I grabbed a cookie, Jett took two, and we went into the living room.
“They’re going to dirty every dish in the kitchen, aren’t they?” I sighed, as I settled onto the couch.
“Probably.” Jett curled into me and told me about his day. He and Evan had gone for a motorcycle ride this afternoon.
I mentioned meeting up with my dad. “The entire time I expected him to deliver a message or ask something of me, and he didn’t.”
His talking about the party didn’t count because I knew when he was fishing and that wasn’t it.
“Wow.”
“Grace, it’s fine, you can show them later. They just want dinner to be a surprise.” Riley came into the living room from the kitchen, arms laden with packages.
Defeat crossed Grace’s face. “I know.”
“Dinner’s soon, bitches. I’m going to put these down and set the table,” Riley called as she disappeared down the hall.
Grace stood there, clutching her purchases, looking like the world was ending.
“Come here.” I took the bags out of her hands and put them on the table, though the dress bag went on the chair.
Pulling her to me, I motioned for Jett to hug her other side. Together we hug-squished her tightly.
“That was a big day at the mall, wasn’t it?” I started to purr for her, trying to calm her down. I don’t think she was upset with Wes and Evan. She was overwhelmed.
Ever since the hospital, she’d been so much more sensitive. It could be the sounds, the smells, or so many other things.
“I found the perfect dress. Spencer bought me a doll. And some purses and shoes.” She buried her face in my shirt. “I love your purr. It’s so much quieter than anyone else's.”
“Your guys could probably do it, too. It just takes a little practice,” I told her, stroking her hair.
“It’s the baby purr, so you don’t startle the baby.” Jett chuckled.
I shot Jett a look. “Thank you.”
“Like you’re purring while you’re rocking the baby to sleep? Love it.” Grace’s arms tightened around my waist.
“Yeah.” I had experience from helping with Terrance’s kids. Sure, my brothers had kids. But I wasn’t that sort of uncle to them, sadly. But Katie? I’d be there for her pack’s kids.
“I like this,” she whispered.
“I love holding you,” Jett said softly.
Me, too.
“Dumb question, since we’re alone. Mrs. Beekman is making me actually fill out a heat plan worksheet. If I ever have one, which I don’t think will happen, you’ll both be there, won't you? Even with Spencer? I asked him, and he said he’d do whatever I wanted. I mean we could trade off and stuff if you’re uncomfy, but for part of it at least?” She looked up at me, scent anxious.
She wanted me there? Happiness bloomed in my chest.
I leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “If you want me there, I’ll be there.”
“Me, too.” Jett squeezed her.
“Thank you.”
It would be interesting, but at the end of the day, we were a family.
“Have you started going over the pack contract with Mrs. Beekman?” I asked. Once they went through it, we’d sit down with her and our lawyer and get things finalized.
