Tristan cupped the back of her head with one hand and pressed his lips to the crown of her head.“I’m okay, cutie,” he said quietly, the genuine love and protectiveness he displayed for her making Gavin’s chest tighten.Their bond was incredible to witness.Carly loved all her aunts and uncles, but her relationship with Uncle Trissy was on another level.
“Promise?”
Gavin felt a sharp twist under his ribs.Aww, sweetheart.
“Promise.”Tristan continued to hold her until she had control, then pressed another kiss to the top of her head and let her go.“I’m making crepes,” he told her with his patented funcle smile.“Wanna help?”
She smiled back.“Yeah.”
Gavin followed them all into the kitchen, sat at the island with Autumn and slung an arm across her shoulders while they watched their daughter and Tristan do their thing.Moments like this, he wanted to pinch himself to make sure it was all real.Their family had come a long, long way in a short time.
“Okay, you crack the eggs in here one at a time, and I’ll mix them up.”
Carly dutifully followed his instructions.Tristan whisked the crepe batter in a bowl until smooth, then started cooking them on the stove, pouring a thin layer on the preheated pan and swirling it to cover the entire surface.
“I put the bag of things for Cassie next to your door.What can I do to help?”Autumn asked.
“You can make the whipped cream.”
“I’ll do it,” Carly announced, making a beeline for the fridge.“It’s my favorite part.”
“All right, then do you have any fruit to slice up?”Autumn asked.
“Berries are draining in the colander in the sink,” Tristan said.
“I’ll get the syrup and Nutella,” Gavin offered.
“Wow, you’re amazing, thanks,” Tristan said dryly, shooting Carly a wink.
“The others should be here in about five minutes,” Autumn said, busy slicing strawberries into a bowl.
Tristan paused as he slid the finished crepe onto a plate.“Others?”
“The whole crew,” Gavin said.And at a tap from the front door, he went to answer it.Marley, Warwick, Decker and Teagan were all there, along with Bristol and TJ.“Cassie’s sleeping,” he told them, stepping aside to hold the door.
“Got it.”Marley swept past him for the kitchen, grocery bags in hand.“I brought bacon, eggs, jam, butter and bread,” she announced in a loud whisper.
“Perfect.”Tristan smiled at them from the stove and accepted hugs from the women.“Thanks for coming.”
“Of course.”Bristol stepped aside to give him room to finish cooking the last crepe.“Has she been asleep long?”It was obvious to Gavin that she was bursting with curiosity about him and Cassie too.
“About six hours or so now,” Tristan said, sliding the crepe on top of the stacked plate.
“Good.She needs it.”She glanced around.“Wow, this is a gorgeous place.”
“I picked it out,” Gavin said, helping himself to some sliced berries.
“He didn’t.”Tristan slid the bowl out of his reach.
“You need a hand with anything?”Bristol asked.
“I just finished with the crepes, but Marley brought us bacon and eggs too.”
“I’ll help cook them.”
“I’ll make coffee,” Gavin said.
With impromptu brunch preparations well underway, they stayed in the kitchen and talked amongst themselves.“Anyone go past Cassie’s place on the way over?”Tristan asked.
