Page 131 of Insta-Family (Forbidden Descendants 3)

Chloe nodded and shredded the wrapping paper in seconds. “Aw. It’s adorable.” She turned to show me the clear top so I could see the golden, chain necklace inside that said Ava on it. It was beautiful. And incredibly thoughtful. “Want me to put it on her?”

I laughed. “No. She’d only try to eat it. If anything strays near her these days, it has to go directly into the mouth.”

“I’ll just set it here, then.” Chloe placed the necklace in my jewelry box before turning back and rubbing her hands together in relish. “Since I was the first person to spill the beans about Vaughn’s secret gifts, does that mean you’ll consider me for godmother now?”

Smiling, I shook my head and sighed before sending her an apologetic wince. “Yeah… About that.”

“Oh, no,” Her eyes widened with dread as she pressed a hand to her chest. “You made a decision already, didn’t you? And I’m not on the list.”

“I’m sorry,” I gushed. “But I think I’m going to go with Bentley and—”

“Bentley?” she screeched in outrage. “But she’ll already get to be a step-godmother, what with being married to Beau.”

“Except...” I answered slowly. “I didn’t pick Beau as the other godparent.”

“You…” Chloe blinked at me, then shook her head and lifted her hands. “Wait. I’m confused. You didn’t choose your own brother as Ava’s godfather? Then who…?” Her mouth dropped open before she gasped in realization. “Oh my God. Vaughn?”

I nodded, feeling my face go hot. “Yeah, Vaughn. I know he’d love her as much as I do, And I trust him completely. Plus, this way, all of Ava’s uncles on both sides of her family would have a legal say-so over what happened to her if, you know, I was no longer in the picture.”

“Wow,” Chloe said softly and wiped at her cheeks. “That’s actually really sweet.” Except she followed the line up by waggling her eyebrows suggestively. “I guess this means I’m just going to have to hook up with the baby uncle and become Ava’s step-godmother.”

I knew she was teasing, which was why I forced a laugh out, but an irritated spark still ignited inside me at her words, making me momentarily want to yank her hair and tell her no way in hell was she getting her hands on him.

Watching me closely, she lifted an eyebrow and murmured, “I mean, unless he’s already taken.”

“He’s…” I stalled, not sure if I wanted to spark a wildfire of hot gossip in the family just yet, but I also didn’t see a need to lie.

My shoulders slumped as I sighed. “Yeah, he’s taken,” I finally admitted.

“Oh my God,” Chloe cried, making Ava jump in surprise as she leaped forward and clutched my arm. “He is? I can’t believe you actually admitted that. Do tell.”

I laughed a little at myself, feeling my face heat. “I mean there’s not much to tell. We’ve admitted our feelings for each other, but he’s still working through a few lingering issues with, you know, his brother. And then… I don’t know.” I bit my lip and looked at her hopefully. “He’s the one, though, Chloe. He is the one. I love him.”

“Wow,” she murmured in awe, looking dazzled and happy for me but also a little sad for herself. She wanted what I had. But then she must’ve brushed that thought aside because she surged forward, hugging me. “I’m so happy you found him, Luce. I love Vaughn for you. He is going to spoil you and Ava rotten. I just know it. Congratulations.”

“I mean, we haven’t exactly made any commitments yet,” I admitted as she pulled away. “But thank you. I think it’s going to be a happily ever after for us. I hope so, anyway.”

“Hell, yes, it is,” she cheered just as my doorbell rang.

“Huh.” My brow furrowed. “I wonder who that is. I wasn’t expecting…” Letting the words trail off, I moved to the window to peek out the blinds and see if I could recognize a new vehicle parked out on the street.

“Oh my God,” Chloe breathed in horror as she came up beside me and widened her eyes at a red Mitsubishi sitting behind her parked c

ar. “It’s Dax.”

“Dax?” I spun toward her, full of incredulous shock. “You mean, the guy you just got a freaking restraining order against?’

She nodded and gaped at me, her features full of dazed alarm. “What do you think he’s doing here?”

“Gee, I don’t know,” I muttered irritably, rolling my eyes. “He parked right behind your car. Whatever could be his reason?”

“But how did he find me?” she hissed.

I shook my head. “No clue. But he’s breaking the law just being this close to you. Here…” I thrust my baby at her. “Stay back here with Ava and call the police if there’s trouble. I’ll get rid of him.”

“If there’s trouble?” she squeaked, clutching Ava tight against her. “What do you think he’s going to do?”

The doorbell rang again, followed by a pounding fist. Both Chloe and I jumped.

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