Page 55

Tension was coming off Bones in waves. I had been the one to convince him to do this.

Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea. But I thought it would help give him closure, which was why a month after removing Deon from my life forever, we found ourselves in Boston, Massachusetts.

I had no idea that was where he grew up.

He didn’t have the typical accent one associates with Boston.

He called and told his brother he’d be in the area.

If the family wanted to see him, it had to be today, and he would meet everyone at his parents’ house.

If they disagreed, that was too bad. He warned Jameson he was there to talk, but wouldn’t be moving back.

He informed him that a few things needed to be said.

His brother had taken an hour to get back to him with an answer. It was a go.

We’d flown. It was still safe, and since my doctor was with me, it was even safer.

I was thirty weeks. They typically said you shouldn’t fly after thirty-six.

On the plane, I’d asked Bones what his family said about him bringing me.

That’s when I discovered he hadn’t told them.

I gave him hell, but he shrugged. His reason was that he wanted them to have no time to build up false conclusions about me.

I should have been nervous, but I wasn’t. The reason was that I couldn’t care less what they thought of me. I already knew they were a bunch of assholes. I was there to support my man. They could kiss my ass. If they didn’t like me, that was their loss.

We’d rented a car. The drive took us to a stately area of Boston.

That was the only word that came to mind.

When we turned onto a long, winding driveway, I knew that money meant a lot to them.

The grounds were extensive, expertly manicured, and professionally landscaped.

You knew his dad didn’t get out there and mow the grass, and his mom didn’t plant those flowers.

Even though it was fall and the leaves were mostly gone, I could imagine how breathtaking it must be in spring and summer.

The house was imposing and stately but cold.

I looked at it and couldn’t imagine kids running, playing, or laughing here. They would be expected to be invisible.

“Did you grow up here?” I asked Bones.

“No, they lived in a smaller house when I was born. It wasn’t until I was fifteen that they moved here. I hated this place.”

“It’s cold.”

“Yes, it is. Firefly, I love that you came with me. Thank you, but pinch me if it gets too much, and we’ll leave. I refuse to allow them to affect you or our girls. I want to close this chapter of my life and stay in the one I have with you and my club. That’s where I’m loved and accepted.”

I kissed his hand, which was holding mine. “Yes, you are so very loved and accepted, Jagger Phoenix. I love you so much.”

“I love you even more. Okay, are you ready?” He’d stopped the car while we said I love you. I nodded.

In no time, we were at the front door, and he’d rung the bell.

You could hear the pretentious sound echoing through the house from out here.

It was a solid minute before the door opened.

Standing there was a woman who was not his mom or Petra.

She wore a crisp white top, black slacks, and low-heeled black shoes.

Her hair was twisted in a knot on her head.

She was pretty and in her forties, I’d say.

“Welcome home, Mr. Jagger. Please come in. Your family is in the formal sitting room,” she said softly as she stepped back to open the door wider.

“Thank you, Ana. Please, call me Bones. And none of this Mr. Bones stuff. It’s good to see you. I thought you would’ve left by now,” he said to her as we entered.

“No, I’m content here,” was all she said. I caught her checking me out, but not in a bad way. It was curiosity.

“Ana, let me introduce you to my woman, Blythe. Firefly, this is Ana. She’s worked here since you were eighteen years old?”

“Yes, Mr. I mean, Bones. Hello, Ms. Blythe. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Her smile was shy.

“Hello, Ana, it’s very nice to meet you, too. And it’s just Blythe.”

She bobbed her head. As we started down the long entrance, Bones said softly, “Ana, you don’t need to introduce us. I know the way. You should get away while you can.”

She smirked and then wiped it away. “Thank you, but if I don’t, they’ll be upset. I’ll show you the way, and then I’ll fetch the refreshments.”

We were led through a home that shouted wealth but not comfort or home.

It was meant to impress people. I had no idea how these people could be related to Bones.

He was so not like this. Ana opened the door to a large room filled with formal-looking furniture.

Two couples were waiting. One glance told me that while Bones got most of his looks from his dad, just like his older brother, Bones was even more handsome.

I saw the surprise on their faces when they noted he wasn’t alone. Ana announced, “Mr. Jagger and Ms. Blythe have arrived. I’ll return momentarily with refreshments. If you need me, ring.” She turned and left.

Both men got slowly to their feet. I looked from them to the women.

Bones had his mom’s eyes. She was a handsome woman, well preserved for a woman of sixty-nine.

I wondered if she had undergone surgery to achieve that look.

On the opposite couch was Petra. I’d been curious about the woman Bones had thought he loved enough to marry.

She was stunning, but there was a coldness to her.

Not one icy blonde hair was out of place.

It was up in an elaborate twist on the back of her head.

Her makeup was flawless, and her clothes were expensive, accentuating her shape.

A twinge of discomfort hit me. She was like that, and here I was, with a big belly.

I dressed nicely, and my hair and makeup were done well, but it still made me feel dowdy.

Bones’ hand on my hip, where he had his arm around me, squeezed me. “Jagger, we’re glad to see you come. We didn’t know you were bringing a guest. Would you mind introducing us?” his dad asked. His tone said it all. He thought it was rude to bring me there and that I should leave.

“Hello, Dad. I’m unsure if you’ll still feel that way when we’re done.

As for who I have with me, she’s no guest. This young lady is Blythe, Blythe Phoenix, my wife,” he said with satisfaction as he held up my left hand and kissed my ring.

It was there for all to see. It was a stunning ring that sparkled in the light.

He’d spent too much on it, but I loved it.

“Babe, this is my father, Jameson, my mother, Cassandra, my brother, Jameson Junior, and his wife, Petra,” Bones added.

I’d said yes when he asked me to marry him a week after the battle, and then I shocked him by telling him I didn’t want to wait.

We got married at the courthouse once he knew I meant it.

We asked the club to wait until after this visit to Boston before we celebrated it.

They were having it the weekend after we returned, and all the clubs, plus the Dark Patriots, were invited. I’d finally get to meet them all.

His parents and brother appeared shocked. His sister-in-law had a sour look on her face. She checked me out even more. I pasted on a smile and gave them my best customer service attitude.

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you.” I tilted my head to them slightly. They didn’t offer their hands, and I didn’t either. There were chin dips from both men and a nod from Cassandra.

“Well, this is a surprise. We had no idea Jagger was married. Please, have a seat. Tell us all about it. And I see you’re pregnant. Lovely. When are you due and what are you having?” his mom asked.

Her tone made me think she almost meant it. We went and took a seat on the couch opposite Petra’s. His dad retook his seat in a chair next to Bones’ mom. Jameson sat next to Petra but never took his eyes off us.

“Thank you. As for when I’m due, it’s December eighth. So, ten weeks to go,” I told her. Before I could say more, Petra interjected.

“You seem rather big for only thirty weeks.” Her snide tone came through.

“Actually, she’s rather small for thirty weeks carrying twins,” Bones stated.

“Twins! Oh my, Jagger, that’s incredible. Those have to be from my side,” his mom said.

We didn’t bother to tell them the girls weren’t his biologically. We were determined to erase Deon from our lives.

“We’re very excited. We’ve been busy getting ready for them. The nursery is almost complete. Between that and work, we haven’t had a break. We thought a few days away would be great. She’s never been to Boston.”

“Of course, you had to bring your wife. Isn’t that right, Jameson?” Cassandra directed to her husband.

“Yes, we should know our son’s wife. Forgive us for being surprised. Jagger hasn’t kept his family informed of his life much over the past ten years. It’s one of the reasons for this visit. I’ve been hoping to talk to him,” his dad said.

“The talk can wait. Let’s get to know Blythe and have our refreshments. Thank you, Ana,” Cassandra said as Ana entered the room.

She was pushing a cart filled with a silver coffeepot set, a silver teapot, beautiful China cups, and an assortment of finger foods. I almost giggled when I noted there were scones and small sandwiches. It was a classic English tea. Alfred had introduced me to one.

“Thank you,” I said to Ana. She smiled sweetly.

“Sir, ma’am, will there be anything else?” she asked his parents.

“No, that’s all.” His dad waved impatiently at her. She backed away and left.

“May I serve, if you don’t mind? What a beautiful teapot. It has to be a Henry Holland Victorian pot circa eighteen-seventy. I’ve only ever seen pictures,” I said as I studied the sterling silver pot. It had unique, gorgeous art, especially on the cover and spout. I spoke without thinking.