Page 123 of Mended Hearts

Damn, you beat me to it.

Jeanne

???

Congratulations Brod. Love you guys!

Alice

Wow. I’m at a loss for words.

Kaia

Something you need to tell us, Axe?

Axel

Meet my son, Gimli. 7lbs, 12 inches long. 12 weeks old.

The photomy idiot brother sent through next was the cutest damn Frenchie I’d ever seen—a beautiful gray coat with a white spot over his chest, and round blue eyes set in his squished little face. Pax and I burst out laughing at the same time.

Maverick

PUPPY!!!

Jameson

Who the fuck let you have a dog?

Rhyett

Jesus, Axel. Let El have her moment.

Elora

PUPPY!!!

Pax shookhis head as he tucked his phone back in his pocket, but his crooked smirk had me wiping the tears off my cheeks. “Family will cure just about any ailment.”

“Yeah,” I breathed, my chest constricting. But as I pulled out my own cell to admire my new nephew, and moment-stealing fur-nephew, I couldn’t help feeling like I was leaving mine behind.

Oliver

“Grey!”

Perhaps shouting for the master of the manor—especially when both he and his head of security are retired SEALs—wasn't my brightest idea. But then again, bright ideas hadn't been my forte today.

Em had been gracious enough to keep the kids for another hour so I could handle something with Greyson. I needed to get my act together.

“Grey?”

Viper, the ever-stoic security guy, didn't flinch from his post, but his eyes tracked me as I moved through the Hart House foyer.

“Everything okay, Mr. Hart?” he asked.

“Just peachy,” I muttered, making a beeline for the study when Greyson didn't respond. “Greyson!”

Rounding the corner into his office, I found my brother's gaze flicking to me, unbothered as ever. He motioned to his earbuds.

---