Page 150 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

“That's where I get it from,” I pointed out. “It's all in the family.”

“You're telling me,” Jen joked. “You should meet Ryan's family. They're just like him.”

“Hey, at least I smell better than my brothers.”

“You sure do.”

I laughed. “It's good to have everyone together. I look forward to spending more time here. I've missed you all so much.”

“And you'll be around when we start having kids,” Jen said. “I can't wait for you to spend time with them. It's so important to have family.”

I beamed. “I couldn't agree more.”

“And when you guys want to start having kids, we'll have to get the babies together for play dates.”

“Eventually. I think I need to propose to Clara first.”

Ryan raised his glass as a salute. “Better hop on that bus soon, bud.”

The doorbell rang. I was thankful for the interlude. I loved my family, but they could be a lot when it came to planning things. Everything would come in its own time. I was happy to start expanding with Clara, but I wanted to pace it out. Moving in was the first step. Everything else would shortly follow.

I rose from my seat to answer the door. When I pulled it open, Clara stood with Max on the porch. He was wagging his tail. She beamed when she saw me and leaned in for a kiss. I let her inside and she walked into the dining room, raising a hand to greet everyone.

“Sorry I'm late! I was decorating for a local business event and got caught up. That smells so good!”

Jen stood up abruptly. “Is that a dog?!”

“Oh, yeah! Levon got me Max to accompany me on trips. Isn't he just the most handsome little boy you've ever seen?”

She gushed. “Ryan, when are we getting a dog?”

“Oh, here she goes again,” Ryan groaned.

Jen didn't hear him. She ran over to Max and started petting his fur, cooing to him and giving him kisses.

“Would you care for a plate, Clara?” Mom offered. “We just got started.”

“I would love a plate, thank you. I'm so hungry.”

Mom stood up to grab the extra plate sitting in the center of the table. She piled it with food and passed it to Clara who wandered around the table next to my chair. She sat down and started eating immediately.

“He's such a good dog,” Jen complimented. “Where did you find him?”

“The shelter had a few therapy dogs up for adoption. He's trained and everything. He even has papers of certification,” I replied.

“Papers,” Jen repeated in a squeaky voice. “Do you have papers, boy?”

Clara elbowed me playfully. “I think we might have to get your sister a puppy.”

“No to puppies,” Ryan stated firmly. “I cannottrain a puppy.”

“They're not that hard to train!” Jen claimed. “I'll do it all. You don't even have to worry.”

He chuckled. “Alright, baby. We can talk about it later.”

Jen patted Max's head one last time before returning to the table. Clara had removed Max's leash and hung it over the back of the chair. She pointed and commanded Max to go to the living room while we ate.

Mom sighed. “Good thing he doesn't beg.”

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