Page 280 of Second Sets Omnibus

“I have an idea!”

I raise a brow when Rad waltzes into the living room, pointing his finger toward the ceiling.

Great. The brilliant idiot has an idea. Judging by the goofy grin stretching his lips, he thinks it’s a good one. I’m going to need a shit load more coffee before this is over. I just fucking know it.

The morning sun blazes in through the windows on our lazy Saturday morning. It’s been a week since we returned from Central City, and everything is falling into place after our time together with River.

Like beautiful patches coming together after being blown to bits. We’re repairing ourselves one stitch at a time. Not only our relationship with each other, but our relationship with ourselves as individuals.

We came to an agreement with River when we got back about taking things slowly. She’s determined to get to know us better again as the men we are now as opposed to who we were backthen. AKA—she wants to take things at a glacial pace, which is fine. Totally fine.

Slow and me don’t mix anymore. I’ve had my taste, and now, I need to devour her completely. With all the restraint I have nestled in my body, I’m trying to hold back from tearing every inch of her clothes off whenever she’s around.

More than anything, I want to show her I can respect her wishes. And I do. I love that she wants to reacquaint herself with us before we jump into the deep end with each of us. The last thing our new relationship needs is for us to drown before we ever learn to swim together. Despite the paparazzi constantly watching us and photographing our every move, which she doesn’t seem to mind, I’m letting my River Blue come to me, like she has the others.

Which immediately took my plans of moving her in with us out the window. If it were up to me, I’d hogtie River and kidnap her, so she’d stay with us twenty-four seven. Her and Ly.

Am I feeling a little territorial about my woman? Yes, yes, I am. I’ve been away for too long, suffering in an all-consuming rage.

I need her.

She’s the light at the end of my darkened tunnel, shining brighter by the day.

“You and great ideas are usually not in the same sentence,” Callum quips from the couch, nursing a cup of coffee with one eye open.

Sometimes I wonder how Rad rolls out of bed in the morning with so much pep. It’s disgusting.

Rad frowns, stopping short. “I have good ideas. I take offense to that.”

I shrug. “Sometimes.” More like never.

“Sometimes? Rude,” he huffs, plopping down next to me on the couch. “You assholes never change.”

“What’s your idea?” Asher asks from the recliner, lazily rocking himself.

Rad grins. “I want to throw my Little Pretty Girl a birthday party. She’s going to be five soon.” His brows furrow, pain twisting his expression.

I know that look. Haunted. Pained. Filled with regret. It’s the same one that consumes me every time I think about what we’ve missed out on.

Instinctively, my eyes dart to Asher, sitting rigidly now. He knows that look, too. It’s written on his face. Anguish and utter devastation contort his features, dropping his eyes to the floor where he studies the wood like it’s the best thing he’s ever seen.

“I’m sorry,” Asher says again, licking his lips. “I know we missed a lot of time with her because of me.” Guilt drips off every word he utters, thickly laced with a pain I can’t even explain. His hand rubs across his chest. No doubt aching from his massive mistake.

I know what he did hurts him, too. It has to. He was an asshole for what happened. But we’re moving forward. Together. With the help of therapy and group sessions, we’ve come to rebuild our relationship as friends. We’re a damn brotherhood again. And damn, does it feel good.

“Every birthday. Christmas. Easter. Thanksgiving.” Callum murmurs, looking deeply into the swirls of his coffee.

“Every step. Her first words.” I shake my head, sinking my teeth into my tongue. “It happened, okay?” My gaze connects with Asher’s glossy eyes, and he nods. “You can’t take it back. But we’re here now. In the present, to be there for Ly. We can talk to the therapist about this more. Okay?”

“Okay.” He nods with reluctance, pulling his lips into a tight line.

“So, no more missed birthdays or holidays. We’re here for good,” Rad says, rubbing his hands together.

“Tell them your idea,” Callum huffs, sipping his coffee with a knowing look.

“Four words…” He grins, looking around the room as anticipation builds in the air.

“Go on,” I say, rolling my wrist.