Page 101 of Playing With Fire

Slipping her leggings up her thighs, she says, “Well, I’m all ears, Hud. What’s up?”

“What would you think about buying Knox’s place?”

Shannon freezes for a second, no doubt processing the words I just spewed at her.

“There’s no way he’d really give that up, right?” The hopefulness in her tone has my heart soaring.I knew she’d want it.

“He would for us. It’s past time. He hasn’t been here in years. He doesn’t rent it out. It’s a great property that gets no love except when we come down.”

“Let’s do it,” Shannon says, throwing her arms around my neck. “This can be our thing. We’ll come every year and our kids can grow up with memories made here. Monica’s too!”

Cupping her face, I stare down into her eyes, fascinated and grateful that this woman chose me. “Let’s shower off and make love all over again,” I suggest.

“Before we head back…I have some exciting news of my own,” she says, her eyes drifting back and forth between mine as her hands splay across my pecs.

A smile lights my face just because anything that is a big deal to Shannon is a big deal to me. Anything that makes her excited and brings out her passion and light is something I want to encourage.

“Hud, we’re pregnant.”

“We…we are?” I stammer, my eyes going wide. I’m fuckingelated, but I know Shannon never wanted kids to begin with.

She nods right before burying her face in my chest. I wrap my arms around her and cup the back of her head, holding her to me because she’s the most precious thing in the world.

“Baby…” I only get the one word out and then stop both because that word has a whole new meaning besides a term of endearment, and also because I’m so choked with emotion, I can’t finish the sentence.

“So, you’re happy then? It’s okay?” she asks with a slight tone of hesitation.

Pulling back, I pepper kisses all over her face until she’s laughing so hard, she’s gasping for air.

“It’s more than okay. Shan, this is incredible. I’m so fucking happy. I can’t wait to tell the guys!”

We spend the next few days celebrating, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the peace that has finally settled in our lives. Life is a funny thing: sometimes so stressful and full of pain you think the sun will never shine again. And sometimes, so bright and full of joy that it feels like the sun never sets on you. No matter which stage you’re in, life is always precious.

Shan and I learned the hard way that if you play with fire, you will undoubtedly get burned. But I’ve also learned that sometimes it’s worth it because things have a way of rising from the ashes. If I’m notproof enough…just ask my friend Phoenix.