Page 90 of Wild Side

“I love her. She’s my sister,” he states.

It’s the first time my brother has admitted to me that he even likes Zadie, let alone loves her. He honestly didn’t have to tell me shit, though. I knew he fell for her about the same time I realized I didn’t just want her, that I loved her.

I don’t say anything else. It would make shit awkward if I did. Instead, I turn around and walk away, clutching the folder against my chest as I make my way toward my bike. I’m going home.

My conversation with Bullet will have to wait for another day. I need to go home and hug my woman for a long-ass time. So, that’s exactly what I do. I ride home, and although I don’t want to, I tell her about her mother. She already knew her mother had to have been gone a long time ago, but she’d never seen a picture of her.

I take in the quiet moment where Zadie traces her mother’s face with her finger. I watch as her eyes fill with tears, then she lifts those wet eyes to meet mine.

“Thank you for this. It’s amazing,” she whispers.

“It was Goose,” I say.

She slides her tongue across her bottom lip. “I think I need to get a picture frame and put her up on the bookshelf.”

Reaching for her hand, I wrap my fingers around hers, and I dip my chin in a single nod. “I think that would be really nice, honey.”

“I like the name Sabrina.”

“Me too.” Even if I fucking hated that name, I would tell Zadie I loved it with every fiber of my being. Good news is, I don’t hate it at all. It’s a pretty name, and when Zadie places her hand on her round belly, I know exactly what she’s thinking.

“BabyAshould be Sabrina.”

“Yeah, she should,” I agree.

We make the decision. It’s an easy one, and I’m glad I told Zadie about her mother, even if it’s ugly and sad. It’s the closure she needed. Zadie reaches out to me, taking my hand in hers, and squeezes gently.

“I love you, Chase,” she whispers.

I squeeze her hand, but don’t say it back. Instead, I lift the hand I’m holding to my lips and kiss it gently. Her entire body relaxes. I watch as her eyes even soften and her lips curve up into a smile.

This amazing and gorgeous woman.

The absolute fucking love of my life.

I cannot wait to spend every goddamn day with her—every single one.

ZADIE

SIX MONTHS LATER

I wouldn’t have ever guessed a year ago that I would be where I am right now. My life has been completely and totally turned upside down. It’s been flipped around and shaken up, too.

But it’s also perfect.

It is just that—perfection.

This is the first night out without the babies. Lainey, who has become not only my best friend but also a lifeline and supplier of all pastries, is watching them for me. I glance down at my phone, not for the first time, and let out a heavy sigh. She hasn’t contacted me, which means everything is fine, but still, I’m nervous.

Lips touch the side of my neck, and I spin around to see the love of my life standing in front of me.

“They’re fine,” Chase murmurs.

“I know,” I whisper. “I do. I’m just worried.”

He laughs softly. It’s not like we’re going to be out all night long, and at the same time, they’re asleep and probably won’t even wake up before we get back home. But that doesn’t take away the stress of not being right there, just a few feet away from them.

“You’re a good mom,” Chase says, not for the first time.