“Just Meg being Meg,” I say, kissing her.
She smiles against my lips.
My hand slides up her thigh. “Should we go to the bedroom?” I whisper.
She laughs softly, kissing me again. “No. Meg and Kev are here.”
I shrug. “Semantics.”
She shakes her head. “You’re impossible.”
Grinning, I pull out my phone. “We should probably text Cece now. See if we can snag Cole for a few hours in the next couple days.”
Hey Cece. Jensen and Alley just had their baby. Any chance we can borrow Cole for a few hours tomorrow or the next day to come meet the baby?
I swipe into my work emails while I wait for her response. A few minutes later, my phone buzzes.
Cece
Tomorrow evening could work. He needs to be home by nine. It’s a school night.
I let out a breath of relief.
Thank you. I’ll let you know what time we’ll pick him up once I talk to Jensen.
I put my phone away, weaving my fingers through Jordan’s. I smooth my thumb over her knuckles and glance at Megan and Kevin—my stand-in siblings.
Heat floods my chest.
Growing up, I was always a little envious of Jensen.
Sure, I’m the son of Connor and Cynthia Grayson. I was born with a trust fund, penthouse on the Upper East Side, and anything money could buy.
But that never meant shit to me.
I wanted what Jensen had—a family who showed up. Siblings to fight with. People to love and who loved me back.
Jensen’s family gave me that. And even if they’re not technically mine… they feel more like home than my own ever did.
I didn’t end up going to Mass with my mother. I couldn’t. I’m still processing what she did to Jordan. I’m sure one day I’ll talk to her about it, try to understand. But for now, I don’t.
I look at Jordan. We find out about guardianship in five weeks.
Five weeks until I either get a family of my own—or learn how much it hurts to want one this badly.
Hey, we’re here. Room number?
Jensen
You’ll have to check in, but it’s room 436.
Five minutes later,the four of us walk down the hall toward Alley’s room.
I knock softly before pushing the door open.
Four different greetings echo across the room, all pitched way higher than normal.
My gaze goes straight to Alley. She’s sitting up in the hospital bed,hair in a bun, blue gown on. She looks tired as shit, but she’s glowing, all smiles.
