Page 14 of Pucking Revenge

Her response is a soft chuckle that reverberates against me. Then she does just that, settling her head on my chest and stretching her legs out across the couch.

When my phone vibrates in my pocket, she tries to pull away so I can reach it, but I band one arm around her so she can’t shy away, then dig the device out awkwardly.

Beckett: Thanks for tonight. Appreciate you guys being there.

Gavin: Proud of you, bro. You’re already one hell of a father to Liv’s kids. Can’t wait to see you with your own.

Aiden: I have tears in my eyes. That was probably the nicest thing you’ve ever said. Say something nice to me.

Beckett: Thanks Gavin. Wouldn’t be here without you pushing me, though.

Gavin: Nah, you woulda figured it out eventually. Just would have driven Liv crazy for a few more years.

Aiden: Cool, you’re just ignoring me. Hey Brooks, you ever gonna chime in?

I shake with laughter as their texts pop up, one after another, then hold the phone down in front of her so she can read them all as I text a response.

Me: Excited for you, Beck. You’re gonna be great with twins. Agree with everything Gavin said. Aiden, you’re a good boy.

Aiden: I’m not a ducking dog.

Gavin:

Aiden: I meant *fucking dog*

Gavin: Dog fucking, that’s low even for you.

Beckett: Duck, what the hell did I start? I’m going to bed. Don’t forget dinner tomorrow night for Dad’s 70th.

Gavin: You bringing the baseball team?

Beckett: Duck you. It’ll just be Livy and the kids and me.

Gavin: And that makes…?

Aiden: Tell Finn to bring his game boy.

Gavin: You’re a toddler.

Aiden: Finn is six. That makes me at least six.

Sara erupts in laughter. The sound of it and the absolute glee in her expression make my chest squeeze. “Oh my God. I seriously love your brothers.”

I arch a brow at her and press my lips together.

“Don’t worry, Brookie. You’re my favorite.”

I squeeze her hip in response, and she squeals, pulling away.

“But seriously. They are so fun.”

“You should come tomorrow.”

She shifts so she’s sitting cross-legged beside me and tilts her head, like she’s surprised by the suggestion. “To your dad’s seventieth?”

“Not as a date,” I add. I don’t want her to get the wrong idea. Then she’d definitely shoot me down. “But as my friend. You had fun tonight, right?”

With a soft sigh, she sets her wineglass on the table, then gets back to cuddling. This time she rests her head in my lap and smiles up at me. I might like that smile a bit too much. “Yeah. I really enjoy spending time with your family.”

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