Page 19 of His Reluctant Omega

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The following afternoon…

“Unkka Wile!”

Wilder swept one three-year-old child into his arms, grinning madly. “How’s my Silly?”

Little Silver giggled and laid his head on Wilder’s shoulder while his twin brother, Jamie, wrapped his chubby arms around a leg. He leaned down a bit and ruffled Jamie’s hair with one hand. The boy sat on Wilder’s foot as he walked—a game the child had become addicted to.

Grey leaned in to give Wilder a hug. He paused to whisper. “Silly? That nickname ishorrible.”

Wilder scoffed, lifting his chin. “I’mallowedto have a pet name for my nephew, aren’t I?”

Gray attempted a look of ire, but instead had to try to hide his smile, failing. Wilder knew he took liberties he had little right to—the boys were Gray’s children, not his brother’s, so he could only be thankful the pair allowed it.

“Pet names are fine… as long as they won’t scar them for life.”

“Oh, we’re getting that deep now, are we?” Wilder asked, smiling. “They’re three.”

“Hey,I’m trying to save my child from a terrible nickname.”

“Terrible? I think it’s fun.”

“Now, maybe. When he gets older, I doubt he’ll like that name so much,” Gray murmured as he brushed some of Silver’s hair out of the child’s face.

“Luckily for us all, he’snotolder.” Wilder stared down at the two angelic faces. “I like them this age. Can we just keep them here?”

“You, sir, haven’t had to deal with a three-year-old’s meltdown. You can let me know how much you like this age after witnessing one.” He chuckled. “With all that’s going on today, I’m sure we might see a little monster appear before the day’s out.”

“Regrets?” Wilder asked, lifting a brow.

Gray glanced at the boys and shook his head slowly, his eyes filled with love for his children. “Not on your life.”

Wilder saw the smile Gray gave to his sons, and it reminded him of his brother’s. The two omegas were similar insomany ways. The reminders weren’t always easy, yet he was apparently a glutton for the punishment. The twins weren’t the only reason he came to visit as often as he could. Somehow, he felt closer to Jamie when he was near Gray.

Gray’s gaze met his, and the omega seemed to recognize something in Wilder’s.

“He’s here. With us,” Gray whispered.

Wilder frowned, hating the fact he was so transparent. “I think my brother has moved on to a new adventure, not stuck here yearning for what he couldn’t have.” The thought of Jamie being trapped in some sort of limbo was enough to break him. While it might give some people a sense of peace to think of their loved ones that way, he felt selfish holding on that tight. Jamie deserved better. “At least, that’s my hope.”

Gray smiled slightly, a wistful look on his face. “Who knows? Maybe you’re right.”

“Right about what?” Rohan asked as he marched in with another babe in one arm—their youngest and soon to be middle child, Jasyn. He smiled widely at Wilder. “Please tell me you aren’t feeding Wilder Jaymes’ colossal head.”

“A colossal head that keeps you employed, might I remind you,” Wilder said, before offering his best friend a wink. He gazed around at the open foyer and saw no signs of the party they had invited him to. He lifted one brow and eyed little Silver. “I hear it’s someone’s birthday.”

“Me!” Jamie shouted from his spot on Wilder’s foot.

“Me, too,” Silver added before giggling.

“Where’s the streamers? The balloons? Or…the cake?”

“Cake, cake, cake…” Jamie parroted below.

“The party’s in the sunroom,” Gray said before taking one-year-old Jasyn from Rohan and placing him on a hip. “Follow me.”

Wilder trailed Gray, carrying a three-year-old in his arms and one on his leg.

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