Page 92 of Three of a Kind

I glance around for anyone. Literally, anyone in this house would be better suited for cuddling than I am.

Bless catches my gaze, raising an eyebrow.

That’s a challenging look if I’ve ever seen one.

I plant my palm on Libby’s belly and give it a tender rub in a back-and-forth motion. Apparently, that isn’t what she’s looking for, because she puts her hand over mine, rubbing circles.

I get the point, and she wiggles until her back lands in the crook of my arm.

She falls asleep with the cup still in her mouth before five minutes pass, but I keep right on rubbing while watching puppies save the planet.

Brooklyn comes out before the episode is over. A silly smile breaks out when she spots me watching cartoons.

She runs her fingers over Libby’s cheek and bends to give me a kiss. “I’ve got to get her into a Pull-Up.”

Damn.

I should have thought of that.

I could have recruited Bless to help her get changed for her nap.

Were we supposed to swap her into pajamas if she fell asleep?

Why haven’t I paid more attention to my siblings’ kids?

It’s clear I’ve got a long way to go before I know what the hell I’m doing, but I’ve got one step up on Barrett.

At least I’m here, putting in the work and trying to learn.

Brooklyn picks up her daughter, and I grab the cup before it can roll around and hit the ground. She heads off toward the bedroom Libby has been sleeping in.

I vaguely wonder what Maverick is up to. He’s probably keeping an eye on Noble. Maybe they’re sharing a leisurely afternoon nap.

I almost snort.

Pack life is not what I was expecting, and I’m only one day in.

Brooklyn comes back while I’m contemplating going to check on the others. She doesn’t ask before climbing into my lap. Her knees land beside my hips as she gets settled in. It makes me grin like a fool when her hands start to brush through my stubble.

“How was your shower?”

“Mmm, it was nice,” she says softly. “It was very sweet to come out and find you holding Libby.”

“She’s pretty self-sufficient,” I say with a laugh. “She lets you know what she needs, but she wore Beatrice right out.”

“Sorry about that. I probably shouldn’t have disappeared.” Her nose lands against my throat as she breathes me in.

“You hardly went out for a night of drinking and partying.” I run my hand down her spine to soothe her. “Maverick and I have done a crappy job of courting you so far, but trust me when I say it’s coming.”

“You’ve done just fine. It’s not like I need courting gifts. We’re already bonded. Honestly, knowing you were around to help with Libby, so I could shower with Noble…” She snuggles deeper. “That alone is a perfect gift.”

See, that’s not going to work for me. Soon, she’ll understand the difference between common decency and us spoiling her rotten.

We just have to eliminate the threat, so we can truly start our lives.

“I’m going to be gone for a few hours tonight,” Bless says, coming into the room.

I glare because I’m pretty sure Brooklyn fell asleep on my chest, but the little omega pops her head up.

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