Page 170 of Knot That Serious

“Who’s this handsome fella?” Jonah asked, shaking Beckett’s hand.

“Beckett. It’s nice to meet you,” he offered.

“Jacky, you sly dog,” Jonah said. “I can’t believe you finally brainwashed Eli and this handsome guy.”

Jack groaned, his cheeks turning pink, and pulled Jonah into a hug, which was less of a hug and more of a challenge to see who they could push the breath out of first.

Eli hid her laugh behind her hand, turning her face into Raj’s chest.

“So, are you the one who gave Jack the tattoo?” Beckett asked.

Jonah’s face colored and he nodded, glancing around as if his omega might pop out at any moment. “Yes,” he grumbled. “Jack’s never let me forget.”

“Let you?” Jack argued. “It’s on my arm!”

Eli chuckled at them, and then, across the way, she found—

“Dad!” she called out.

He was sitting by the grill—because of course he was—and stood, but Eli was already halfway across the yard.

“Is that my baby girl?” he cried.

She flew into his arms and squeezed tight, burying her head in his neck. “Hi, Dad!”

“Oh, it’s so good to see you,” he gushed. “I can’t believe you’re all packed up now.”

“Yes, it’s true,” she answered, and leaned back. His eyes were alight with warmth and—

“I know that look,” she said, and smacked him on the arm—gently.

“What?” he asked, spreading his hands. “I just wanna talk, that’s all.”

Eli rolled her eyes, but peeked over her shoulder and found Raj watching her with something akin to adoration in his gaze.

“Oh, he’s soft for you, Eli—good job.”

“He’s not the only one,” she whispered.

His eyes went wide. “Jack, too? Well, I thought I’d never see the day…”

Eli frowned at that before shaking her head. Beckett and Raj looked as awkward as she feared they’d feel, and she motioned them over. “Be nice,” she warned her father.

“I always am—hello, there! Nice to meet you,” he said, voice booming across the lawn. “I’m Dad, but most people call me Walter.”

Raj chuckled appropriately and she wanted to squeeze him. “I’m Raj. Its lovely to meet you. Thanks for having us.”

“Oh, this one’s got manners, Eli,” her dad said, shaking his hand. “I know Jack didn’t teach him that.”

Eli laughed to disguise her wince, face heating with embarrassment.

Beckett echoed the sentiment and shook her father’s hand, eyes dancing with amusement. “I am so excited to hear about Eli and Jack’s adventures as kids. Have any good stories?”

“Oh, do I ever—” her dad began, but Eli cleared her throat.

“Why don’t we save stories for the bonfire, yeah? We have lots of people to meet, Dad! Speaking of, where’d the other dads go?”

He rolled his eyes at her, but acquiesced. “Fine, fine. They’re around somewhere, you’ll just have to find them. I’ve got to finish up the meat anyway.”

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