Chapter 1
Clover
“Iswear he’s growing bigger by the day.” I laughed as Forest cuddled into my chest. At four months old, my best friend’s baby was just starting to interact with the world around him and was growing like a weed.
Meadow beamed as she watched us. “He’s a baby, they tend to do that.”
I wanted to squish his adorably round cheeks. He still mostly smelled like his mama, a sweet white rose and lilac, but his daddies rarely let him lie down anywhere besides their arms, so my little sapling had a unique combination of scents on his skin.
Motherhood suited Meadow. Her pregnancy had been an accident, but it had worked out pretty well for her. She was now living a life of luxury in LA with four hot, rich alphas who spoiled her rotten.
When wouldIget to stumble into a loving life of luxury?
I wasn’t totally lacking in the luxury department. As Meadow’s bestie and Forest’s auntie, her alphas made sure I wanted for nothing, and that included a kick-ass guesthouse while I deferred law school for a year to help with their new baby.
“You know, you would be able to see him grow extra close up if you lived in the main house with us.” Meadow scooched closer to me and made a playful face at Forest.
“Meadow, I love you dearly, but, I told you before, the guesthouse is perfect because I’m too far to hear you and your pack going at it like rabbits. I know you fuckers were counting down the days until you could get freaky again. You weren’t subtle when you asked me to have a sleepover with Forest right as you hit the six-week mark on your recovery. I don’t believe for asecondthat it’s because you were ‘under the weather.’”
Meadow’s cheeks flushed. “In fairness, I did feelmuchbetter afterward.”
I laughed, throwing my head back. The new angle gave Forest the perfect opportunity to throat punch me with his tiny, chubby baby fist.
“Oof, not fair, sapling,” I grumbled and rearranged the baby so he couldn’t continue his tiny assault.
“He’s going to get famous in the WWE at this rate,” Arlo said, sweeping in with a glass of water and a kiss for Meadow. “You punching your auntie, Forest? We don’t hit pretty ladies, even if they’re an acquired taste.”
I flipped him the bird and cuddled his baby closer. “Can’t punch me if he’s stuck in a snuggle.”
Forest squirmed, turning and pawing at my chest.
“Well, looks like this one is taking after his daddies and wants some boobs. Sorry, sapling, I don’t have the mommy milkers for titty time like your mama does. I’ll have to give you back.”
“Mommy milkers?” Arlo turned to me with glee on his face. “Why haven’t I heard that delightful term yet?”
I shrugged. “Because I’m cool, and you’re an old man.” Arlo was by no means old, but I took way too much enjoyment in referencing our two-year age difference.
“I’m not old, I’m distinguished!” he insisted as I handed his son back to Meadow, who was ignoring us and focusing on Forest. She was used to Arlo and I ribbing each other.
“Is that what we’re calling it now? Whatever helps you sleep at night, old-timer.”
“Old-timer?” he asked in horror.
“You haven’t noticed the grays?”
Arlo’s eyes widened, and he rushed over to an ornate mirror that hung in the hall. “There arenograys! My hair is perfect.”
“They’re right there.” I gestured broadly. “Should we book you in for an eye test?”
“Why we chose to keep you, I have no idea,” he grumbled.
“It’s because you love Meadow, and she loves me!” I declared happily.
Arlo sighed with a dramatic shake of his head. “I suppose you have your uses…”
“I’ve got to head to Pilates or I’ll be late, but I’ll see you tonight. Let me know if I’m having another sleepover because you’re ‘under the weather’ again.”
“You really are loving the LA lifestyle, aren’t you?” Meadow asked as I stood up, stretching.
