Promises (The Kings of Guardian #14) - Kris Michaels Page 0,24

you. That’s not who we are. I accepted when we got married that it was going to be us and only us, and I am more than okay with that. We have nieces and nephews and by the sounds of it at least one more on the way. Children don’t fulfill a person, babe. They make a life fuller. Our life is full to the brim with the love we share. Not having kids is our prerogative, just like having a family is theirs. They don’t live our life. They don’t get a vote.”

Oh, damn, he understood. She knew he did, but she needed to hear it. She had to make sure she wasn’t being a selfish bitch. His words wiped away the worries that had been plaguing her since Mal and Poet’s wedding. She swiped at the tears that formed. “Damn it, DeMarco, that squishy inside you have showed up again.”

She pressed close to him when he folded her back into his arms. “Yeah, I know. I’ll have to work on that.”

“Make sure you do.” She sniffed and then smiled as his chuckle vibrated through her. “I fucking love you.”

He kissed the top of her head and spoke quietly, “I know, babe. I love you, too.”

Chapter 9

“What did you do? They’re quiet as church mice.” Anna handed Amanda a cup of hot peppermint tea as she sat down.

“I gave them all new coloring books and colors. The older boys got coloring pencils. They’ll be good for at least a half-hour, and by then, Jacob will be here.” Amanda took a sip of her tea. Her eyes popped open. “Oh, you spiked the tea!”

Anna chuckled. “I found something I like as much as cold red wine. Peppermint schnapps in hot peppermint tea. The young woman buried somewhere inside this old body tried it when my youngest daughter was home for Thanksgiving and made the rest of the brood a batch. It’s good, isn’t it?”

“No, darlin’, this is fantastic.” Amanda took another sip and closed her eyes. “Warms the bones and delights the soul.”

“Where is Jacob anyway? I thought everyone was leaving work early today to get ready for the trip.” Anna smiled at Gabriel and Frank when they walked into the living area of the hotel suite.

“He is taking the dogs to a lady who will watch them.” Frank lowered himself onto the couch where Amanda sat.

“Where have you two been? We are on vacation.”

“Does your vacation entail watching your grandchildren?” Gabriel sat down next to Anna and sniffed. “Ah, after the schnapps again?”

Anna elbowed him and laughed. “Vacation, remember?”

“My grandbabies are a delight and I’d gladly spend the entire two weeks watching them, but Tori told me that the couples are going to take a day each with the older kids so everyone can enjoy their vacation. Now, where did you two get to?”

“Joseph called. He wanted to inform us about an event happening in the near future. Some things you can’t delay and must address when called.” Gabriel lifted an eyebrow and Frank smirked.

“Oh, no. I’ve seen that look.” Amanda turned to face her husband. “Frank Marshall, the last time I saw you make that face the kids ended up with puppies for Christmas.”

Frank grunted but added, “Teaches them how to be responsible.”

Anna cocked her head. “Really? Aren’t some of the children too young to deal with the responsibility of a puppy.”

Frank shrugged. “Wasn’t talking about the grandchildren.”

“I think the kids are doing very well for themselves. Chance and Elizabeth would have been proud of each of them.” Amanda patted Frank on the leg.

Frank smiled at his wife and kissed her temple. “They turned out okay. Just need to keep them humble.”

Gabriel snorted. “We finally have all four of ours settled. Deacon and Ronan aren’t going to re-up. They’re ready to come work for the business. They need to find a path forward. Gabriella settled in New York. She’s changed career paths three times, but she finally decided on interior design. She’s a junior partner now, but when she’s comfortable, we’ll help her start her own company.”

“What about the youngest? She’s rather like our Jade.” Amanda took another sip of her tea. “Delicious.”

“Charlotte has an apartment in Paris. Believe it or not, my wild child is doing an internship on art restoration. She’s a year and a half into a five-year program.”

“Wow, that’s an about-face for her, isn’t it?” Amanda handed her teacup to Frank. “Try this.”

Anna chuckled and pointed at her husband. “He didn’t believe that his