Page 35 of Enduring Magic

“You’ve both set her straight, I’m assuming?”

“We have. Still, she adores her dad.” Spring smiled even as she shook her head in exasperation. “One day, she’ll understand his love is unconditional. Hopefully, sooner rather than later.”

“Give me my nephew. I need baby hugs.” Taking Phillip from her sister, Summer rained kisses all over his sweet cherub face as he laughed and made smacking noises for more kisses.

“Your two are in the rebellious we-don’t-want-mom-kisses-or-hugs stage?”

“Something like that.”

Autumn joined them, trading places with Knox, who had apparently agreed to referee the herd.

“Give me my nephew—”

“Nope.” Summer hugged Phillip tighter. “He’s my date for the day.”

“I thought I was.” Coop’s voice in her ear sent shivers down her spine.

Smiling her pleasure, she leaned back into him. “I miss when ours were this small.”

“I’m not opposed to having more,” he replied.

“I am. Two is plenty.”

“Spoilsport.” After a kiss to her temple and a surreptitious pat to her bottom, Coop sauntered away to hand a beer to Knox and accept a hug from Olivia.

“She still showers her father with affection,” Summer said in a sour voice, though she wasn’t truly upset.

“Face it, sister. Ollie is a daddy’s girl.” Autumn lifted Phillip from her arms and blew noisily against his neck as he giggled uncontrollably. “Not like our little man here. He’s a total mama’s boy. Isn’t that right, my savory Philly Cheese Steak?”

“Yep!” Phillip chirped.

“He’d cop to murder ifyouasked him,” Spring said with a laugh. “He adores his Aunt Tums.”

“They all do.” Summer shook her head. “I think she puts a spell on them to be their favorite.”

“Oh, absolutely!” Winnie said, arriving in time to hear their conversation.

“They like me because I’m the fun aunt,” Autumn retorted, flaring her eyes wide to make Phillip giggle.

“Pfft.” Holding out her arms, Winnie smiled at their nephew. “But who makes the best cinnamon rolls?”

“Win-Win!” Phillip shouted as he dove into her arms.

Laughing, Summer shook her head. “You do realize he’s going to charm everyone? You’ll be beating his potential lovers off with a stick, Spring.”

“Don’t I know it. He’s got his father’s looks, and he’s already started with that playful smirk. I’m doomed. Men and women alike are going to be lining the drive for one favorable smile from him.”

They all laughed as Phillip demonstrated his smirk.

“Where are your gremlins, Winnie?”

“Zane is bringing the boys when they’re done fishing. Keaton’s with them, if I’m not mistaken.”

“And Ava?”

“She wanted to help Mama in the kitchen. But truthfully, I think Uncle Alastair is sneaking her candy again.” Winnie’s warm smile proved she didn’t mind. “If he is, I’m sending her home with them for the night, so I don’t have to deal with a sugared-up child.”

“They’d love it,” Summer assured her. Turning to Autumn, she asked, “Is Chloe coming by?”

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