Page 71 of My Ex's Brothers

I know better than anyone that Dane is not anything like his twin. But it is weird seeing his features reflected in Lyla.

When he’s next to her, you can really see the resemblance, but there’s also a good bit of Amelia shining through, so that’s what I choose to focus on.

“Well, if you don’t have any plans, we should go shopping,” Dane says as he makes for the coffee pot. Amelia bounces Lyla in her arms and I plate up the omelet, slicing it in half so we can share it.

I settle the plate on the island for her. “Bon appétit, baby,” I say with a wink, getting a myriad of grunts and under-breath curses. Her cheeks blush and she shoots me a mischievous grin.

“You didn’t have to make me breakfast, you know.”

“I know.” I shrug as I grab Lyla from her arms, and she lets me. The little cutie starts squealing like a pig and kicking her feet the minute she sees me.

“Good morning to you too, princess!” I say as I kiss her on the cheek, carrying her over to her chair. I brush past Dane, who looks like he’s contemplating my death. I smirk at him.

He takes the seat next to Amelia, ignoring me.

“Shopping?” she asks curiously while I get Lyla situated in her little jumpy thing that Dane set up in the living room yesterday after Amelia officially got here.

She bounces, giggling and drooling, and looking too damn cute for words.

I’ve never really thought about having kids or anything. I know plenty of guys my age do, but I’ve always been more focused on playing hockey than anything else. But I can’t deny that Lyla is fucking adorable, and I actually kind of enjoy her little baby sounds and her giggles.

I take a seat on the ground in front of her and watch her bounce, playing with her the best I can. I can feel Mia’s gaze on me as well as Richie’s.

“Yes. I mean, I know you have stuff, but I’m sure there are things you’ll need while you’re here. Lyla too.” Dane flashes her a grin. “It’ll be fun, I promise,” he adds.

She twists her lips and I watch them intently.

“I don’t know, it seems like a lot,” she says softly.

“It’s not, I promise,” Dane says. “Just a few things. The three of us can get lunch or something after.”

Richie grunts out a sound that makes us all turn.

“What?” I ask.

“Nothing,” Richie says as he downs his coffee, pushing his way out of the kitchen.

“Where are you going? You haven’t had breakfast yet,” I ask.

Richie flips me off.

Guess I’m not the only one who didn’t sleep well.

My gaze meets Dane’s for a moment and he shrugs. “You should head out, Tripp. Or you’re going to be late,” he says.

I look at the clock, realizing he’s right. It’s nearing eight a.m. Fuck.

I look at Lyla, offering her a small smile. “Gotta go, princess. I’ll see you later, okay?” I say, and she just bounces and smiles.

I get up and head back to the kitchen, scarf down my omelet, and make my cup of coffee all while Amelia and Dane discuss theirplansfor the day.

“Sounds good,” Dane says. “You shower, I’ll watch the baby.”

I grab my travel mug and don’t think twice about leaning in and kissing her cheek. Right in front of him.

He can be pissed all he wants. He doesn’t have a claim on her.

This isn’t a competition. It’s about what Amelia wants, and if she doesn’t want me to touch her or kiss her, she’ll tell me.

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