Marie Harte - Raising the Bar

“Me too.”

“Yeah,” Dylan agreed and snuggled closer to Harper and Freddy. He lifted her to lie on top of him, so that Harper and he could stroke her together. They had to throw off the comforter because the guys gave off too much heat. “But I know this agent that could help us find the perfect house. I have family connections, so I’ll make sure she doesn’t rob us on commission.”

Harper chuckled. “Sounds good to me. Freddy? You okay with finding a place together? I mean, this is pretty sudden.”

“I don’t care where we live, as long as it’s together. And FYI, we’re going to take it slow with marriage and babies and stuff.”

Both men stiffened. “Babies?” Dylan asked.

“Not yet.” She snickered at the pair. “But someday I’d like a kid or two. Or three.”

“I like three. Just think. You could have twins.” Dylan grinned.

“Um, Freddy?” Harper sounded apologetic. “My mom was a twin. So I guess that ups the odds.”

“Forget I mentioned babies.” The guys had the nerve to laugh. “But something we need to discuss. Dylan? Do you want us to keep quiet about our relationship? Harper and I are okay with going public, but we don’t want to put added stress on you.”

“No. I’m good. We don’t need to wear a sign or anything. But I’m not going to hide how I feel about you two.” He paused. “My mom wants to meet you both. And I’m sorry to say, she’s rabid about grandkids.”

“You told her about us?” Harper asked, stunned.

“Yep. Derrick knows too.” Dylan burst out laughing. “Shit. I almost forgot.” He explained the conversation about “My Harper”, and Harper cracked up.

“I’m missing something.” Freddy kissed Dylan’s chin.

“You’ll see. I have an invite to a party this Friday, and my brothers have been invited as well.

Freddy cackled with glee. “Oh yes. We have to meet your brothers at my brother’s party. I think my father might be there too.”

“You want us to meet him?”

Harper snorted. “I think she wants us to freak him the hell out. From what I’ve heard about the great Judge Goode, I’m inclined to freak away.”

“Wait. Judge Goode?” Dylan stared hard at Freddy. “Oh shit. You’re that Fredericka. No wonder I feel like I’ve known you forever.” He started laughing again.

It took Freddy a moment to understand. “My father is one of your patients?”

“Not anymore.”

Harper kissed him, which stopped Dylan from laughing. And then the whispers and pleas for more turned hot and heavy again, and the three of them loved one another into the night.

Brian glared at his sister, and Harper knew all was right with the world. Only a few days after their make-up, and it was as if he, Freddy and Dylan had never parted. They alternated their nights at each other’s houses, but he couldn’t wait until they were finally living together, in their own place.

They continued to work out the kinks in their relationship, though the mundane day-to-day chores had pretty much evened themselves out. Dylan and Freddy took turns cooking. Harper had dish duty, though Dylan’s attention to detail when cooking bordered on OCD. Freddy made a mess, plain and simple. But, man, could she cook.

He smiled at her, watching her talk with animated gestures to her brother. Together they looked enough alike to be twins themselves.

“She’s just…ours.” Dylan sighed.

“Yeah. Such a pain the ass, but lovable.”

“I thought that was your description.” Dylan leaned closer to whisper, “You know, for Christmas I thought we could give Freddy a show. Maybe I fuck your ass really slow, and we let her watch. She’s dying to film us.”

“No way in hell.” Harper pulled back to glare at him. “The filming part, I mean.”

Dylan’s smile widened. “Sure thing, handsome. No cameras.” He leaned closer and added, “Or condoms.”

Harper groaned. “Cut it out, Doc. We’re in public and I’m sporting wood. Oh shit, is that Derrick coming over here?”

Dylan chuckled and moved to stand in front of Harper. The dick.

“You know I’m gonna make you pay for that.”

“I can’t wait.” Dylan waved at his brother. Brothers. Gage appeared behind Derrick and stared with narrowed eyes at Harper.

Derrick stopped and shook his head. “Harper. I expected better than this from you.”

Gage snorted with laughter and stuck out a hand. “Hey, Harper. What’s shakin’?”

“Your brother,” Harper answered. “He’s afraid of me. And he should be.”

To his delight, Dylan flushed. “Shut up.”

Derrick laughed. “Did you see that, Gage? Dr. Dork just blushed.”

“Dr. Dork? Really?” Dylan asked, annoyed. Then his expression cleared. “I’m sorry, Derrick. I would introduce you, but I remember you already know my partner. I believe you called him, and I quote, ‘My Harper’. Did you tell Sydney about that?”

Derrick turned as red as Dylan had been. So cute, these twins. “I did not.”

Dylan shook his head. “So possessive. Harper, I think he has a crush.”

“Fuck you.” Derrick glared.

Gage rolled his eyes. “Stellar comeback, bro. Man. And you call me the moron. So, Harper, what did you think of Malley’s proposal for the Riverwalk?”

Harper chatted with Gage for a few moments while keeping his eye on Dylan and Freddy. Dylan and Derrick stood together and talked, and more than one person ran an admiring gaze over the pair.

So fucking hot, his doc. He noticed Freddy’s mirth and her brother’s dismay and nodded at Dylan, grabbing his attention.

An older, distinguished man approached Brian Goode, and Harper and Dylan left the Warrens to support their woman.

“Hey, Dad.” Freddy gave her father an overbright smile, not in the least chastised by his stern countenance.

Brian sighed. “Judge. I didn’t think you’d show.”

“Of course I would, son. I’m here to tender my support.”

Was her brother running for office? Harper shot a glance at Freddy, who was now standing behind her father. She pretended to be hanging herself, and both he and Dylan coughed to hide laughter. Her father turned and she stopped herself in time, looking like an angel.

Even Brian had a grin on his face when his father turned back around.

Then Judge Goode seemed to realize Dylan and Harper were standing close by. He frowned at Harper, but recognized Dylan. “Dr. Warren. You know my son?”

Harper waited for it. Dylan might have said he didn’t want to hide, but he had a touch of reserve about him. And Judge Goode was obviously someone with ties in the community.

But Dylan didn’t skip a beat. He pulled Freddy into his arms and kissed her on the mouth. “Actually, Judge, I’m in love with your daughter.”

The judge seemed to straighten, a gleam of approval on his face. “What a pleasant surprise—”

Then Dylan turned and kissed Harper flush on the mouth. “And this is Harper, the man we love.”

The Judge just stared at them in horror. Brian merely looked on, waiting for the drama to end. The room had gone suspiciously quiet. The judge turned on his heel and left the party.

“What?” Dylan turned to Brian. “Was it something I said?”

Freddy and Brian shared a glance, then laughed. Dylan’s brothers neared with their prospective wives, and more introductions were made. The party got into full swing, and Harper received congratulations and pats on the back from more than just the Warrens, but from Freddy’s and his friends as well. For all that Augusta had a large population, it was a small town at heart. Rumors would swirl, and soon everyone would know just how tight Harper, Dylan and Freddy were.