Page 133 of Devil's Claim

Fifty-fifty.

Damn it.

“You had better tell me or so help me God.” Her authoritarian voice brought a giggle from Maverick.

“Oh, you think that’s funny, huh?” I asked and spun him around in the air.

“I think I’m going to be sick,” Navarro said under his breath, but another first. The man smiled. I hadn’t been certain that was possible.

“Well, shi… Shoot. I have my dress on,” Christine huffed. “Bad luck for the rest of our marriage.”

“I think I can handle it.” My statement was met with laughs from the men and a swagger of the woman as she walked closer. When she threw her hands on her hips, the flash of her ring drew my attention.

The choice was much better. A perfect creation for a stunning yet formidable woman. To think she’d made me work for her answer the second time when I’d given her the ring. She wasn’t just formidable. She was treacherous.

Another reason I adored her.

Suddenly, I felt a little hand tugging on my lapel.

With an eyebrow raised, I looked into Maverick’s soulful eyes. “What is it?”

“Mommy says we’re going to be a family.”

I quickly glanced in her direction, and she nodded. “That’s right. How do you feel about that?”

He pulled far enough away to be able to cross his arms across his chest. With an intense look in his eyes, he studied me for a solid twenty seconds. “It’s cool.”

“Cool, huh?” Would it always be this tough to keep from laughing? The kid was just too adorable.

“Yep.”

His intense expression didn’t change. “Then what’s wrong?”

“Are you going to be my new daddy?”

The question wasn’t one I’d been prepared to hear. Or to answer. I faltered, breaking eye contact for long enough he placed his little hand on my cheek. I could feel the others in the room holding their breath.

Of course he couldn’t truly understand all of what was happening. I closed my eyes briefly, long enough to find my voice. “Would you like that?”

He nodded several times. “You’re scarwy but nice.”

Christine moved closer, her hand firmly pressed over her mouth. There were tears in her eyes. “I told him his other daddy was in heaven, but that you might want the job.” Sniffing, she rubbed her eyes, giving me a look that set a fire burning deep within. She was trusting me with her son. Not just with his safety, but also with his heart.

I made a promise right then and there I’d ensure the sweet little boy had the best life.

“Here’s the thing, little man. No one can ever replace your real dad, but if you don’t mind, I’d love the chance to spoil you rotten.” I tickled his tummy and he flew into a fit of giggles.When he threw his arms around my neck, I felt weak in the knees.

Christine touched my arm, the touch so gentle that in doing so, she took my breath away.

“Can I have a puppy?”

The question restored the room to laughter. “We’ll see about that.” My answer was met with a frown and he wiggled enough to let me know he was ready to get down.

As soon as his feet were on the floor, he stood staring up at us, giggling as all happy boys were supposed to do.

I took her hands, rubbing my finger across the ring I’d given her.

She licked her lips, throwing the other two men a sassy look. “Did Kruz tell you he got down on one knee and proposed to me?”