Page 52 of What About Now

“It won’t be long and they’ll be having another one,” Legend says.

“Which one?” I ask, because today is Lilly’s second birthday, and I know Roman wants more, and Forrest, he’d have ahouseful if Briar was on board, and who knows, she might be. If there was ever a man meant to be a father, it’s Forrest. Hell, all of them. I’d even go as far as to say that about Lachlan and me as well, but we’re not there yet. Well, he’s not. I’d knock my wife up tonight if she would let me, but she needs time, and that’s okay. We’ll get there. I believe that with all that I am. If I’m ever a father, it will be because Brogan Lanigan made me one.

“Both of them.” Legend laughs.

“What about you?” I ask him.

“Yeah, as soon as Monroe’s ready.”

I watch as Monroe hands Kane to Brogan and says something before moving down the hall. “I’ll be right back.”

“Bring my son back with you,” Legend calls after me.

I wave over my shoulder as I make my way toward Brogan and baby Kane. “Hey,” I say, offering Kane my finger, and he latches on, giving me a gummy smile. “Look at you, little man. Growing like a weed,” I tell him.

“He’s the sweetest,” Brogan says, smiling down at the baby in her arms.

“You need one of those,” Lachlan says, joining us.

“We need a couple, but we’re in no hurry,” I tell him.

“Maybe you’ll have twins. That’d be cool. Three sets of twins in the family.” Lachlan nods like it’s the best news he’s heard all day.

“Maybe Forrest and Briar will have twins,” I tell him.

Lachlan grins and points his index finger at me. “Four sets. Hell yeah, that’s cool as hell.”

“What’s cool ash edouble hockey sticks?” Forrest asks. He has a daughter on each hip.

“Twins,” Lachlan replies, keeping his answer basic, not to confuse River and Rayne, making them think there is going to be another set of twins.

“I’m a twin,” River says.

“Me too,” Rayne says, laying her head on Forrest's shoulder.

“That’s right. Just like Mommy and Aunt Brogan,” Forrest tells them.

“Come here, Rayne. Uncle Maddox needs some of that love.” I reach for her and she comes into my arms, resting her head against my shoulder, just like she did with her dad.

“Me too. Hand her over, Daddy. You’re a daughter hog.” Lachlan holds his arms out.

“Daddy’s a daughter hog,” River repeats with a giggle as she holds her arms out for Lachlan to take her.

“Daddies do that,” Roman says, joining us, bouncing Lilly on his hip.

“We need more babies,” Forrest grumbles.

“I’m taking mine,” Legend says, reaching for Kane.

Brogan turns, blocking him. “I just got him,” she whines.

“I lost mine too,” Forrest tells him.

“Who’s going to even this up? We need two more. Mad? Lach? Rome? Forrest?” Legend asks.

“What are we talking about?” Monroe asks. She looks at Brogan. “Want me to take him?”

“No.” She smiles at her friend, and my heart squeezes. I love seeing her like this. It’s easy to imagine it’s our baby in her arms. Fuck me, I can’t wait for that day.

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