Page 159
Imogene snickered with a bright blush shading her cheeks. “We could fuck and then read.”
That’s a fair compromise.
Epilogue
Seven years later…
Motherhood is not for the weak. Imogene covered her mouth, giving in to her yawn. She should’ve been taking this time to rest while the boys were napping. Yes, four-year-old twins. She rested her hand on her belly. She was still in the first trimester and barely showing. But Imogene was feeling all the side effects to pregnancy. Mainly, fatigue. She didn’t remember being this tired last time. Of course, she wasn’t chasing two little boys around back then.
She glanced around the house. Imogene always tried to prioritize her free time when the boys were asleep. What task could she check off her list in the next hour? Certainly not cleaning. The house was a disaster. She was usually good at keeping up with it, but after the traumatic morning they’d had, it had all gone to hell.
Jekyll was currently at the vet with Hank. Yeah, he’s still here. The cat had been acting strange for the last two days. He was eating less and sleeping more. It could’ve been a result of his age, but Imogene wanted to have him checked out. Her husband offered to take him. Now it was a waiting game until they got home.
Imogene had managed to get half the living room cleaned up when the doorbell rang. She wasn’t expecting anyone, but that meant nothing in the little neighborhood behind the clubhouse. It had grown to full capacity, but recently a few brothers with families had gotten property in Killcreek and built homes. That was a touchy subject in their house.
She opened the door and smiled.
“Hey, Cleo.”
She spread out her arms. “I’m reporting for babysitting duty.”
What?
It wasn’t the first time Cleo looked after the boys. In fact, of all the women, she was one of their favorites. Aunt Cleo. But?
Imogene cocked her head. “Babysitting?”
Was she so exhausted that she’d forgotten she’d asked Cleo to watch the kids? And if that was the case, what the hell did I plan to do?
“Yeah, Jek asked me last night when he came to see Wraith.” Cleo knitted her brows, then her face paled. “Oh my God, was this supposed to be a surprise, and I just ruined it?”
“I mean” —Imogene chuckled— “it’s a surprise to me.”
It was perfect timing that Jekyll’s truck drove down the road and pulled into the driveway. Imogene rushed down the stairs as he retrieved Hank’s carrier from the passenger side.
“Is he okay? What did the doctor say?”
“Three hundred fucking dollars to find out his iron is low.” Jekyll scowled, shaking his head.
Imogene bent down, looking at Hank through the mesh window. “But he’s gonna be fine?”
Jekyll scoffed. “Yeah, he’s healthy and got a lot more years. Lucky fucking us.” His tone was laced in sarcasm.
Hank had eventually warmed up to Imogene but still only lukewarm. However, he took every chance to sit next to Jekyll on the couch.
“Hey Jekyll.” Cleo waved as they walked up the porch stairs.
He lowered his chin and turned to Imogene. “Get your shoes on.”
She raised her brows. “Where are we going?”
He walked through the door. “You’ll see when we get there.”
“I love surprises,” Cleo said, following her inside.
Usually, Imogene was a fan too. But this had been sprung on her without notice. She glanced down at her stretchy pants and tank top.
“Should I change my clothes?”
