As the son of Atlanta’s fire chief, Magnum had risen through the ranks on his own merit, proving himself through hard work, grit and determination. To avoid the appearance of nepotism, he went out of his way not to ask his father for anything. Like, ever.
Tinkering with a molded black hose, Magnum said conversationally, “Wifey and kids doing all right?”
“Yup,” Marcus said, smiling. “Just counting down the days to Christmas.”
“I bet they are.” Magnum shot him a sly grin. “By the way, I saw the looks you and Samara were giving each other on Sunday. If she’s not already pregnant again, she will be soon enough.”
Marcus laughed. “From your lips to God’s ears.”
Magnum’s grin broadened. “You always talked about wanting a big family if you ever got married. Guess you weren’t lying.”
“Nope.”
Magnum chuckled. “Hand me that ratchet wrench right there.”
Marcus picked up the right tool with barely a glance and handed it over.
“Thanks.” Magnum started spinning the handle of the wrench, loosening a nut. “So you really want more kids, huh?”
“I do.” Marcus leaned back against the truck, his hands tucked into his pockets. “See, you grew up with four brothers, so you always had someone to keep you company. Sometimes I envied you.”
“Really?”
“C’mon, MG. I’ve told you that before. I mean, don’t get me wrong. Mike and I have always been there for each other. I couldn’t have asked for a better brother. But we’re six years apart. At some point we stopped sharing the same interests. When Mike started hanging out with his older friends like Quentin, I felt kinda left out. It was especially hard after you guys moved to Denver. With Mom gone, Dad working late and Mike out doing his thing, I got lonely sometimes.” Marcus shrugged a shoulder. “I want a big family. I want a house filled with rambunctious kids and the sounds of running feet and happy laughter.”
“I hear you, bruh.” There was a smile in Magnum’s voice. “Nothing wrong with obeying the Lord’s command to be fruitful and multiply, especially if wifey’s on board.” He paused. “Sheisstill on board, right?”
“She is,” Marcus said, smiling softly. “Samara grew up an only child, so she understands better than anyone what it’s like to feel lonely. We’ve both always wanted a big family.”
“See, that’s another reason she’s perfect for you. A lot of women nowadays would be too worried about ruining their figure to give you a ton of babies. Not that Samara has to worry about that,” Magnum drawled appreciatively. “Baby girl got it goin’ on.”
Marcus smiled. “That she does.”
“I mean, not only does she have a beautiful face, but—”
“Watch it,” Marcus warned, lurching off the truck to glare menacingly at Magnum.
He laughed. “I’m just sayin’, cuz. Samara’s fine as hell. Mason still jokes about wishing he’d met her first.”
Marcus scowled. “Mason better back up off my wife before he gets knocked the fuck out.”
Magnum threw back his head and roared with laughter.
Marcus scowled harder, shaking his head. Pipsqueak played too damn much.
“Refresh my memory,” Magnum said when his mirth subsided. “How many more kids do you want again?”
Marcus grinned. “Honestly? I’d be good with another two or three—”
Magnum guffawed.
“—but I’d be just as thrilled and grateful if we only had one more. Preferably a sister for Milan to bond with.”
“Two boys, two girls.” Magnum smiled. “Sounds perfect to me.”
Marcus grinned. He couldn’t wait for Magnum to find his Mrs. Right and start his own family.
No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than he heard a smoky female voice behind him say, “Excuse me.”
