Total pages in book: 186
Estimated words: 178688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 893(@200wpm)___ 715(@250wpm)___ 596(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 178688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 893(@200wpm)___ 715(@250wpm)___ 596(@300wpm)
The plan is to gut it from top to bottom and replace all the old equipment and put in a boxing ring. Tyler’s already told Noah he’d hire him to help rebuild the place and work on whatever we need him to. Noah’s excited for the project since it’ll keep him busy and give him the opportunity to make money. My brother’s always been good with fixing things, like our dad, and with the shop closed, he’ll need the work.
Katie got that promotion at the bank she was hoping for and finally bought a fixer-upper. Though Noah could help her remodel, she’s too damn stubborn to ask for help. She thinks she’s going to be able to tear out walls and fix the plumbing by watching YouTube tutorials.
I have faith in my best friend but not that much. I’m hoping to convince her to at least give him a chance, but ever since we got Noah’s official release date, she’s been in a weird mood.
“You really think we’ll get the whole place gutted and ready to open by midsummer?” I ask as Tyler drives us downtown. “That only gives us four to five months.”
He reaches over and squeezes my hand. “It’s my full-time job now, baby. I’ll be there every day doing shit and working with the contractors to make sure it’s finished on time.”
“You have no idea how happy I am that you’re gonna let Noah help. It will ease him back so much smoother.”
“I have no doubt he’ll be a hard worker. After seeing how he’s bulked up, he’ll probably run circles around the other guys.” He chuckles, but it’s true. Noah will be the most eager out of them to prove himself and do a good job.
Tyler parks in front of the gym, and when he looks at me, I can’t stop the smile from forming on my face. “I can’t believe, by this time tomorrow, we’ll be picking him up from prison.”
“Been a long time comin’,” he confirms, and I nod.
“Then let’s get this meeting over with so you can triple-check your dad’s house is ready for his arrival like I know you’re dying to.”
“Hey!” I squeal. “I just want it to be perfect.”
“Babe, he’s been sharing a tiny ass cell for the past decade. He’ll appreciate a nice warm bed and privacy more than you know.”
I frown because he’s right. I can’t even imagine the conditions Tyler and Noah have experienced.
“We should at least grab a few pies for dinner tomorrow night. He’s probably dying for homemade desserts.”
“I’m sure he’d love that.” Tyler places a kiss on my knuckles. “Now, Club Blackwood is waiting for us.”
I snort at the name, shaking my head, but this is his pride and joy, so I let him name it whatever he wanted. He plans to add a juice bar, a boxing arena, and a couple of private studio rooms for training and classes. He has so many great ideas, and I can’t wait to watch him fulfill his dream.
* * *
TYLER
I watch as Gemma changes out of another dress and rummages through her closet yet again. She’s a nervous wreck, and nothing I say has been able to calm her. Walking up behind her, I squeeze her shoulders, trying to release the tension.
“Sweetheart,” I say calmly. “If we don’t go soon, we’re gonna be late picking him up.”
“Babe, I know,” she snaps. “Nothing fits me!”
I hold back from saying anything that might upset her. Her hormones are out of control—some days are better than others—but with the added nerves, she’s been a tad moodier.
“You could wear sweatpants and a ratted T-shirt for all Noah cares,” I remind her.
“I don’t wanna look like a fat, tired pregnant woman in our pictures. He promised we’d take some as soon as we got home, so I need to look nice.”
“Okay, how about this…you put that dress back on, and we’ll buy some maternity clothes tomorrow. Everleigh’s boutique has some cute new ones.”
As soon as my sister found out we were expecting, she expanded her inventory to include maternity as a surprise for Gemma. She messaged me this morning that it’s all arrived, and she’s ecstatic and impatient for Gemma to see.
“Wait, what?” She turns around, blinking.
I tell her the news, and her whole face lights up.
“Seriously?”
“Yep. She wanted to surprise you tomorrow, so can you pretend you didn’t know?” I smirk. “I tried to wait, but seeing you freak out like this, I didn’t know what else to do.”
Gemma wraps her arms around me, and I hold her to my chest. “Sorry, I’m a mess.”
“You’re perfectly fine, baby. But we really do need to leave.”
“Okay, gimme five minutes.” I lean down and collide my lips with hers. “Thanks for telling me the secret.”
Twenty-five minutes later, we’re finally on the road, and Gemma’s knee is shaking next to me. Jerry’s in the back seat of the SUV with Belinda. I don’t even know if there’s gonna be room for Noah at this point, but we’ll make it work.