Revealing Annie - Freya Barker Page 0,97

papers I pull out but when I read the names at the top I sink to my butt on the cold ground. I’m a little light-headed.

“It’s the title to this property.”

“It is.”

“How did you know?”

“I may have snooped a little,” she admits with a little smile, as she sits down next to me. “Keep going.” She points at the basket.

I pull the drawings out next, but attached to it is one of those certificates they give out to kids in school, complete with balloons and animals. I look up at her with an eyebrow raised.

“Hush,” she snickers. “It’s all I could find.”

You gave me a home; I’m just returning the favor.

Happy birthday to the man who gave me new dreams.

Part of me is pissed she pulled a fast one on me, part of me wants to bawl at the gesture, but what I end up doing is tackling her to the blanket she tossed on the ground.

Bracing myself on my elbows, I look down in her beautiful blue eyes and brush a strand of hair from her forehead.

“You’ve been plotting behind my back.”

She smiles with only a hint of guilt.

“I have.”

“Don’t know whether to spank you or kiss you.”

Her smile deepens as she winds her arms around my neck.

“Why don’t we save the spanking for later?”

I growl as I slam my mouth down on her smiling one.

Much later, after we—well, mostly me—brushed off the custard tarts she made me, and most of the bottle of champagne she had hidden in the bottom of the basket, we sit quietly enjoying the view. I have my back braced against a tree trunk, Annie sitting between my cocked knees, her back against my front.

“Jed says if he can get the permits through quickly, he’ll be able to break ground before the weather gets too cold.”

“I may have a few connections at City Hall,” I tell her.

She tilts her head back and smiles at me.

“Next summer the three of us will be sitting here, on our deck, taking in this view.”

I bend down and kiss her softly.

“On top of the world, Annie-chan.”

THE END

Keep reading for an excerpt of “EDGE OF TOMORROW,” third book in my new Arrow’s Edge MC series featuring Brick Paver and Lisa Rawlings.

EDGE OF TOMORROW

Arrow’s Edge MC series #3

Coming to you September 21st, 2020

Lisa

“Don’t forget your lunch!”

Ezrah—who bailed out of the car the moment the wheels stopped turning—grinds to a halt halfway to the front door of the school and comes running back. I lean over to hand him his lunch bag through the passenger window.

“Best not be getting another call from the principal’s office today, boy,” I warn him.

All I get is a grunt in response. Dear Lord, but that child tests my patience.

Ever since we found a home in Durango two years ago my grandson has gone from a timid, beaten down little boy to this mouthy child with an attitude that won’t fit through the door. He never fails to find an argument, it doesn’t matter who’s across from him. Yesterday he went head to head with his teacher during history class. Argued with her when she claimed slavery was abolished in the US since 1865. Ezrah disagreed. Loudly.

My grandson was not wrong, given that up until two years ago we lived in service to a family of white supremacists, but calling his teacher bat-shit crazy wasn’t the right way to convey the message. I ended up having to pick him up from the principal’s office, and back at home had Trunk sit him down for a good talk.

Ezrah looks up to Trunk, our resident child psychologist and a black man. My poor grandchildren haven’t really known any father figures—anyone to take guidance from—until we came here. Of course, in an MC testosterone runs rampant, and although all good, decent men, they’re not known for their tact. My grandson emulates what he sees.

I watch him run to the door and slips inside.

“Nana, is Ezrah in trouble?”

I turn around in my seat and look at my baby, my Kiara.

“Not if he behaves. Now, let’s get you off to school.”

Kiara just started Grade One this past August, but not at the same school as Ezrah. I did that on purpose, because the boy is so protective of his sister, she wouldn’t get a chance to forge friendships of her own, which is important. She’s surrounded by boys at home, she needs some space to develop her own person.

I park at her school, not ready to let her walk in by