Page 63 of Lemon Cake

“I told him I’ll happily watch you beat his ass if he screws things up.”

“You won’t hold him down for me?”

“I thought you might want to have some fun, but I’m more than happy to get my hands dirty too.”

She laughed and took his hand, holding on to the cake with the other. “I think it’s sweet of you to be so protective over her.”

“I’ve never had a sister of my own, so I guess I’m trying to catch up on all the big brother work I missed.”

“Well, I love this side of you.”

They pulled up at the same time as Gina, who was grabbing a cheese platter from the trunk. Rider grinned. He should’ve known that Gina wouldn’t listen when Sarah said not to bring anything. She was Gemma’s twin after all.

The second Dan saw him, he ran over and jumped into Rider’s waiting arms. “Hi troublemaker. Have you been a good boy for your mom?”

“Yes! Have you seen us at the stadium?”

“Yes! I did!” He lied, knowing he couldn’t have picked those two out of the massive crowd if he tried. Rider set Dan back on his feet, then hugged Gina. “It’s nice to see you again.”

Rider took the cake out of Gemma’s hands and led the twins inside with Dan trailing along. Sarah was overjoyed to see them. She pulled each of them into a hug before ushering Dan towards the trampoline where the girls were jumping under the shade of a tree. Once Sarah set them free, she introduced Gina to everyone while Gemma was pulled into hugs from left and right.

“I’m glad you two didn’t wear the same outfit,” Braiden laughed. “What a mind fuck that would be.”

“Watch your language, mister!” Sarah warned.

“The kids are all the way over there!”

“You know they have super hearing when it comes to things they shouldn’t hear! Besides, we have guests.”

“Fine.” Braiden turned to Gina and muttered, “Sorry.”

She only laughed it off. “Oh, he hears far worse out of me. But I think it’s kind for you to be so considerate.”

Jake offered to grab cold drinks and snuck into the seat next to Gina. “So, did you play football like Gemma?”

“Nah, I wasn’t violent enough.”

“Ooh, secrets are being spilled!” Jake teased. Rider stiffened, but Jake stayed sweet and respectful as he talked with Gina.

It didn’t take long for the three monsters to return, demanding drinks before they stormed Gemma.

“Can you jump with us?” Clara asked. “Or does that not work?”

Gemma stood up and lifted Ina onto her hip. “I have never tried it, so you might need to catch me.”

“Can you take it off?” Ina asked, wrapping her arms around Gemma’s neck.

“I can.”

“Does it hurt when you do?” Clara pressed further.

With a permanent smile on his lips, Rider watched Gemma climb into the net. Clara and Dan insisted on holding her hand to start while Ina watched from the padding.

“She’s a teacher, right?” Devon asked and took Gemma’s empty spot on the couch.

“Yeah, toddlers.”

“She’s a natural.”

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