Avery stared at him with enormous eyes before accepting the handshake. “You’re not upset about what I did to your daughter?”
John’s cheeks flushed. “What Clover does is her business. So long as she wanted to bond you?—”
“I did!” Clover interrupted.
“—then there’s no problem.” John turned to Logan. “I suppose I forgot to say the same to you when we arrived, but we’re glad Clover has decent taste in partners, even if you joining the family was accidental.”
Logan didn’t seem to know what to do with himself when John pulled him into a hug. Poor guy. I knew he’d had a moment with Pete the other night, but this was more fatherly affection in a week than he’d probably had in his whole life. Clover was bringing so much to our lives: her perfect self, our child, and involved fathers that, frankly, too much of my pack had gone without for so long.
“Maybe the next bonding could happenafterwe’ve left the house,” Pete suggested with an awkward laugh. “Truly, though, we trust Clover’s judgment, and I think it’s obvious to all three of us that you’re going to take good care of her.”
“I think this would be a good time for us to think about heading home,” Mike said.
“Home?” Clover’s expression fell. “I thought you were staying for the month?”
“We were, but that was to make sure you were safe and happy here, which you’ve already proven you are. Besides, I can’t sleep well anywhere except my own bed, but I promise we’ll be back to meet our grandbaby.”
I helped Clover off the counter and stood aside as she padded over to her dads, drawing them into a group hug around Mike, who was still sitting with his leg elevated.
“If you’re ready to go, we can schedule the family jet,” Parker offered. “You’re more than welcome to stay as long as you want, though.”
I nodded my agreement. “Clover loves having you around, and it’s been great getting to know all of you.”
“You can’t leave until after dinner at Meadow’s,” Clover stated.
“We wouldn’t dream of it,” replied Pete. “She’s practically a second daughter at this point.”
Avery perked up. “Is there anything else we can do in the meantime to make you feel extra secure about Clover staying with us? I added her to the group chat last night, so someone will always be available to answer anything she needs if we’re not right next to her, and I put on the location tracker thingy so we can all see each other.”
Parker stirred his cup of coffee, cocking his head to the side. “I was going to suggest that. It’s better for logistics.”
I snorted. Parker was deeply protective of the ways people could reach him, but I wasn’t surprised he’d instantly caved on having Clover slide right into another pack space. “Logistics, sure.”
“Let me check if my other plan has arrived.” Parker flipped through the stack of mail and extracted one of the envelopes, handing it to Clover. “I can never make up for the bullshit I pulled, but I’m going to keep taking steps to correct it.”
Clover ripped open the envelope, revealing a sleek black credit card. “Parker?”
“There’s no limit on it. Whenever you need something, whatever it is, I don’t want you to hesitate. It’s attached to my personal account, and I trust you to use it responsibly.“
Holy shit.
Was today just a day of surprises? Clover must’ve done a number on Parker for him to go from a restrictive contract toa no-limit credit card. About fucking time. I was willing to buy Clover anything she wanted, but her own pack card was far preferable.
Clover slammed against Parker’s chest in a hug.
“Does this mean you’re happy with my offering?” Parker asked, looping his arms around her.
“I don’tneedthe money, but I do appreciate the trust.” Clover laughed. “I’m going to buy so much cute baby stuff.”
Now I wished I had something to offer her this morning. My declaration of love, and the breakfast plate I fixed up for her while she was busy, would have to do for now.
“I’m so glad you could come!” Meadow hugged us one by one. “Phin is cooking. It’ll be ready soon!”
Pete lifted Meadow right off her feet. “It’s so good to see you! How have you been? Where’s this little sapling Clover’s told us so much about?”
“Here he is.” Hendrix held Forest above the crowd.
“Sapling!” Clover cooed, striding over and plucking him out of Hendrix’s arms. “It’s been too long since I’ve had my snuggles.”
