Ruthless King - Page 239

Jilly moved over to where Aston stood, watching Maxim take on a different Malone cousin. This time, he was arm-wrestling Raid. “Is he winning?”

“He’s holding his own,” Aston told her. She brushed back her blonde hair from her face. “Get him, baby! You got this! You are the arm wrestling champion of arm wrestlers!”

“And you’re adorable, Rainbow,” Maxim called back just before winning the arm wrestle.

Aston let out a whoop and ran toward him. He swept her up into his arms as she fist-pumped the air.

Those two were so cute.

“Jilly!”

Spinning, she saw Gracen limping toward her.

“Hey, you’re not supposed to be walking around. Victor will have a fit if he sees you.”

Gracen rolled her eyes. “I pulled a muscle at dance class, I didn’t lose a limb. And Victor is putting Arlo down for a nap. Anytime you want to cut the cake, it’s ready.”

Jilly took hold of her hands. “Thank you so much for making the cake for us.”

Gracen blushed. “It was nothing.”

“That’s not true. The cake is amazing and you know it. Just like the photos Thea took will be stunning. And Aston helped me so much with the organization. I’m so lucky to have all of you and Lottie.”

Gracen hugged her tight. “We’re the lucky ones. You helped Regent learn to open up, to let us in, to show us how he feels. And for that, we’ll always be so grateful to you.”

Jilly sniffled just as she heard a yell coming from the house. Glancing over, she saw Victor storming toward them.

“Uh-oh, you’re in trouble,” she sang.

Gracen turned and grimaced. “Uh-oh, is right.”

“What do you think you’re doing on your feet?” Victor boomed.

“I’m fine. It’s just a pulled muscle. I can walk.”

“Not happening.” Victor lifted her into his arms, muttering something to Gracen that had her blushing.

Then he turned to carry her to a chair.

Yes, these Malone men were something else.

She turned away as she heard someone yell.

“Ace, don’t you dare! You’re all muddy!” Thea held her young daughter in her arms as she called out to Ace, unable to run after him.

Ace raced up to Jilly. He had mud all down his front. Where the heck had he found mud to bathe in?

“Jilly!” he cried out.

Regent appeared out of nowhere to stop the young boy before he could touch her. He spoke to him quietly, and Ace nodded.

“All right, Uncle Reggie! I’ll clean up. But then, I need to dance with Auntie Jilly!”

Regent turned to her as Ace ran off. She smiled as he took her into his arms.

“Always my hero.”

“I think I’m going to have to fight that boy for you one day. He’s got a crush on you.”

“Well, unfortunately for Ace, there’s only one man for me and there only ever will be.”

Leaning down, he kissed her. “Happy, baby?”

“The happiest I’ve ever been. But I do have a gift for you.”

“For me?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “You didn’t have to get me anything, sweet girl.”

“Ahh, well, this is something you’ve wanted for a while.” She took his hand and placed it on her still-flat belly. “Happy wedding day, Daddy-to-be.”