"I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you." —  Roy Croft
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Chapter 80
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Maggie

"Who picked out the colors for this place, again?"

I took a step back from the drying wall. "Me, sort of."

Ledger, munching on his peanut butter and jelly sandwich, smiled at me. "I love them."

"Well..." I pondered. "It was technically Luke, at first."

He rolled his eyes, then. "I hate them." Luke scowled at him over his shoulder, "What the fuck did I do?"

"What didn't you do?" Ledge murmured around his next bite.

I bumped into Luke's arm with a chuckle. "No cursing around him." Luke cast a glare my way, then sent it to Ledger. "Little jerk started it first."

"I heard that, asshole," Ledge retorted from his corner.

I swept around with a cocked brow. "That goes for you, too, you know."

"I'm nine," he shrugged. "I don't know any better. Luke's like..." His head dipped as he considered it over before saying, "However old the first world war is. He knows better."

Amused, I placed my roller down since we were finished for the day. Luke and I had been at his building all day. Ledger, too.

It has been a week ever since we met him. Despite my argument, he still returned the cooler the next morning, and on top was a thank you note messily scribbled in crayon.

I knew that he had the food from the cooler, but it wouldn't last forever. The thought of just letting it run out didn't sit right with me, either.

Every time Luke and I came to his building, we would have the cooler stocked with food and beverages, and even if we didn't stay the entire day at his shop, we would drop it off at front, then leave. When we would come back, it would be gone, then the next morning, returned empty.

As I guessed, he was really intelligent for his age. I wasn't sure for how long, but I could tell he had definitely been living this way for a while. He was still reserved, which I understood since he was as much as a stranger to us that we were to him. I wouldn't let that distract from the fact that he was a hungry child, though.

Three days ago, though, he had been in front of the building with a thing of plucked flower for me, and a pop tart for Luke. All he did was give it to us, then said thank you before trying to leave.

Before he got too far, I requested he come inside for the air since we were right in the middle of summer, and Luke offered ice cream if he did. Ledger seemed reluctant and nearly prepared to flee, but accepted, anyway.

I had tried asking him about his home life, but the only response given was, complicated. I knew that term that could mean a number of things, and all of them ended up being ones that made my heart hurt.

After that day, he continued to come by the building, and even started to help clean, too. Each day, he seemed to have edged toward us even more, something I considered good.

Him and Luke were a comical sight for me. Like me, he loved to call Luke out on his attitude, which both amused and annoyed Luke. Ledger seemed to enjoy the banter even more, though, despite pretending otherwise.

Luke had the same soft spot I did for him, though, and I understood why. Luke had been in that position once upon a time with his own family, but was able to help, now.

A part of me was conflicted, though. I didn't know if we should call child protective services, or if we should continue on with the routine we had going, now. I knew for some that being in the system wasn't ideal, but the streets weren't safe for a baby like him. Luke and I just decided to wait it out, though.

"Did you like those?" I asked Ledger, motioning toward the sandwiches. He was on his fourth one, now.

Wiping the crumbs from his face with the back of his hand, he nodded. "Mhm." Shaggy, untamed hair grazed his eyes before he pushed it back. "They were really good. Thank you."

"What else do you like? Luke and I can get it. We have to go grocery shopping tomorrow, anyway."

Surprised eyes glanced between Luke and I. "You don't have to."

"We want to." Luke said from my side. His arm wrapped around my waist, and he placed a kiss against my head, earning my smile. He returned it, before flicking his head at Ledger. "I'm not going to jail for accidentally giving a kid an allergic reaction, though, so make sure you tell us about those, too."

He rolled his eyes at Luke, then returned to me with a block of skepticism. "You don't have to get me anything, if you don't want. The sandwiches are perfect."

A kind smile came over my face. "Yeah, but they must get boring. I know I get sick of eating the same thing, so I bet you do, too."

Ledger's blue eyes searched mine for any type of ulterior motive. When he didn't find it, his voice was still quiet around, "I like chicken nuggets, corn dogs, spicy chips..." he paused, his brows furrowing in concentration. He did it when he was trying to think real hard on something, and it was the cutest thing in the world. "And, gummy worms."

I added all of it to a mental checklist, nodding. "Anything else?"

His eyes lit up at the next thing, "I like pizza a lot. Pepperoni and pineapple."

"Me too," Luke chuckled, finishing off his sweeping.

Ledge raised a brow at him. "Guess what?"

"What?"

"I didn't ask."

I laughed at their matching scowls, looking to Ledge. Luke placed his broom to the side, then rejoined me.

Crossing his arms, he looked to Ledger. "Wow." His smirk appeared. "And, here I was. About to put a microwave in here so that you could warm all of your food up."

Ledger's eyes widened up at him. "Really?"

Amused, Luke shrugged. "Mhm, but I guess since you didn't ask—"

"Wait!" Ledge turned his big eyes to me, expression full of desperation. "Tell him to do it, please. He listens to you."

"What?" Luke scoffed, rolling his eyes at the claim. "No, I don't."

Ledge made a silly face at his argument. "I'm nine, not blind." He pointed to me, a chuckle coming out. "I thought it'd be different since you're bigger, but no. Maggie looks at you one time and you're following whatever she says." He shrugged at Luke's scowl. "Sorry, but she kind of owns you."

I chuckled, kissing Luke's scowl away with a peck. It morphed into a curse, but he returned the peck before I turned to crouch down to ledger's height.

"I'll make sure that he brings it, and everything else to put your food in, too. We'll bring you a pizza, too. The biggest one they have with as many toppings as you can think of." I heard Luke mumbled curses from behind me, and it only built my amusement, but I'd fix his attitude for him later.

Ledger frowned with uncertainty, gaze holding mine. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, immediately. "Of course I am."

"I can help you with this place, or I can—"

I waved it off. "You don't have to do a thing for us, sweetheart, trust me." It saddened me that he thought he did.

"No, I want to. Call it a..." His little eyebrows did the thing that made me want to awe aloud, before tipping his eyes back up to mine for help. "An exchange, isn't it?"

I laughed, softly. "Exchange, yes." I motioned to Luke and I. "I promise we don't want it, though."

Wide, serious eyes stared back into my own. "There always has to be an exchange for pizza, Maggie."

I laughed. "Fine. Deal." I wouldn't let him do much, but if it made him feel better, I'd agree.

"Deal." With the cutest smile, he offered a small hand, which I took with a shake. When he turned to Luke, he kept it out.

Luke gave him a fist, earning Ledger's confusion before Luke showed him how to do it. "Fist bump, kid."

"Oh." Shrugging, he repeated the action, slowly. It was a cute sight to see his tiny fist against Luke's, but Luke made sure to barely graze his in return in order to stop from hurting him.

Ledge nodded down at the action with memorization. "Fist bump. Cool." Turning, he grabbed the last of his sandwich, then waved to me. "Bye, Maggie."

My smile softened as l waved back. "Bye, hun." When he turned toward Luke, he rolled his eyes before begrudgingly muttering, "Bye, Luke."

Chuckling, Luke flicked his head at him. "Bye, kid."

On his way out, I continued to stare after him. He was still wearing the old, oversized clothing, so either he had lost the money to someone else or he needed it for something else. It made my stomach fall with sympathy.

I made a separate checklist in my head, then. When Luke and I go to get his food, we can get him clothes and shoes, too. I didn't know his size, but he was a small boy so I could take a guess.

A pleasing feeling struck me as Luke stepped closer, settling his arm over my waist. A smirk passed his lips as he looked at me, "I like that kid."

I chuckled. "He doesn't like you."

"Exactly why I like him."

Laughing, I made sure his arm stayed around me as I turned around, taking my gloves off. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah, baby." He squeezed down once, earning my smile before he passed by me with a satisfying kiss to the cheek. "I'm sleepy as shit, though, honestly."

"I knew I should have forced that energy drink on you." Since we stayed up so late last night, on each other and with him on and in me, I had tried giving him some of my energy drink this morning, but he claimed he didn't need it.

Luke's laugh made my smile grow. "I wouldn't have needed it if your pretty ass hadn't jumped me the way you did—"

I scoffed, playfully. "And who was the one who kept pulling me back into bed and every where else, Palce?"

His eyes raked my body over, and it went hot from under his gaze seconds in. An ache settled in my stomach, and lower, and I knew this cocky fucker of mine caught it by his smirk.

"When I had those pretty thighs of yours around me? You know I couldn't help myself." His smirk continued into a grin, my heart flipping at it. A finger tipped my chin to him so that he had my eyes, "And I sure as hell didn't hear you complaining when they were around my face, either, Norris. Did you?"

A sharp ping ran up the length of my body, and received a shudder in return, and that was just from his words. Through the mushiness of myself, a breath tore through my lips. It came out short, causing his grin to grow.

In between red cheeks, I scowled at him, "Kiss my ass."

"I haven't done it enough, already?" He chuckled, shrugging. "I must be doing a pretty good damn job at it if I keep getting the same requests from you, though."

I fought my laughter as I shoved him back, and out of my space before I tackled and stripped him in the middle of this building. "I'm never talking to you, again, Luke." His own laugh built, and before breaking away from each other, he left a kiss to my forehead that I couldn't even fake reject because I loved it too much.

I waited for the jitter of my body to still as we continued to talk, but it took longer than I liked to admit to get my breath back. Luke took the biggest amusement in this, but played it off to a stranger's eye. The man had fucked with me, and he knew it.

"I have an idea." I grabbed an empty can of paint from the ground, throwing the brush in. "How about you take a nap first, then we can head out for dinner after?"

Luke crouched to grab the wrappers of candy from the ground. "You sure?" Straightening up, he tossed them into the trash can, sweeping his eyes over me. "I don't want you to go to sleep hungry. I can wait."

I nodded, but my true intention was to have him asleep while I cooked him his favorite dinner, as well as Jax's cinnamon rolls. After that, I planned on bringing out this crafts activity he mentioned wanting to try. I had gotten him his favorite beer too, and to finish the night off, after our bath together, I would have him in the bed before I come out in a sexy new lingerie that I knew he would drool over.

I wanted to make the day about him, though, and as good as can be. He had done it for me time and time, again, and hadn't asked for a thing in return, so I would give it myself. He more than deserved it.

Though, I was most excited about wiping the cocky fucker's attitude right off before the clock hit midnight. That was a promise.

I smiled at him. "I'll be fine, I swear. I'm not that hungry after all of the sandwiches. I want you well rested for the day, anyway."

Nodding, he finished discarding of the mess, then went to wash his hands. As soon as he was back, he was grabbing me by the hand, locking the building up, and leading us outside.

Even though his car was only feet away, we stretched the steps out just to be around each other even longer.

Luke squeezed my hand, side-glancing me. "I meant to ask you this shit this morning, but I forgot." The sun turned half of his face golden, and it was the most pleasing sight there was. "Did you find that furniture you were wanting?"

"Mhm." I nodded, twiddling with his fingers. "I'm gonna wait until we're moved in to get them, though."

We had been apartment hunting for the past week and a half, too. Luke just basically went along with anything I wanted, so I dwindled our options down to places closest to university and Luke's building, spacious enough for Fang, Luke and I, and things like that. I had found one specifically that fit all of that, but was waiting to search the other options, too.

As stressful and as nerve wracking as it was, it also excited me. The possibilities were endless, and we would never have to see an ending, either. It made me grateful, happy. Fucking ecstatic.

There was nothing like this feeling of genuinely enjoying every day, the one before it, and the ones expected after it just because of who you were going to be spending them with. My Luke.

Not a single morning went by when I didn't look at him in our bed, just sleeping, just existing, and didn't fall even harder for him. It only carried on throughout the rest of the day, too, and I knew it would for the rest of our lives, as well.

Luke nodded, and lifted our hands to his lips, laying a kiss over the skin, and causing goosebumps. His lips turned into a softened smile, flowing right into a big, happy grin that mesmerized me.

"Jesus. What am I gonna do with you as a roommate, Norris?" he teased, chuckling. "I might just lose my shit waking up to you every morning."

"That can be a fantastic thing, if you let it be." I laughed, stopping in front of my car. "Scared you're gonna fall for me, huh, Palce?" He opened my side for me, waiting until I was in to lean down to me.

"You kidding me, Norris?" A loving set of emotions drowned his eyes out as he leaned toward to kiss mt forehead. "You've had me knocked dead on my ass for exactly..." When he leaned back, he glanced up to the sky in thought, before shrugging. "Two-hundred and eighteen days, and around fifteen hours, now. Just as a guess."

"A guess?" I tilted my head as I thought it over. The realization struck me as hard as my heart did under the thought. 

"Wait." My eyes shot up to him in shock. "You've seriously been counting the days ever since I helped you with your car?"

His smirk grew. "Since that was technically the day I became yours and you became mine, even when we didn't know it..." A sheepish smile followed before he shrugged. "Yeah, baby, I've been counting the days we've been together."

My expression softened at him, tugging him to me by his shirt. I couldn't take him. My heart hammered, and I didn't expect it to slow anytime soon. I didn't give a shit if it didn't, honestly.

Luke caught the red in my cheeks, grinning into his kiss against it, before he brought it to my lips. His own covered mine perfectly, but I made sure to get my message out in the small bit of space we allowed, "I love you."

"I love you," he murmured against the corner of my lips. Hooded eyes still spilled with heavy love, and my own returned it even harder.

When he caught it, he dropped a hand to my waist and yanked me closer, earning my laughter. He flashed a sexy grin, before taking my lips all over again.

It took a pitiful amount of effort for us to shake each other off, but we managed. Soon after, we were back home.

We took a shower together, then as I suggested, went to sleep. I stayed awake, though, since I would have to get started on dinner early in order to get everything else right.

Now that I was here, though, I definitely should have thought about it better.

Luke's grip while we slept was nearly unbreakable.  He denied it up and down, but I had found out long ago: he loved to be held by me when we cuddled, since his favorite spot to lay was on my chest or on my stomach, and I never complained, because I loved it even more than he did.

Right now, he was sleeping in between my legs with his arms locked in around my waist, and his face buried in my chest, with us both swaddled tight together under the blankets. I loved to sneak pictures of him like this.

I tried my hardest to hold onto my laughter as I wiggled out of his grasp. After long, amusing minutes, I managed to get my arms free, as well as out of the blanket, but it was a task to do the rest.

After a miracle, I got out without waking him up. Coolness trailed up my skin from not being so close to him, but seeing him still asleep, face buried in the blanket I used, and as cute as ever, warmed me up all over again.

After I kissed his head, I left the bed and grabbed my laptop from my dresser. The dinner would take a while to prepare, so I would watch a movie to keep me entertained.

In no time, I was in the kitchen and grabbing the ingredients for the dish from their spots. I had made a list in my phone that synced to my laptop to make it easier to follow.

When I compared it to everything placed out on the kitchen counter, I realized the most idiotic thing I'd ever encountered. I had been so concentrated on the other ingredients, I didn't even get the meat.

"For fuck's sake." I palmed my forehead with a curse, "How the fuck did you forget the chicken, Maggie?"

Groaning, I searched the kitchen for a solution, but found none. Shit. The meal couldn't be completed without the meat, though, obviously.

I could get it delivered here, but it would take a while, and the surprise I had planned would be ruined. The grocery store was only a few minute drive, though.

Luke was still skeptical about me going anywhere alone with my father's goons out there, but my father was gone, now. We hadn't heard anything from any of his men in nearly two whole months, now.

My gaze went to the hallway, where Luke was still sleeping. I could ask him to come along, but I didn't want to disturb his sleep. He had been really busy today, and I knew he needed the rest. I didn't want to bother him for a nine or so minute drive to the grocery store.

Sighing, I shook my head to clear my thoughts. It would be quick. I would be back before he woke up, and carry on with the plan like normal.

My father was dead. His goons didn't have their leader, anymore, which was what gave them power in the first place. Everything was over.

Hurriedly, I grabbed my keys, and my phone from Luke and I's bedroom. I wrote a note to tell him where I was going, just in case and made sure my phone was charged for the tracker.

I glanced over Luke, again, but found myself pausing. Admiration softened my expression into a puddle. The sight made my heart slam against my chest in only a way that he could cause.

With my blanket on him, he was turned on his side, now, a small space parting his pink, plump lips as he slept. His naked chest was rising and falling to a steady, gracious beat, expression peaceful and as calm, yet as beautiful as ever.

Leaning down, I pecked his lips, "I love you." Even in sleep, a small, cute smile grazed his lips the moment he felt mine.

Stroking the hairs from his forehead, I kissed his head, next, then his lips one last time for the addicting feel, before heading for our door.

Fang, who was head deep in his food bowl, raised it at my passing. The heaven struck gaze on his adorable face earned my laughter.

I stroked his head. "I'll sneak you a treat or two later if you don't wake your dad up, okay?" Sometimes, he loved to wake the both of us up by jumping into our bed, and onto Luke.

That only deepened Luke's claim that I spoiled him, but that was fine since it was technically true. Fang was basically our son, and he was my baby.

Since it was six o'clock, the traffic would be light. I refused to let myself get distracted in the grocery store, so I would get back, quickly.

By the time I made it, only a couple of minutes had passed, like I guessed. The grocery store was so small and quiet, there were only two cars in the narrow parking lot.

Once I pulled into my spot, I hurried and rushed into the store. I had to make it quick.

Just as I got to the meats section, my phone buzzed with a call. While I searched the selections over, I grabbed it from my back pocket.

When I saw Kimberly and Raven's name, I accepted. While I waited for it to connect, I grabbed the packs of meat. Luke could eat a feast and still be hungry, so I made sure to get more than enough.

Their pretty faces filled the screen a second later, smiles on and matching my own. "What's up?"

"Hey." Kimberly lowered her eyes to ours only for a second before she had to look back up. "I just wanted to call to say I miss the both of you."

Raven and I's smile softened, as did my heart and voice, "I missed you." I raised my eyebrow at her set distraction. "What are you up to, though?"

"Showing Wybie around town. I bought him some catnip he's obsessed with, and he's just now calming down," she chuckled, moving the camera so that we saw the adorable black kitten in her lap. When her head turned, I recognized the deep voice mixing with hers like a symphony, causing a full laugh to come from her. "Kade, too. I promised we'd stop and get ice cream if he came with us."

Raven and I chuckled at that. I had went to her apartment a couple of days back to meet the kitten, and he was the sweetest. The group was coming to our house this weekend for dinner, where we planned to introduce Wybie to Fang.

Kimberly flicked her head at us, a kind smile on. "What are you two doing, though?"

Raven grinned, raising a piece of paper. She was walking, I realized from the flow of her full hair from the wind. "Guess?"

"Mhm?" I hummed, trying to force my attention from somewhere else other than the isles. If I didn't, I'd end up trying to buy the whole store. I heard Kimberly add, "Let us know."

"I just finished registering for classes," she announced, grinning back at us.

I smiled back at her. "I'm so proud of you, babe. What classes did you choose?" While she talked, I ended up forgetting the mission, and getting distracted by the snacks advertised in the corner of the store.

I had just finished throwing some into my cart when I felt my phone buzz, again. My eyes fell.

Hell. Luke's contact was on the top of my screen.

"I'll be right back," I told the girls. "Luke's calling."

When they nodded in understanding, I put them on hold to accept Luke's call. When the call connected, his scowl was coming at me full force, before anything else.

I offered a sheepish smile as I met his glare. "I'm gonna guess that you got my note."

He didn't return it. "Maggie," he said, his voice full of worry, his frown deep. "Why didn't you wake me up or something?"

"You were tired."

"And?" he returned. I knew that he had just woken up by his dazed, tired face. His hair was scattered in all directions, and his voice had that perfect rumble that I love hearing when he first wakes up. "Maggie, your dad—"

I sighed. "He's dead, Luke."

"Yeah, but his friends aren't." He swept a hand over his face, a huff following before he flicked his head at me. "Stay there. I'll be there in a couple of minutes."

"Luke, it's a couple of minutes away, and I'm about to leave, anyway."

He shook his head, his features curved around worry. "I don't give two shits. We've learned what a couple of minutes can risk. Fuck that." He was already out of bed, and heading toward the closet. "What were you doing there, anyway?"

I sighed; there was no point in keeping it secret anymore. "I wanted to surprise you with your favorite for dinner."

Luke paused at that, before he glanced down, his gaze meeting mine and already melted deeply. "You serious?" At my nod, a soft, smitten smile drifted over his lips. "Norris, baby, you don't have to. We could go out or something, if you want."

I scowled. "Hell no. Tonight is all yours." I finished with the snacks, and started for the checkout, instead. Luckily, barely anyone was there. I met Luke's gaze with sternness. "And, it's gonna stay that way, and so are you. Stay there, Luke."

"Maggie," he huffed, concern making his expression tight. "I don't know. What if—"

"What if I end the night in a pretty, new piece of lingerie for you?" I shrugged, a teasing smile on. "You know, since we're spoiling surprises, already."

At this, all else paused.

His eyes widened back at me, and everything else was wiped off for excitement. Despite my laugh, that look alone made a blush shoot from my toes and on up.

He blinked out of his daze, eyes meeting mine. "What did you just say?"

My smile grew. "I know you heard me."

"Shit." I laughed as he stumbled a bit, before he got himself together. A single breath came from him, his gaze marking mine with its urgency. "Maggie, hurry," he rushed out, his expression gone serious. "I need you to hurry the hell back, right now, baby. Fuck dinner and fuck all else. Get here. Now."

"Mhm. That's what I thought." Giggling, I placed my items on the checkout counter, but my limbs had gone to jelly at him.  "I'll be there soon, okay? Promise."

Despite his anticipation and enthusiasm for the night, he rolled it back to show his concern, again. It remained, but he knew it was pointless. I wasn't going to listen.

The realization made him roll his eyes. "Fine." Sighing, he nodded back at me. "Drive safe, and don't forget your seatbelt, either, Maggie. I'm not kidding." At my laughter, his grin widened before it settled into a sweet smile. "I love you."

"I love you," I responded, my smile genuine. "See you soon, pretty boy."

"You better," he grumbled, his frown intact. His expression shifted over with softness. "I love you, baby."

My heart soared, but I had to tease him. "You've said that, already." I rolled my eyes, playfully. "I love you, too, though."

"You've said that, already," he mocked, a silly grin on his face. "Jesus, Norris. I knew you were a little obsessed, but come on. Give me a break, beautiful."

I flipped him off, fighting my grin with a scowl. "I'm hanging up."

His own scowl grew. "Don't you dare hang up on me, Norris—"

I did exactly that just to fuck with him. As soon as I was connected back with the girls, I was getting a text from him that left my body flushed.

Anyone who knew Luke knew his mouth, too, but it still had my stomach doing flips all the same. Fuck.

My eyes ran over the text, again. At it, I nearly abandoned the groceries and all else just to get home quicker.

I took my bags from the cashier with a thanks, then turned back to the girls. They were talking about this new bookstore we should try. Kimberly loved to read, and had somehow hooked Raven and I into it, too. To help ease her anxiety, Raven and I had talked about surprising her by starting a book club every week of us three. It sounded fun.

It was getting darker out, now. I wasn't sure how long I had been inside, but it was definitely longer than intended.

"I'm gonna let you two go," I smiled at them. "I'm heading home, but I'll call you later, okay?"

Kimberly nodded, now at home and laying on Kade's chest. "Make sure you drive safe, Mags. I love you."

Raven, who was now in her bedroom, smiled back. "Love you, pretty." She pointed at me, her expression stern. "Responsible driving only, Maggie. Anything else and we'll know, and you better expect the hardest damn scolding of your life if we do."

I laughed, and agreed to their warnings. We all said our farewells, before I ended the call, and slid the phone back into my pocket.

Hurriedly, I got the bags into my trunk. I had gotten much more than intended, but at least I had what was needed, now.

As soon as I shut it, I paused at the sounds that continued on past it. The hairs on the back of my neck stood in a way that had the skin under it crawling with nerves. My body grew rigid, immediately.

Oh for fucks sake. I was getting sick of this.

Just as I went to turn, my body was being snatched from its position by strong hands. Before I could catch sight of anything else, it was being covered, and I was being left in all black.

Not again.