

“I have a few ideas.”

“Let’s hear them.” I give her my full attention. Not that she didn’t have it already.

“Well, I was thinking something that would be easy to add to or make another of if I have more kids in the future. I mean, I don’t know that I ever will, but I would want all my children to be represented.”

“That makes sense.”

“My dad used to carry a pocket watch that was my grandpa’s. He gave it to Dad when we were born, and Dad carried it every single day.”

“Do you have a picture of the watch? Or the actual watch?” My mind is already processing design ideas.

“I have it. Not with me, but I have it.”

“Perfect. Can you send me a picture of it? You can text it to me, if you still have my number, or bring it by so I can see it.”

“Sure, I can do that.”

“All right, what else do you have for me?” I ask, making a note of the pocket watch on my tablet.

“I was thinking maybe two pocket watches and have them set to the times that the girls were born. Then maybe have their birth flower around it. ”

“I can work with that. Any other specifics?”

“No, I’m not much of an artist, so I was hoping you or whoever would be able to take it from there.”

“Me. I got you.” The words are husky even to my own ears. “I’ll need to see that pocket watch because I want it to be authentic to your dad.”

“I would love that,” she murmurs.

“Next question. Where are you thinking of putting it? Once we have a location, we can talk about size.”

“I’m not really sure.”

“Do you want it to be hidden? Exposed?”

“I don’t really have a preference. I work in medical billing. Most of the time, I work from home, so I don’t have to worry about hiding it or anything.”

I stand, placing my tablet on the desk. “Well, we could do your shoulder.” I lightly run my fingers over her shoulder, and she shudders at the contact. “Your back.” I run my hand down her back. “Your hip, your thigh, the possibilities are endless, Briar.”

“I want it to be where I can add on to it, should I have more babies.”

Do not think about her having your babies. I mentally scold myself. “Right. So, shoulder, back, or thigh are the best options unless you’re wanting something smaller.”

“No. I mean, I guess I assumed with two pocket watches and the flowers, it would be on the larger side.”

“How about this? Once I get a look at the watch, I’ll work on a mock-up. Once we have it where you want it, we can place the stencil in a couple of different places so you can have a general idea of how it will look. The idea is that you love this and have no regrets.”

Air whooshes from her lungs. “Really? I know that’s probably a pain for you, but that would be great, Forrest. It’s not that I’m undecided. I’m just not sure. It’s hard to visualize, and this is forever.”

“It’s not a problem. I’ll make a few of the stencils, and we’ll place them. I won’t shave you down until we know for sure where you’re going to put them. ”

“Isn’t that extra work for you?”

“That’s why Everlasting Ink is the best. We do what’s best for our clients. I promise you, it’s not an issue.” Not to mention I’ll get to have my hands on her. Yeah, no hardship at all on my end.

“Thank you, Forrest.” She reaches into her purse. “Do I pay a deposit or something?”

I wave her off. “Usually, but you’re family, that’s not necessary.”

“Oh, I don’t want special treatment.”

“Too bad.” I laugh. “You’re getting it, anyway.” I give her a look that tells her not to argue, and she nods. “Just let me know when I can get a look at that watch.”

“I’m going home now. I can send you a picture if you want.”

“You know, I’m heading out too. I could follow you home and take my own pictures. To make sure I have the details right.” I’m basically inviting myself into her space again, but she’s leaving and I’m not ready for her to go. I need more time with her, even if it’s just a few minutes to take pictures of the pocket watch.

“Don’t go out of your way.”

“I’ve got nothing and no one waiting at home for me. I’ve got lots of ideas brewing already.”

She gives me a beautiful, radiant smile that lights up her entire being. “I’m so excited.”

All I can do is return her smile. She’s taken not only my breath, but my ability to form words.

She stands from the chair. “I guess I’ll see you soon?”

I swallow hard, getting my emotions under control. “Absolutely. I just need to clean up here, and I’ll be right behind you.”

“Thank you, Forrest. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.” She shocks me when she steps forward and wraps her arms around me. I don’t hesitate to hold her close. She pulls away far too quickly, and my arms feel bare without her in them.

I don’t understand this weird pull she has over me, but I plan to dive a little deeper and find out. I’ve never spent this much time thinking about a woman. I clear my throat before replying, “ You’re welcome, Briar. We’ll keep working until it’s exactly what you want it to be.”

“That’s… perfect.”

You’re perfect.

“I’ll see you soon, Briar.”

She waves and walks out of my office. I jump to my feet and make one last check that I’ve got myself set up for my first client tomorrow. It takes no time at all, and I leave the sketches I was working on where they are. No way I can focus on them now that I have Briar’s ideas brewing in my mind.

I’m turning out the light and stepping into the hallway when Roman does the same a few doors down. “Heading home?” he asks.

“Yeah, well, I have to stop at Briar’s first, but yes.”

“Briar?”

I nod. “She came in to make an appointment and I was at the desk.” Not exactly true, but close enough. “I had my last client cancel, so I sat down and talked to her about what she wanted.”

“Something for the girls?” he asks.

“Yeah.” I don’t give him all the details, because that’s Briar’s story to tell. “She has a picture I need, so I’m going to swing by her place on my way home and take a look so I can start the sketch.”

“You stopping by ours for dinner?” he asks.

“Nah, I think I’ll head home and get started on this. You know how it is when there is a design in your mind.”

He grins. “We have the best fucking job ever.” He claps a hand on my shoulder. “You know you’re always welcome.” With that, he heads down the hall, and I follow him. We wave to Lyra and make our way outside.

My truck is barely in Park before I climb out and walk toward the front door. I knock and shove my hands into my pockets to avoid reaching for Briar when she opens the door. Then again, it could be Brogan who answers. Either way, this is the stance I’ve taken .

The door opens, and Briar smiles. “Hey, come on in.”

I step into the house and smile when I hear the girls playing. “Enjoying their new toys?”

“They are.” Briar smiles. “They’ve taken a picture of everything they can think of. You did good with those cameras. It was a great idea.”

“Maybe you have future photographers on your hands.”

“At this rate, you might be right.”

“Mommy, who are you—Forrest!” Rayne says excitedly. She comes barreling toward me, wrapping her tiny arms around my legs.

“Forrest?” River joins us in the hallway. “Are you here to see us?” she asks, with awe in her voice.

I kneel and open my arms. They both move in for a hug. “Of course I’m here to see you. Have you been taking a lot of pictures?” I ask them, even though I already know the answer.

“So many,” they reply at the same time.

“Come on, we’ll show you.” River grabs my hand.

I stand and offer Rayne my other hand and allow them to lead me into the living room.

“I’m sorry,” Briar says, following us.

“I’m not. Show me these pictures.” The girls race to grab their albums and climb up on the couch, one on either side of me. They hand me their albums, and I open one on each thigh and take turns flipping the pages, trying to give them both equal amounts of my attention.

“Wow. These are great, ladies.”

“We know,” they say, making me laugh.

“Girls, manners,” Briar reminds them.

“Thank you,” they chorus.

“I’ll go grab the watch,” Briar says.

“We’re fine here, Momma. Do what you need to do.” I keep flipping through the girls’ pictures. Some I’m not exactly sure what I’m looking at, but there are several from their birthday party, and of their mom and their aunt. “I’m proud of you. You’re doing an amazing job. Both of you,” I praise them, closing the albums.

“We’re real good at pictures,” Rayne tells me.

“I can see that.”

“Hey, Forrest, guess what?” River asks.

“What?”

“We’re having sketti for dinner!”

“No way. I love spaghetti.”

“Can you eat with us?” Rayne asks. “Mommy makes the best. Don’t tell Aunt Brogan we don’t want to hurt her feewings.”

I laugh. “Your secret is safe with me.”

“Here it is,” Briar says, walking back into the room.

“Mommy, can Forrest eat sketti with us?” Rayne asks.

“Of course he can. Forrest, would you like to stay for dinner? It’s just us. Brogan had a hair appointment in town.”

“I don’t want to impose.”

“Pwease?” River asks.

“Oh, pwetty pwease?” Rayne asks.

These girls. So fucking cute. My eyes find Briar. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

“I’d love to try your momma’s spaghetti,” I tell the twins. They cheer and bounce off the couch, tugging on each of my hands, and leading me toward the kitchen. “I guess it’s time to eat?” I ask through my laughter.

“Yes!” the twins reply.

“Girls, go wash your hands.”

“Forrest, you have to wash too.” River changes direction and pulls me down the hallway.

I laugh and follow them. I watch as they step up on their stools at the double bathroom vanity and wash their hands.

“Now you,” Rayne says.

“Yes, ma’am.” I make quick work of washing my hands and drying them. “Let’s eat,” I tell them. They start giggling as if I’m the funniest person in the world and race down the hall to the kitchen with me hot on their heels.

“Take your seats,” Briar tells them.

“What can I do to help?” I ask Briar.

“I’ve got it.”

“I’m sure you do, but I can help. Come on, put me to work.”

She smiles. “Thank you. Grab yourself something to drink, and I already have sippy cups for the girls on the island.”

“What about you? What are you drinking?”

“If you don’t mind, you can grab me a bottle of water.”

“On it.” I snag two bottles of water from the refrigerator before scooping up the girls' cups and placing them in front of them. “Where does Mommy sit?” I ask them.

“There.” They point to the head of the table. I drop one of the water bottles there.

“You sit there.” River points to the seat directly next to Briar.

“Aunt Brogan sits there.” Rayne points to the opposite end of the table.

I set my water bottle down and move to help Briar. “Are those for the girls?” I ask. They are smaller plates.

“Yes.”

“I’ll take them.” I grab them from her hands before she can object and deliver them to the twins. Briar follows me and places a plate for both of us on the table.

“I just need to get the garlic bread and the napkins.” She looks around the table, making sure she has everything.

“Sit. I’ll get it.” She tries to argue, but I’m already on the move. I collect the basket of garlic bread and the stack of napkins from the island and place them in the center of the table.

As I sit with these three ladies, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like if this was my life. If I had a wife and two daughters to come home to each night.

What would it be like if they were my family?