“Nah, I have other offers on the table, but I know where I want to play.”
“I’ll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you.”
He throws a smile my way, “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
We fall into a comfortable silence for thirty minutes until we pull up in front of the house. As we approach the circle drive in front, I see Foster and Talon waiting outside.
“Were they worried you wouldn’t bring me back?” I ask Cole, amused.
He chuckles, “No, they have a surprise for you.”
I groan, “A surprise? I hate surprises.”
“I know. Just grin and bear it. Make your boyfriends happy.”
I got to open the door, but Cole stops me with a hand on my arm. “I’m sorry about everything. About our breakup, abandoning you, the accident, and my shitty attitude. I can’t go back in time, but it would be nice to be friends. I like seeing you happy. And if either of those guys steps out of line, just let me know, and I’ll take care of them.”
I give him a small smile, “Thanks Cole. I want to be friends too.”
I pull my tired body out of the car and reach for my case from the back before walking up to the two men waiting for me. I go on my toes to give them each a kiss.
“What are you guys doing waiting here for me?” I ask.
“We’ve got something for you,” Foster says, leading me into their massive garage. I see each of their cars, along with a red Jeep.
“I don’t need–” I start, but Talon cuts me off.
“Don’t start. Your car is toast. This one is nothing new and fancy because I knew you wouldn’t accept it. It’s two years old with low mileage. We had a mechanic look at it, and he assured me everything was in good working order.”
Foster reaches into his pocket, pulls out the key fob, and hands it to me.
I look between them both with tears in my eyes, “I don’t know what to say,”
“I believe the words you’re looking for is ‘thank you,’” Foster says sarcastically but smiling.
“Thank you so much, both of you. This gift is the nicest thing anyone has given me,” I tell them both, my eyes tearing up, but I hold them back.
Foster takes me in his arms first, kissing my lips and wiping my tears away. “You’re so welcome, pretty girl. You deserve the world.”
When he releases me, Talon moves in. His kiss is harder and longer. “It was no problem, Kitten. But I need you to drive me around in it tomorrow.”
“Deal,” I tell him.
Over Talon’s shoulder, I can see Cole hovering at the garage door, watching us. His eyes are soft with longing. When he notices my eyes on him, he gives me a sad smile and walks out. My heart squeezes, watching him go.
Chapter 19
"We can use the neighbor's driveway," I tell Foster as we drive up to Emma and Matt’s house. There are cars parked everywhere along the street. He pulls in, where I point, and Cole and Talon jump out of the car to open the hatch and grab the presents from the back. All three guys insisted on buying something for my honorary niece, and I can't wait to spoil her.
When we walk into the yard, the party guests get quiet. It makes quite an impression arriving with a pro athlete and a famous musician. I feel self-conscious, but none of the guys even pause. We're halfway to where the tents and tables are set up when a curly-haired hellion launches herself at me. "Tee Bwake! You came!"
I sweep Cora into my arms and hold on. "Happy third birthday, pumpkin."
Her little arms tighten around me, and I hold on, missing her so much. Knowing she's growing up quickly, I vow to visit her more often. Once she catches a look at the guys and everything they're hauling, she wriggles to get down.
"Are those all for me?" she asks in awe.
Foster chuckles at her, "Of course, all for the birthday girl."
