Page 31 of Taming You

“No, I’m not. These two have been inseparable all morning. I could not take one of them into a room without the other. The only way they’d sleep was together, but Cate also wanted to be held, which is how I ended up here.”

Liv and I share a look. Our babies wanted to be close to each other. It’s like they can feel the familial connection without even knowing about it. There are big enough age gaps between Liv and me and Gianna and me that I was conscious of the fact I was getting baby sisters before they were even born. But these two seem to just know.

“I’m sorry if he was a hassle,” I say, and Josh shakes his head.

“No hassle. I’m glad Cate gets to grow up with the ability to be so close to her cousins, and to have the two of them so close in age, it will be wonderful to watch them grow up together.” There’s a softness to his voice, similar to what was in Liv’s. These two have always been family oriented. I’m not surprised one bit by how happy they are to be growing theirs or having their families so involved with Cate.

Needing to lighten the mood, I say, “Who knew Joshua Lincoln was such a softie.”

He stares lovingly at Liv. “Your sister brought it out of me.”

I hold back a groan. As much as I love that they found each other, seeing my best friend and my sister being sappy isn’t my favourite pastime. I leave them to gather all of Jayden’s toys and make sure his diaper bag is packed before returning to collect him off Josh’s chest.

“Thanks, guys. I should probably get this guy home,” I say and make my way towards the front door. Liv follows me, and I pull her in for a side hug and kiss the top of her head.

“Thanks for today, Matty. I’ll text you with the details of your date.”

“Thanks, Liv.”

Liv closes the door behind me as I make my way down to my car.

Luckily, Jayden sleeps the entire car ride home. Upstairs we get in some tummy time and a feeding before he’s out again. Just as he passes out, there’s a knock at the front door, and I quietly close my bedroom door and head to answer it. Checking the peephole, I can’t help my smile when I see Zoey standing on the other side.

I enthusiastically pull the door open as I say, “Hey, Zoey.”

She smiles up at me, and I take a step back, allowing her to come in.

“What brings you by?”

She holds up a bag, and I furrow my brows.

“What is it?”

She reaches inside and pulls out a plush hockey puck attached to string. “I saw these and thought they were the most adorable things ever and needed to grab them for Jayden,” she says excitedly.

I follow her to the couch, where she digs out a few more before making her way to the toy that hangs over the tummy time mat and secures them to the bottom of each line. She grins as she sits next to me.

“Now he can see something to remind him of his dad every time he lies there and looks up.”

I’m stunned into silence as I stare at her. The fact that Zoey was out and bought something so my son could have it to always remind him of me is everything.

She reaches forward and digs in the bag again. “Is he asleep? I have something else for him, but I’d love to be the one that gives it to him.”

“Yeah,” I barely squeak out, and she turns to look at me.

“Oh God, please tell me this is all okay. I didn’t overstep or anything, did I?”

I scoot closer to her and place a hand on her leg. “Zo, of course, this is all alright. I’d never say you can’t buy him thoughtful gifts. I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.”

I stare at her, fully taking in the smattering of freckles that dust ever so slightly over her nose and cheeks. Her brown eyes are locked on me as her lashes flutter and lips part slightly. The next thought that passes through my mind isI wonder what her lips taste like.Her tongue slowly glides over her bottom lip, and I can’t help but wish it was my tongue instead.

As I feel myself beginning to lean in to give in to temptation, she clears her throat and her head snaps to the bag her hand is still inside of. She pulls out a blue stuffed elephant and turns so that her legs are now between us, creating more distance.

“I grabbed this for him, too. I had something similar when I was a kid and absolutely loved him, I thought Jayden might, too.”

I hold out a hand and ask, “May I?”

She nods and places the stuffed animal in my hand. He’s soft with flappy ears and nose. It looks like something Jayden will happily play with and probably stick in his slobbery mouth.

---