“One day you two will eventually stop acting like children.”
“We’re planning on being single forever,” Ben says for the both of them, and Gavin nods in agreement.
“Single by choice or because no one wants to date you assholes?” Penny asks, and I feel Jessa’s back shake from a small laugh.
“We can’t all date a bunch of winners like you, Penny,” Gavin says, and Penny glares at my brothers. To no surprise Lincoln steps in for her.
“Will you two shut the fuck up, already?” he says, glaring at my brothers. Jessa stills slightly in my lap, but then relaxes again.
“What about you, Lincoln, hmm? You can’t seem to hold down a girlfriend either,” Ben says, always wanting to get under Linc’s skin. He always lets them; it’s a never ending cycle.
“I’m going to head in for the night,” Penny says, not waiting to hear Lincoln’s answer and giving Jessa a small wave before walking back in the house.
“Yeah, I’m done too. Make sure you put the fire out,” he says to Gavin and Ben.
Ben rolls his eyes and looks at his twin. “Beach walk?” he says, holding out a joint and lighting it. He holds it up toward Jessa and me, and I shake my head with a sigh.
“Still a straight-laced asshole,” Gavin says.
“Will you two just fuck off,” I say, and Jessa laughs. Both of my brothers give her a salute as they walk down the beach and share a joint.
I spin Jessa in my arms, her legs around my thighs in the large beach chair.
“Thank you for coming with me. I know my family is a lot. But it means a lot to me and them that you came.”
Her dark hair blows in the night air, and I can’t help but think about how beautiful she looks right now.
“Your family is fun so far. I’ve never seen so much ballbusting before, but it seems like the way your brothers express themselves.”
I shrug my shoulders. She leans against my chest, and my arms wrap around her.
“Are you sure you’re okay hanging out with the girls tomorrow?”
She nods against my chest. “Yeah, it will be great. I’ll have Penny. It will be fine.”
“We’ll have the afternoon and then the day after I can show you the island.”
She perks up, sitting up and gripping my shoulders as she smiles. “I’d love that.”
All I want to say back is how much I love her, but I hold it back and kiss her instead.
25
MOTHERLY HUGS
It tookme a while to fall asleep last night. Thankfully Gavin and Ben went to sleep quickly. But it was still a little awkward sharing a bed with Aiden and having them in the same room. I’m more than willing to let strangers watch Aiden and me do very naughty things, but the idea of his brothers seeing us cuddled together in the morning just makes me feel strange.
I’m woken up at what feels like the crack of dawn by Aiden kissing my face.
“Baby, I’ve got to go. Have fun with the girls today.”
I barely open my eyes as I kiss him, completely ready to go back to sleep. “Be safe,” I say groggily. He laughs and kisses my face again.
“I put some money in your purse. Get lots of pretty things, okay?”
“Okay, Daddy.” I hear a whistle from the top bunk where Gavin is sleeping, and I groan. “Fuck.”
“Gavin, I swear to God, I’ll throw you off the fucking boat today if you bring this up.”
