Page 90 of The Sacrifice
“I’ll take you at your word. You know I’ve always got your back. It doesn’t matter what time it is. If you need me, I’ll be there.”
“Thanks, man.” Andrew rests his arm on the bar top. This time, he twists the glass in a circle rather than chasing away whatever demons are trying to slay him. “I’m glad you and my sister are together. You’re good for each other.”
“Yes. Yes, we are.” I clear my throat. “I need to ask you something.”
“Anything.”
“Will you be my best man? We aren’t planning a big wedding. It’ll only be family and friends because we don’t want to wait.”
“Of course, I’ll be your best man. If you didn’t ask me, I’d be upset. You’re marrying my sister.”
“I know, but I wanted to ensure you were okay with it. I don’t want you to feel awkward about anything.”
“It’s awkward as fuck. You’re screwing my sister. But that doesn’t mean I’ll miss your wedding or not support the two of you.”
“Thank you.” I drink half the mug of beer, set it down, and swipe the back of my mouth with my hand. “I’m having Spencer draft adoption papers for Mia. I don’t want her to only be Hadley’s stepmom. I want Hadley to have a forever mother who loves her and will always be there for her.”
“That’s wonderful. I know she’ll be happy about that. She loves that little girl.”
“Yes, she does.” And Hadley loves her. She’s reaching for her anytime someone else is holding her. In a few months, she’ll be running after her.
Mia breezes between us and wraps her arm around my shoulders. “Were you talking about me?”
“Always.” I smile and encircle her waist, drawing her closer until there’s no difference between where I start, and she begins. “How was Tate?”
“Great.” It’s crazy how quickly my brother and his wife took to Hadley. They think she’s the sun and stars. Someday, this is all going to bite us in the ass. We’ll spend years fawning over her, and she won’t want to go to the bathroom alone. I trace my thumb over her cheek. “I was telling Andrew I’m having Spencer draw up adoption paperwork, legally making you her mother.”
Her mouth drops open, and nothing comes out. She’s speechless. Huh. Who knew? There’s a first for everything. “Well, say something.”
“Thank you.” She launches herself at me, practically choking my throat. “I don’t know what to say other than thank you. You both snuck into my heart and ripped it to shreds until it only beats for the two of you.”
“God, that’s too much,” Andrew groans and looks up to the ceiling. “I’m going to need liposuction from the overload of sugar you’re drenching on each other.”
I wink at him over her shoulder. “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.”
Mia flushes and steps out of my arms, turning to include Andrew in our conversation. “He’s teasing.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Fine. He’s not.” She shudders, making my dick proud. “But we’re not going to gross you out. He promised not to make you feel awkward.” She elbows me in the gut.
“You said the words. I didn’t promise anything. This is my best friend. If I want to tell him all the Penthouse Forum shit we do, I will.”
“Please, don’t.” He rolls his eyes and makes a gagging sound.
“I’m joking.” I waggle my eyebrows. “Mostly.”
Seconds later, I sober. I like teasing him because it’s so easy to get a rise out of him, but I have something serious to discuss with him. “Would you be willing to be Hadley’s godfather?”
Mia grabs my hand and squeezes it. We discussed at length who would be the best parent for Hadley if we died unexpectedly. I love my brother and my parents, but I’m aware they expect perfection, and I don’t want that pressure on our daughter.
If she wants to put pressure on herself, that’s fine. But I don’t want anyone comparing her to others or pushing her to fit into a square hole when she’s a circle.
“Wow.” He swallows hard over his Adam’s apple. “That’s a lot to take in on a weeknight. But….” He nods. “Yes, I would be honored to. I don’t want to consider anything happening to the two of you, but I appreciate the maturity and forethought it took to make that decision.” His eyes glisten under the bar lights. “I’ll take good care of her and raise her how you’d want her raised if anything happens to you.”
“Thank you. We trust you, which is why you were the right person.”
“But I want to make it clear. You’re not dying, and if you do, I’m propping you up on the sofa and dragging your asses to beach parties. You don’t want that.”