121. Maddox

ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE

Damn kids.

I breathe in through my nose, fighting the heat building in my eyes.

Smidge said it so easily. Parental figure.

I wasn't lying when we talked about kids before. I've never really wanted them. Never had the urge to make babies. But this kid, she's already snarked her way into my heart. And I know I'd lay my life on the line for any one of these three amazing women.

"What about school?" Hannah whispers it, my own emotions mirrored in her eyes.

Chelsea replies before I have to. "Moneybags can get me a driver."

I nod. "I can."

"I'll take a driver too," Ruth calls from down the hall.

I hold Hannah's gaze. "I don't want to dismantle your family; I want to be a part of it. I want all of you here. With me. With us." I squeeze her fingers.

"This is crazy," she breathes.

"Crazier than not living together?"

She shakes her head. "No, not living together would be worse."

I move closer. "You'll do it?"

Hannah looks over at Smidge. "What do you think?"

"I already told you." Chelsea grins at her aunt. "If anyone can break the curse, it's him."