Page 122 of She Wolf

“Don’t start anything, he’ll be in here any minute.”

“You’re awake?”

“Barely, but I kept waking thinking Jack was up already.”

“You’re excited,” I say nibbling on his neck.

He smiles. “Just a little.”

“You’re cute when you’re in Jack mode.” He twists so we’re face to face and just as he leans in for a kiss, the door swings open.

“I’m eight. I’m finallllllly eight! Woooohooooo.” Jack dives onto the bed, and Gunner with his mighty arm strength lifts him so he’s hovering over us.

“Are you sure? You still seem seven to me.”

“No way. Look six in the morning. I’m definitely eight, and, ta dah!” He opens his fist to show a tooth.

“Oh my god, it came out. Today of all days?” I take his face in my hands and he smiles a toothless grin.

“Yep!” He hands it to me, and I place it on the bedside table.

Gunner lowers Jack to his chest and squashes him in a special bear hug, that’s so typically Gunner.

“Happy birthday little dude,” he says with a kiss to his head and then places him in between us.

“Happy birthday, son of mine,” I say going in for a hug too. After he’s had eight very over-the-top-tickly kisses, Gunner wraps his arm around the both of us.

“So, Gunner on this very special day, do you know what we have for breakfast?” Jack asks from his squished position.

“Oatmeal?”

“Eww, no!”

“Is it a fruit smoothie?” Gunner tries again, with a little wink in my direction.

“No way, you’re not even close.” Jack rolls his eyes. “It’s doughnuts!”

“Protein shakes and doughnuts? I’m in!”

“Come on then let’s go wake up Kate.” Jack says it so easily—I’m shocked.

“Oh, it’s a little early. Let’s leave her for a while.”

He shakes his head. “No, she said it didn’t matter. I could wake her when I was up. Can I stay up until midnight tonight?”

“Yes of course you can.” He won’t, he’ll be flat out by nine at the latest.

“Best day ever.” He pumps his little fist.

“Before all the fun commences can we all just wash our faces and clean our teeth please and can you not go downstairs without me?” Even Gunner’s halfway out the bedroom door when they both sigh and backtrack to the bathroom.

Gunner and Jack both finish in record time and allow me a little privacy while I hear them knock on Kate’s door. God, even I’m calling it her room now.

We’ve been having some really good talks and she’s opening up far more than she ever was. She’s even stopped fighting us on setting her up in her dorm. I’ve bought her a few nice things to help her make it feel a bit homier and we’ve even discussed me dropping in on her mother from time to time. As soon as she’s ready, I’d jump at the chance to help her get back on her feet.

I make my way to the top of the stairs where all three of them are chatting.

“Okay, let me go first I need to film it,” I tell them.

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