Page 7 of Rebel Heart
I wanted to have a big family of my own.
And I was willing to do just about anything to get it.
If only there was a guy who was willing to give it to me.
Still smiling, despite my frustration, I said, “Before we know it, there’s likely going to be more children than adults running around at all the Westwood family gatherings and celebrations.”
Her eyes rounded. “I think you might be right.”
There was barely a moment of silence when a deep voice bellowed, “I had a feeling this was the place to be.”
Cooper had walked up, his expression at such ease. Ever since Skye had come into his life—and especiallyafter Rosie was born—Cooper had gone from being the grouchiest guy at work to one of the most relaxed. My brother’s life was so different now.
“Daddy!”
Rosie held up her half-eaten cookie in her little hand and waved it around. Cooper walked right up to her, bent over the back of her chair, and kissed her chubby cheek. “Eating cookies with Mommy and Auntie Jules?”
My niece responded by shoving the cookie in her dad’s face. Cooper obliged her and took a bite.
“It’s good?” Rosie asked.
He nodded, placing his hand lightly on the top of her head. “It’s so delicious.” Cooper moved to the side, kissed Skye, and touched her belly. “Feeling okay?”
She smiled and dipped her chin. “We would have come looking for you, but after visiting with your parents, which ultimately led to her seeing Wyatt and Tate, Rosie wanted a treat.”
Cooper shifted his attention to me. “Looks like there’s one way you could become Rosie’s favorite. All you’ve got to do is shower her with fresh cookies.”
I laughed. “I don’t think that’s going to happen, no matter how many I entice her with. Liam’s going to do whatever it takes to hold on to that spot. But I’ll be happy coming in second. Now, did you want any cookies?”
He shook his head. “I’m good. Thanks. I just wanted to come over and get my girls.”
Glancing behind him, I noticed a few more people had gotten in line at the bakery. “Well, why don’t you take my seat, then? I’ve got to get back to work beforeBirdie decides to leave me, because I’m overworking her.”
I stood, kissed my niece on the cheek, and got back to work. Birdie and I got through the small rush with ease, returned to some of our closing duties, and waved at my brother and his family when they left.
And as I watched them go, I felt that wave of longing wash over me once more. I really wanted that happy ending. There wasn’t much I would be against doing to make it happen, either.
“Rosie’s so cute.”
Birdie’s voice cut through my thoughts, and I turned to face her, leaning my hips against the counter right in front of the register. “Isn’t she? I swear, she gets cuter every time I see her.”
“And she’s getting so big.”
Proof that time was passing me by. “I know. I can’t stand it and wish she would stay this little forever. Jack, too.”
Birdie sighed. “Maybe things are going to go well with Fisher, and I’ll have that one day.”
“Well, that puts you one step ahead of me.”
My friend considered me for a moment, looking off into the distance, before she focused her attention on me again and said, “Perhaps. But if you keep doing things like you did when the tattooed hottie was here earlier, it won’t be that way for long.”
“What?”
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t mess with me. I know you know who I’m talking about. It would be impossible toforget a man who looked like that. Plus, I saw the way you flirted with him, so I know you remember him.”
I huffed. “Right. Well, you can see what good that did me.”
Birdie beamed at me. “It did plenty of good. And I know that’s the case, because he’s making his way over here right now, and his eyes are laser-focused on you.”
