“Maybe I should call off the party,” I say quietly after a moment, and I feel his chest expand. I know my cousins would understand, but I’d still hate disappointing them.

“As much as I would love for you to call it off, it’s not necessary. I spoke with Jax and Evan a few days ago and asked them about hiring security. They said they knew a couple guys who would be willing to keep an eye on you girls while you’re out.”

“So we’re going to have babysitters.” I shake my head, knowing the girls won’t like that at all and will probably do something stupid, just to spite whoever is watching us.

“Not babysitters, just a couple men looking out for you girls. You probably won’t even notice them.”

“Do you know who they are?”

“Harlen and a guy named Zee, who I haven’t met yet.”

“Harlen’s cool, so that won’t be too bad, but Zee is married to July’s best friend, Kayan, who is coming to the party, so that could be weird.”

“Why would it be weird?” he asks, searching my face, and I shrug.

“You can’t exactly let loose when your husband is watching your every move.”

“You shouldn’t be doing anything you wouldn’t do in front of your husband anyways,” he growls back.

I roll my eyes then see the time and stand suddenly, muttering, “Crap,” as I adjust my skirt. “Cara’s meeting me in ten minutes. If we don’t go now, I’m going to be late,” I remind him as he pulls me right back down onto his lap.

“You have time.” He kisses my bottom lip then takes my jaw in his hands, running his gaze over my face. “Are you gonna be okay?”

My body melts against his and I nod. “Yeah. The whole thing about the murdered women just has me freaked out a bit, especially after what happened to me,” I admit, and his jaw tightens.

“Nothing is going to happen to you.”

“I know. It’s just scary. There have been two murders in one week.”

“This isn’t the small town you grew up in anymore. It’s now an extension of the big city that is getting closer by the day. Unfortunately, with that comes crime, baby.”

“I guess you’re right,” I murmur, and his face softens before he places a kiss to my forehead. Standing us both, I watch him turn off his computer and ask, “Did you decide where you guys are going to dinner tonight?”

He tugs off his tie and rolls up the sleeves of his dress shirt. “Your parents’ house,” he mutters absently, grabbing his wallet from the top drawer of his desk and shoving it in his back pocket.

I stare at him in disbelief. “What? I think I just heard you say you’re having dinner at my parents’ house.”

Grinning, he pulls me against his chest, dipping his face closer to mine. “I did, and we are.”

“We haven’t even had dinner at my parents’ house together yet.” I frown, wondering what the hell my mom is up to. She never mentioned inviting Dillon to dinner when I talked to her this afternoon, and that is something she would have brought up.

“Don’t pout.” He kisses my pouted out lips then turns me toward the door with a pat to my ass.

Spinning back around, I place my hands on my hips when I see his lips twitch. “What if it’s a set up?”

“It’s not a set up.” He laughs, resting his hand against my lower back and leading me out of his office. “It’s just dinner. Your parents know Parker and the boys are coming with me.”

“Your brother would probably laugh his ass of if my dad or Jax decided to chase you with a shotgun. Maybe I should cancel my appointment and come with you, just to be sure you’re safe.”

“Stop being a nut. It’s going to fine.”

“Said every man, before his father-in-law shot him,” I grumble under my breath, listening to his booming laughter as he picks up my stuff and leads me out the door.

*

“I swear it’s been forever since I’ve seen you,” Kim says, rushing toward me as soon as we step foot in the salon, and I smile as her arms wrap around me tightly.

“It’s been way too long,” I agree, rocking her from side to side before letting her go to look at Cara, who is standing next to me.

“Kim, this is my sister-in-law, Cara. Cara, this is Kim, my amazing hair stylist and friend,” I introduce.

“I still cannot believe you’re married to The Dick,” Kim says, then her eyes widen and her face pales as she looks from me to Cara. “I’m so sorry.” She covers her mouth.

“Don’t be sorry.” Cara grins. “I used to call Dillon’s brother Parker The Prick before we got together, so being an asshole must be a family trait,” she confides, making us laugh. Then her eyes glaze over and she breathes, “Holy cow.” Turning to see what’s caught her attention, I watch my cousin Sage push open the door with one hand while holding Hope’s tiny hand with the other.

“Yep, holy cow,” Kim grumbles, while Sage lifts his chin toward Cara smiles softly at Kim then grins at me.

“Hey, cuz,” he greets as Hope runs toward me and wraps her tiny arms around my thighs.

“Hey.”

I smile then look down as Hope shouts, “Auntie Ashlyn, you’re here!” while tilting her body back awkwardly to look up at me.

“Hey, princess.” I smile, picking her up, even though she is way past the stage of being carted around, and resting her on my hip. “What are you up to?”