Page 153 of Samuel

“It’s better than I ever could have hoped for. Having you and Addie. Agreeing to let our friend carry our baby when I couldn’t…”

“All that matters in the end is that our family is here, together, happy and healthy.”

Her fingers traced over the spot where he had two small star tattoos in honor of her and Addie.

“Are you ready to add another star to our little constellation?”

“Yeah, Sprinkles. I really am.”

“Okay, Mom’s taking Katy to the hospital so she can meet the new baby, and Dad took the twins back home with him.” Jackson slid his hands around Grace’s waist. Her hands were wet from washing dishes in the sink, and he took full advantage, pressing kisses up her neck while she flicked water at him.

“That was quite the baby shower.”

“Jack and Grayson seemed to have a good time.”

“You know, they climbed that tree again and I had to spend thirty minutes trying to get them out.”

“Gracie, they’re five and seven year old boys. I think we just have to be happy we left the party without any broken bones or fires started.”

A soapy spoon lifted out of the sink and shook at him. “You were the one that insisted on teaching them outdoor survival skills for the past few years. I’m pretty sure they started digging out a bunker in the backyard this week.”

Jackson laughed. “God, I love those kids.”

“Yeah, we’re doing a good job with them.”

“When do you leave with Seb for that development meeting?”

He was so goddamn proud of his incredible wife. Not only had she brought their two boys into the world and made him the happiest man when she married him, but she prioritized their family’s well-being while pursuing her career. So much so that she was able to convince him to leave active firefighting.

As much as he didn’t want to admit it, after Gracie had Grayson, there were too many fears that rushed at him every time he entered a fire. He was relieved when his application to teach at the fire academy was accepted.

Grace and Sebastian had a long running partnership that was proving to be lucrative to both parties. She had an eye for true deals in undeveloped real estate, and Seb was happy to leverage that for all the work he was doing through Montgomery Equities.

“Tuesday. Your parents asked if they could have the boys overnight on Friday, though. I think they’re doing a cousin sleepover. Which will probably be even more important now for John and Abby.”

His hand slid to cup her cheek. “And when are you coming back?”

“Friday afternoon.”

“So, you’re telling me, I have Friday night to wine and dine my wife without our wild hooligans running around cock blocking me every chance they get?”

Grace laughed. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

Jackson pinched her bottom and lifted her up onto the counter, smiling at the squeak of surprise she let out. He pressed his body between her thighs, stealing a hungry kiss from her.

“God, I love you, Gracie.”

She ran both hands, still slightly damp from the dishes, through his hair. “I love you too, Jackson.”

“MOM!! I’m scared!”

Grayson’s voice rang out through the house. Grace giggled, resting her forehead against his. “Save that thought for Friday, handsome.”

Hank slid into bed next to Daisy.

“Both kids are down for the count. Henry tried to get me to read two stories tonight, but he was out like a light the minute his head hit the pillow.”

“All that fresh air at the shower was good for them. We really are blessed to raise them with all our friends.”

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