Aftermath by Bailey Bradford (most important books of all time txt) 📗

to be a good man, just one who was perhaps fighting against aging a little too hard.

“We’ve gotten the social worker bringing the girls in about five minutes. They’ll meet with Judge Ashe first, then we’ll all convene in the court room.” Larry checked his watch. “Ah. In three minutes. We’re fortunate that you both know Judge Ashe. I’d never met her until you hired me. Then again, I’d never heard of McKinton, Texas, either, and it’s not too far from Fort Worth.”

“It’s a good place to live.” Lee loved it there.

“A good place to raise a family,” Darren added. “Inez and Taylor will have as idyllic a childhood as possible.”

Larry nodded. “Yes, I’m sure they will. Just remember, even idyllic childhoods include scratched knees and the occasional broken bone. Kids will be kids.”

Since Larry had four kids of his own, he was the voice of authority amongst the three of them as they stood in the hallway, waiting to enter the courtroom.

When the social worker, Terry Braden, arrived with Taylor and Inez, both girls called out happily to Darren and Lee. A bond had established between Lee, Darren and the girls, after more than five months of meetings and visits. At three and two, Inez and Taylor were smart, happy girls and Lee knew Darren loved them as much as he did.

“Everything’s going to be fine,” Darren assured him. “Just fine.”

And it was. The girls must have been very enthusiastic about having two dads, because Judge Ashe was glowing with joy as she signed off on their adoption, listing Lee and Darren both as parents. There might be some problems with that in certain places, but it’d be dealt with should the need arise.

When Judge Ashe pronounced them dads, Lee couldn’t hold back the tears any more than Darren could. Taylor and Inez ran to them and Lee met Darren’s gaze as they each hugged their daughters.

This is life, and love, and happiness. This is my family. “I love you,” Lee whispered, to Darren, Taylor and Inez. And he did, and would, forever.

Also available from Pride Publishing:

What’s his Passion?: Unexpected Moments

Bailey Bradford

Excerpt

Chapter One

Carter tugged at his shirt cuffs. He shouldn’t have been as nervous as he was, but his heart fluttered and his pulse raced. He touched his tie. Reassured it was straight and that he was as attractive as possible, he entered the restaurant.

The host glanced up at him and smiled warmly. “Good evening, sir. Are you meeting someone or dining alone?”

Carter’s cheeks warmed. “Er, meeting someone. Carter Hausemann is the name the reservation is under. Another gentleman, Mr. Canales, will be joining me shortly.” I hope.

The host nodded. He ran his finger down a paper in front of him then checked Carter’s name off it. “There you are, right here. Very good, sir. I’m Rogelio and I’ll be seating you tonight. Follow me, please.”

There was no reason for him to be so edgy. He’d spoken with Eddie the night before and confirmed their plans. Still, Carter kept thinking, what if. They didn’t really know each other, besides having had sex a few times.

Spectacular sex. And we did talk during the hiking trip. Carter had been stunned to discover the park ranger leading the group on the hiking adventure was one of the same men he’d hooked up with for a threesome just a couple of days earlier—the one man he’d really been into during that fun little orgy. Yes, Eddie Canales was everything Carter wanted in a man—hopefully. Carter had no problem imagining the two of them hiking along the Appalachian Trail. That was his dream vacation, the one thing he was determined to do above all else. He’d love to share the experience with Eddie.

“You could seat us both.”

Carter turned and couldn’t keep back a smile when he saw Eddie standing there. “Hey, you made it.” He immediately felt like a fool for saying that. My insecurity must be showing. “You look good,” he added, before Eddie could respond.

‘Good’ was an understatement. Eddie was sexy as hell in a black suit and blue shirt. No tie for him, which was fine. Carter liked the dressy-casual attire on Eddie almost as much as he liked him in leather or naked. Not quite, though.

“This way, sirs,” Rogelio said. “I have the perfect table for you.”

Carter gestured and waited for Eddie to step in front of him. Eddie gave a slight shake of his head. “No, after you.” He leaned forward and whispered, “I want to watch you walk and see your cute ass move beneath that jacket. Think about what I’m gonna do to it, and you, later.”

Carter sucked in a shaky breath as he flushed hot from his head to his feet. He couldn’t meet Eddie’s gaze or else his burgeoning erection might turn into a full-blown hard-on that even his suit jacket couldn’t hide. Carter stepped back then turned to follow Rogelio.

Rogelio led them to a table set in the back corner. They were more secluded than if they’d been seated elsewhere, and Carter appreciated the privacy. “Thank you,” he said, taking his seat.

Rogelio winked at him. “It isn’t always easy in this town for men like us to have a romantic date.”

There was no point in denying that he and Eddie were on a date. Rogelio wasn’t likely to bash them, though Carter did understand the need for discretion in Odessa. As much as he’d like to be able to touch Eddie and kiss him if the mood struck, they couldn’t be as free in public as straight couples could.

Eddie murmured a thank you to Rogelio.

“Mathias will be your waiter this evening. Can I start you off with one of our wines?” Rogelio handed them a thin drink menu, followed by the larger meal ones.

Carter and Eddie took them.

Carter deferred to Eddie. “Would you like to order, or…”

Eddie grinned. “I’d really like a beer, to tell the truth.”

“Same,” Carter agreed. “What do you have on tap?”

Rogelio took the wine