Page 10 of Fourteen of a Kind

Her grip around me tightened. “I’m going to find that cheating son-of-a-bitch and that whore of a nurse and kick their asses until they turn black and blue. A little hospital stay never hurt anyone.”

I broke our embrace and gripped her shoulders. “Hi, Kate.” I grinned.

“You, sweet girl, need revenge, and I’m the perfect person to do it for you.”

“It’s okay, Kate. I’m okay. He isn’t worth it, and neither is Penelope. Now, why are you out?”

“We had an appointment with Charlotte. Ava tried to stop me when she saw you, but I pushed through. I love you, kid, and nobody hurts the people I love.”

“You are so sweet, and I love you too. But I’m okay.” I smiled, staring at her.

Her eyes closed and reopened.

“She was out, wasn’t she?”

“Yeah.” I grinned. “It’s okay. You know I love you and all of them. She’s just trying to protect me.”

She glanced at her watch. “Shit. I’m going to be late for a meeting with a client. I have to run. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Bye, Ava.” I smiled.

I opened the door to my dad and uncle’s practice and stepped inside.

“Ella, honey. How are you?” June smiled.

“I’m good, June. Is my dad busy with a patient?”

“He is at the moment, but that’s his last patient for a couple of hours.”

“Hey, cousin.” Isabella smiled, walked over, and we hugged.

“Hey, Bella. I didn’t know you were here today.”

“I had a half day of school.”

“She’s been a big help around here.” June smiled.

“Have you told your dad that you’re considering becoming a psychologist instead of an orthopedic surgeon?” I whispered.

“No. Not yet. He’s going to be so hurt.”

“He’ll be fine. He wants you to do what makes you happy. Look at me. I didn’t get into plastics like my dad, and he was good with it.”

“Will you be there when I tell him?” she asked.

“You bet.” I hooked my arm around her. “Besides, there’s still time for Anna to want to get into orthopedics.”

“That’s what I’m hoping for. I don’t want to disappoint him,” she said.

“You could never disappoint him.” I smiled.

“Ah, two of my favorite girls.” My Uncle Conner grinned, walking over to us.

“I knew I was always your favorite, Daddy.” Bella wrapped her arm around him.

“I love you and your sister equally, Bella. You know that. Hey, sweetheart.” He kissed my cheek. “What brings you by?”

“I need to talk to my dad.”

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