Page 30 of Blood (A Killer’s Love #4)

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Samantha

“Do I look okay?” I fret, smoothing down my jacket.

“You look perfect.” Kaleb smiles.

“You’re just saying that because we don’t have time for me to change again.”

“Yes.” He nods. “But you’re perfect.”

I melt as his hands frame my face.

“Do I look different?” I ask against his lips.

“No.” He frowns.

“Do you think they’ll know?” I worry as he ushers me out the door.

“What?” He chuckles. “That we’ve been fucking like bunnies for the past few days.”

I still at his words. This is not funny.

Kaleb holds his hands up in surrender. “No one will know.”

My phone sounds inside the cabin.

Kaleb pats his pockets down. “It’s not mine.” He goes to take a step inside.

“Leave it,” I rush, grabbing his arm.

He looks at me, confused.

“Anyone important is about to be with us,” I throw out quickly.

“Could be Shelby.”

“Maybe”—I shrug—“but she’s been busy lately. I’m not sure what’s going on with her.”

“Oh, she’s fine.” He grins.

I raise a brow.

“She has a man,” he explains, leading me to the car.

“Why do you know and I don’t?” I ask offended. She’s my best friend.

“Because I’m more observant. She’ll tell you when she’s ready.”

“Do I know him?”

“My lips are sealed,” Kaleb declares, miming zipping his lips and throwing away a key.

“I wish,” I huff, earning a laugh and a firm squeeze to the nape of my neck.

I fidget the entire way home. Having had enough, Kaleb grabs my hand.

“Everything is going to be fine. We’ll officially meet the baby, cement our positions as favorite aunt and uncle, eat, drink, and then head back to the cabin. We’re going to have a good evening.”

His words help me relax. Of course it’s going to be okay. It’s our family.

As soon as we park, I pull my hand from his, earning a hurt look.

Cringing, I step out of the car quickly.

“There are my babies,” Mom greets warmly. “I didn’t expect you to arrive together.”

My stomach drops, and I feel myself pale.

“I picked her up.” Kaleb saves us, settling his hand on the small of my back.

“You didn’t have to do that. Your dad or I could have swung by Shelby’s.”

Shelby’s? Oh, right, that’s where they think I’m staying.

“Is Shelby, okay? I worry about her, especially with her asking you to stay with her. Maybe she should move in with us permanently. That way, she won’t be alone.” Mom worries.

“Shelby’s fine, Mom.” Kaleb smiles, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “What food do I smell?”

Instantly distracted, Mom leads us into the kitchen, where most of the family waits.

“Baby,” I quietly squeal, my worries and insecurities about Kaleb and me forgotten.

“Wanna hold him?” Charlie offers.

I cradle him carefully, “He’s perfect. Look at that little nose.” I melt. “Kaleb, do you see him?”

“I see him,” he whispers. Stepping in close, he presses the front of his body against my side, his right arm wrapping around my shoulders as he peers down at our nephew. “He’s beautiful. Takes after his mother of course.”

“Of course,” I agree like it’s the most obvious statement ever.

Everyone chuckles.

“How are you doing?” Kaleb asks, moving around the kitchen to kiss Charlie’s cheek.

“Exhausted.”

But the look on her face says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

I glance around the kitchen. “Is Belle already in bed?”

Charlie nods. “Daniel and your dad are just reading her a story. They’ll be a while.”

We should have come earlier.

“The dear has been a little clingy ever since the baby came home.” Mom adds.

“She’s just not used to sharing Daniel and me.” Charlie blushes.

“Not a problem, sweetheart.” Mom waves away. “Did I ever tell you about how Sammy used to cling to me in the early days of Daniel and Michael coming home?”

“Really?” Charlie smiles.

“Oh, yeah. Wouldn’t leave me alone. Day and night. Still climbs in with us sometimes even now.” Mom laughs.

“Okay,” I huff. “Let’s not tell everyone that.”

“Nothing to be ashamed of, baby. Some people just like a cuddle.”

“Hmm.” I side-eye her. “I’m not giving this baby back tonight,” I declare and head for the living room.

“No fair,” Kaleb moans. “Charlie, Sam’s hogging the baby.”

“Snitch.”

“Mom,” Kaleb whines, “Sam called me a snitch.”

Laughing, everyone joins us in the living room.

“We’ll wait for the boys to come down for food. How about a board game?”

I drown out Michael and Kaleb bickering about what to play, and instead, I focus on the new family member.

Feeling Charlie settle beside me, I whisper, “What’s his name?”

“Nope,” she denies me gently. “My husband wants the pleasure of announcing that.”