Page 103 of Beauty & Chaos

“You had a damn heart attack. What were we going to do? Tell you to clean up after yourself and turn on the TV?”

She snickered.

“How is your girl?” she asked.

Why did she think Brook was mine despite never seeing us together before Sunday night? I’d originally thought it was her medical condition merging with her desire to see me married.

But now she’s extremely lucid.

I mean, I told her I’d had one date.

“About that. You totally outed me while barely conscious on Sunday night.” I frowned.

Watching me with no remorse, I wonder for a moment if she did it on purpose.

“She needs to know the truth. You can’t start a relationship with lies.”

I was right.

“I’ve told her everything.” I sat back and glanced around the room. “We need to get you moved somewhere nicer.”

“I can go home tomorrow. This is fine. You and your fancy money.” She scoffed.

“Which you enjoy.”

She giggled. I loved seeing her happy. Fuck, I was scared. If Mama died, it would be one of the biggest losses in my life. I am not ready for that to happen, so I plan on taking her to the best doctors in the world and getting her the best help. All her arguments are being tossed out the window this time.

“I’m going to marry her,” I stated.

“I know.”

“How do you know?” I cried. “You saw her show once and saw us together for thirty seconds!”

“Mothers know things.” She shrugged like it’s no big deal and I’m making a fuss. “That’s your girl.”

I smiled, despite it being complete nonsense.

I know she’s hoping for a fancy wedding, and if I get my way, she will get it. Although I’m sure Brook has thoughts on the matter.

I’ve never told anyone I loved them before.

I’ve never said I want to spend my life with someone. Or wanted five hundred children with them. I want little Brooklyn’s and tiny Travises running around our yard knowing they’re safe and will never be hurt. On the private island, obviously.

I want to see her naked, standing in our bathroom, pregnant with my kid.

I want these things I never thought I’d want.

It started with a compulsion to claim her and ended with the desire to love her utterly and completely.

“She is mine.” I told Mama that day and then promised to bring her over one day soon so they could meet properly.

I didn’t burden her with the details, not when she was in hospital recovering. Not when I was waiting for Brook to tell me she was mine.

Much as I’d like to kidnap her and take the choice from her, I knew I had to be patient. Which I’m terrible at.

Tonight was Friday, and Iwouldbe sharing the burden with the boys. Even Maddox and Parker said they were coming to the club.

Glancing at the time on my laptop, I mull over whether it’s worth tuning into The McKenna Files podcast for her second and final show of the week.