“He’s the fastest dolphin in the ocean,” Bee says in awe. “Just like you, Uncle Knox, but you’re fastest when the water is frozen.”
“I’ll take that,” I laugh.
“You are going to spoil them,” Miles laughs, watching them go over to Jake and Lyla to show them their dolphins.
“So what,” I shrug. “It makes me happy, so let me spoil them in peace.”
“I agree. It’s the best part about being an aunt or uncle,” Savi says softly, turning my attention to her.
She’s holding Jake’s baby in her arms, and my heart constricts tightly in my chest as she lovingly holds him against her chest while he sleeps soundly on her shoulder. Dark hair peeks out of a little Bolts beanie, and I can’t help but wonder what it would feel like if it were our kid one day.
“He’s beautiful, isn’t he?” Olivia whispers, looking at Cruz with a smile.
“Yeah, he is,” I swallow. I’m completely caught off guard seeing her with a baby and how it’s affecting me. This isn’t something I was prepared for, and it’s damn near killing me to keep my emotions in check.
“Do you want to hold him?” Savi asks as I flick my eyes to hers in a panic. I glance at Miles, and he just grins.
“I know how babies scare the hell out of you, but don’t worry—he won’t bite,” he says, laughing.
Little does he know, it’s not the baby that scares the hell out of me. It’s his sister standing next to him, and how I can’t stop picturing her round with mine.
I step closer to Savi and get a whiff of her light vanilla scent as our hands brush when she transfers over the sleeping bundle. Her blue eyes meet mine before she quickly looks away, knowing it’s impossible right now to hide what we both are clearly feeling.
Cruz settles into my arms, and his little sigh warms my neck as I gently pat his back, keeping him from waking all the way up.
“You’re a natural,” Olivia grins, playing devil’s advocate. I know Savi has told the girls some things, and I’m sure her and Lyla are loving my uncomfortable state right now. “Maybe you’re next.”
“We are next for sure, honey. Way before Knox having kids,” Miles laughs, wrapping his arms around his fiancé. “He’s told me numerous times that he doesn’t want the family life.”
For some reason, that pisses me off, and I can’t help the frown that creases my brow.
“People can change, you know,” Savi spits out, glaring at her brother. “You certainly did after you met Olivia.”
“Yeah, I did,” he says slowly, looking at her in confusion. It’s not like her to come to my defense. The old us would already be at each other’s throats, and she would be right there with him, talking smack about me. “Since when do you side with Stone?”
Shit.
This is not going in the direction I wanted tonight.
“Since you forced us to live together, remember? It was either try to get along or kill each other. I rather enjoy my life, so I chose the first option,” she says, clearly saving our asses with her clever comeback. “He’s still a pain in my ass,” she smirks, glancing briefly at me and playing the part we’ve always done, “but he’s tolerable when he’s holding my nephew and giving out gifts to my nieces.”
“See, I’m tolerable,” I grin at Miles. “I guess I’ve moved up from dog shit on the bottom of her shoe.”
“Barely,” Savi mutters, and I grin wider. I notice her fight to contain her smile and realize she’s having fun with this.
“You guys ready to eat? Knox, are you coming with us?” Lyla asks, holding both girls’ hands and walking up to us.
“They just won their game. I’m sure he would much rather go to Breakaway with his team than eat at a table with a kid’s menu,” Jake laughs.
“Actually, a kid’s menu sounds better.” I wink at Bee and Charlie, causing them to giggle.
“It’s settled then,” Olivia smiles, taking Miles’s hand as we start walking.
“Let me at least take Cruz. He’s drooling all over your suit jacket.” Lyla reaches out with her hands, but I shake my head.
“He’s fine where he is. Let him sleep some more while we walk.”
“Okay,” she smiles, taking the girl’s hands again as Jake walks on the other side of Charlie.
