Page 35 of Kiss Me Forever

“I heard that,” my dad said as he moved towards Bella.

“Welcome to our home. And I just want to say that it took all within us to keep your grandmother away from yours and Reece’s home. You have no idea the energy it took.”

I rolled my eyes at them, as Bella found herself standing in the middle of our living room, surrounded by Foxes. I’m sure there was a predator versus prey analogy in there somewhere, but I was too worried about my kid to think any more deeply than that.

By the time Bella was introduced to all my brothers, my mother finally got her hug in, as did my dad. Denver, Rowan, and Aiden all gave her space, and Bella’s shoulders relaxed after only a few minutes.

When my mother took Bella outside along with Aiden and Rowan to check out the landscaping, I found myself in the kitchen, with my dad handing me a beer.

“Just the one.”

“I know the rules. Plus I’m driving with my kid now.”

“Holy cow. Can’t believe you made me an uncle.” Denver ran his fist over his chest, and my lips twitched.

“Yes, because this is all about you.”

“She’s beautiful, you know. I assume she got that from her mother?”

“Ha-ha. And you know as well as I do that she looks like Mom.”

Denver winced. “I feel like I just went gross there.”

“You mother is beautiful, jackass, stop being a weirdo,” my dad said as he slapped the back of Denver’s head.

I sighed and leaned against the kitchen counter as I watched the four of them out in the backyard. “I’ve no idea what the fuck I’m doing, Dad.”

“Your mom and I didn’t either. By the time we got to Aiden, we just gave up.”

“Can I please tell him that?” Denver asked.

I knew they were trying to lighten the mood, but I felt just as lost as ever. I listened as my father and Denver spoke of nonsensical things, each letting the others in the family get to know Bella on their own terms. I knew they’d trade positions soon so that way they didn’t overwhelm my daughter.

My daughter.

It was still crazy as hell to think those words.

“Bella sure seems interested in landscaping,” Denver drawled out, and my gaze shot to his.

“What do you mean by that?” I hadn’t meant to snap the words and my brother’s eyes widened.

Denver raised a brow. “I don’t know. Why do you seem so protective? Could it be that it’s because she’s spending time with a certain landscaper?”

I set my beer down and turned my back to the others so I could glare at my brother and father. “Where are you getting your information?”

Denver just grinned. “I think you forget that I’m friends with Dash Montgomery.”

“I hate you.”

“You and Brooklyn, huh? Well, I don’t mind that, but are you sure it’s a good time to start up a new relationship?” my dad asked.

“First, I don’t know how the Foxes and Montgomerys have suddenly been on the same gossip grapevine shit, but I’m done with it. Second, Brooklyn and I are not together. Bella just formed a connection with her, and while I would’ve preferred it be with me, my kid seems to relax around Brooklyn. So I’m going to do whatever I can to make sure that Bella is safe and happy.”

“Even if you seem to have a connection with Brooklyn as well?” Denver mumbled.

I turned so I could watch the crew in the backyard again, and sighed.

“Brooklyn is a friend. A coworker. And if Bella needs a friend too, then that works for me. But I’m not going to start dating someone because she needs a mom. She had a mom. And I don’t think my kid has actually grieved losing her yet.”