Page 3 of A New Era

Before I know what’s happening, he’s passing me the kid, and Holly’s close at my side, peeking around the blanket and melting at his little, round face.

“He’s a beauty, can’t see who he looks like yet though,” I say.

Myles grunts. “Cause babies look all the same when they’re fresh.”

“Fuckers. My kid is all Jackson,” Luca barks.

“Half Simmons, little Jackson,” Mason reminds him.

“Please, I’ve filled your sister with so much come, there’s no trace of your bloodline left.”

“Babe!” Victoria snaps.

“I don’t have any problem laying you out in front of your son,” Mason argues.

“Like you could before,” Luca bites.

“Hey, no arguing around this little one,” Holly murmurs and I pass him over to her. I know she’s dying for a cuddle.

“He’s so beautiful, Victoria.”

“Thank you,” she beams.

“How are you feeling?” Holly asks her.

“Like I’m never going to feel normal again but so happy about it.”

Holly passes River into Mason’s waiting arms and steps back into my arms. The second Victoria yawns, I clear my throat.

“We should get out of here, you need rest.”

“Thanks for waiting all this time,” she says.

“Of course. There’s nowhere else we would rather be,” I tell her, meaning it. Life is family and family is everything.

“I’ll walk out with you,” Luca says as Myles hands Victoria her son.

The twins hang back as we leave, no doubt wanting a moment with their sister.

“Congratulations, Luc.”

“Thanks.”

“We good to stay at your place tonight?”

“Like you need to ask.”

I collect Rayna from the waiting area and as tired as she must be, she keeps her eyes open as I carry her out to Holly’s car. Harper follows us out and straps Gunner into the car seat across from Rayna’s.

“Follow behind me, we’ll stay at Luca’s tonight,” I instruct Holly.

“Sure.”

* * *

Jay’s already at Luca’s clubhouse when we drive through the gates. I follow behind Holly’s car and kill my engine. I knew he wouldn’t go a night away from her and his boy unless he had to and while he took their bag, I pick Rayna up and wait for Holly to join me.

“It’s not how I imagined,” she says, looking up at the red-brick building.

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