Page 98 of Ready or Not
The call isn’t as painful as the meals spent face-to-face. And at this point, I’ll call that a win.
“She does look like you,” Mercy’s mom says, smiling softly.
“I told you. She’s the spitting image of Vale. Although, I’m sure there’s a little of Garza in there too. Mostly the terrible attitude when she’s tired or hungry.” Mercy leans over to kiss her cheek.
“I’m happy for you,” his mother says in a softer tone. “Truthfully, I wish we had planned our visit for a few weeks later. She’s lovely.”
“She really is,” Mercy agrees.
“I’m sure you’ve got much to get done,” his mom says. “So, I won’t keep you. We sent a package for all of you, which you should have today or tomorrow, since it was mailed the day she was born. It’s probably the last thing on your mind, but we never got to clarify in person. Your fathers and I have spoken at length. We’ve decided it’s only right to disperse your inheritance.”
“To me?” Mercy asks, his jaw falling open.
“Yes, darling.” His mother gives a prim smile. “We’re sure you’ll do great things with it.”
I’m sure my face must look similar to Mercy’s, because in no universe did I see that coming. They wrap up the call, and Mercy turns to face me.
“I firmly believe you and Aurora won them over because it certainly wasn’t me,” he says, giving me a tender but quick kiss. “Do you need anything? I want to call the others up to the house, so we can give them the good news.”
I laugh, shaking my head. He’s so damn cute when he’s happy. “Call them.”
The level of excitement around the house only grows as Mercy gleefully informs everyone of the good news.
“It’s a good thing I have steaks in the fridge from your fathers,” Marina tells Cooper. “Why don’t you start the grill? It seems like tonight is a night for celebrating.”
“But you’ve got like three casseroles in the oven,” Holt says, laughing.
“Casseroles aren’t celebration food.” Cooper tosses his arm around his mom’s shoulders. “They’re low effort warm-up meals for when we are too tired to order takeout or cook for ourselves.”
“That’s right,” Marina agrees. “Now, start the grill. I’ll season them up before I head out.”
“I’ll help,” Holt says, shoving off the couch. “Do you want a beer?”
“Sure,” Cooper says, coming over to give me a quick kiss. He looks at Bishop next to me on the couch. “Are you sticking with her?”
Bishop nods, running his hand down Aurora’s back as she sleeps on his chest. “I’m good here.”
“I think I’ll head to the office for a bit and start to put out feelers to the teams. That way, we can hire based on employee recommendations at first,” Mercy says, bouncing on his toes.
Seeing him excited really is my new favorite thing. Well, outside of my very spoiled daughter, who’s busy snoozing against Bishop’s pec.
“Merryweather and I will come.” Hargrove shoves himself off the other couch, gesturing for his friend.
“Where’s the serial killer?” Kate mutters under her breath.
“He’s dangerous. I wish you would take it seriously when we tell you not to bait him,” Merryweather says, shaking his head. “I’m not trying to control you, but Ranger is unpredictable under the best of circumstances.” He leans down, giving her a quick kiss. “We’ll be back in time for dinner.”
She nods as the others head off to do their own things.
Kate seems to be warming to the idea that I picked a good pack. She hasn’t been nearly as standoffish to Mercy and Bishop as she was before I went to the hospital.
“All right, someone find me a lighter,” Cooper calls from the door that leads to the patio.
“Should we be afraid?” I ask Bishop, smiling over at my giant alpha.
He laughs. “He probably won’t burn the house down.”
“Where are you going?” Bishop asks, grabbing my hand and pulling it to his mouth.