“I think you should have met Emerson first,” I say. “But I also think Kairo meeting him first actually softened some of his jagged edges. At least toward Emerson, Uncle Noaz, and Briar.”
“That’s a start.”
“You never told us what’s up with him,” I say. “Now that I’m a dad, you can tell me.”
He chuckles quietly. “Honestly, I have no idea. Shortly after Noaz was born, Kairo began to be an asshole. I think he liked being the youngest.” He shrugs. “Sometimes, I don’t think there’s a reason at all. He’s just a dick because he can be.”
“You think so?”
Dad shakes his head. “I don’t know. He’s thirty-six and is more of a jerk every year. I feel like even he doesn’t know what it is at this point. It’s just his thing.”
I’m not sure I believe that. Behavior is learned or a result of something, whether that’s trauma or something else.
Another knock on the door. Dad gets to his feet. “You up for more company? Your brothers are anxiously waiting.”
I nod and glance at Lorissa. “Will you pull the curtains? I’m not sure she’s up to being on display right now.”
“Of course. I’ll make sure they’re quiet too.”
“Thanks.”
“You still get to hold him first,” I say as I watch Dad cross the room to quietly pull the curtains around Lorissa’s bed. Since she’s not nursing, Dr. Mark gave her some pain meds, and I’m guessing they’re likely helping her sleep. She hasn’t slept well in weeks, so she deserves some peace.
“Triplets,” Dad announces. “You want all three or two and one?”
I appreciate that he never tries to split Avory and Ellory. Not even for this. After years of Mom trying, I love that Dad is the complete opposite. There’s no option. Avory and Ellory just go together.
“All three are fine.”
“Quiet,” Dad warns. “Don’t wake Lorissa.”
The triplets come into the room, and I’m a little startled by how hairy Avory is. Have I simply not looked at him in what—three months? He’s a damn cub now. All hairy and mountain man-y, but not big like a bear. What the hell.
“Is that all real?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at him.
Ellory covers his mouth to keep his laughter muffled. I can see the glee in his eyes.
Avory rolls his eyes. “I literally talked to you two days ago, fucker.”
“Huh.”
Imry doesn’t say anything, but he’s also watching the exchange with amusement.
“Anyway, triplets… meet your nephew. Axl Jalon Van Doren.”
Dad looks at me, and I swear his eyes get a little glassy. I didn’t tell him Axl’s middle name. The triplets look at Dad, but he’s still looking at me. I smile.
“Hmm,” Ellory says. “My kid is having Dad’s middle name too. I think you copied me.”
“Axl was born before yours,” Imry says.
“Besides, we can name them all after Dad. Eighty little Jalons running around. I like that.”
“Eighty?” Dad says. “Are you adopting a football team?”
Ellory snickers.
“Okay, I exaggerated a little. Maybe something closer to… twenty?” Ellory tilts his head, but his patience has worn thin, so he crosses the room to sit on the hassock where Dad had been. He sighs. “Hi, baby Axl. I brought you something. Your first gift.” His eyes rise to mine, and I confirm it’ll be his first gift.
