since their own backyard wasn’t ready for large gatherings yet. The new deck Cope had spent weeks planning was only half built.
Ten and Ronan’s fenced-in yard was gorgeous, with a playset for the kids and a garden Ten and his daughter, Everly, had planted. Cope wanted to do something similar with their yard once the construction was finished. It would be an oasis from their daily grind at West Side Magick, the psychic shop on Conant Street which employed Cope and Jude.
“Don’t be a whiner, birthday boy.” Ronan grinned at Cope. “None of the other guests are here yet. Don’t worry. This kid will wake up soon. I think?” He pressed a kiss to the side of the baby’s head. Wolf snuffled in response but slept on.
“Let Ronan hold him a little longer.” Tennyson gave Cope’s shoulder a squeeze. “Everly is going through this phase where she’s been a little prickly with Ronan, refusing to let him tuck her in at night and give her kisses.” Ten sank into the chair next to Cope. The weary look on his face spoke volumes. If Everly didn’t want anything to do with Ronan, that meant Ten was shouldering the load.
“No!” a tiny but firm voice shouted, as if on command.
“Come on, Everly. Uncle Jude loves you, princess.” Jude sounded frustrated. He was Everly’s godfather and he loved the little girl as if she were his own.
“No!” Everly darted through the yard on tiptoes. The little girl was wearing a bright yellow dress patterned with sunflowers. It had been a gift from Jude and Cope for her first birthday in February. Back then, she was still taking tentative steps while holding on to the coffee table. Now, Everly was zooming around the backyard like a baby cheetah.
“See what I mean?” Tennyson snorted. “I knew the day would come when she didn’t want to snuggle with her daddy, but I didn’t think it would happen at sixteen months.”
“If she’s not falling for my incredible charm, then it’s definitely a phase. Everyone loves me. I’m beloved.” Jude sounded as if his pronouncement decided everything.
“Beloved?” Ronan started to laugh. “What the hell are you smoking?”
“Oh, please. You love me. Ten does too. And, Cope.” Jude waggled his eyebrows at his husband and turned toward Everly. “You love me too, don’t you Queen E?”
“No!” came a firm shout. Everly’s decree most definitely sounded like it put the final nail in Jude’s coffin.
“You think you can teach that kid a different word?” Jude looked worn to the bone. He set a large wrapped present on the gift table before bussing a kiss against Cope’s cheek.
“No!” Ronan said in a perfect imitation of his daughter. “Every time she says no, we say yes. It doesn’t seem to be working. She’s learned that word comes with great power.” He frowned at his daughter who was bending over to sniff a dandelion. It would have been adorable if Everly weren’t being so disagreeable.
“Here we are!” a booming voice shouted. It was followed by a joyful baby screech as Fitzgibbon walked into the backyard.
“Aurora is in fine form today.” Cope got up from his seat to scoop the little girl out of Kevin Fitzgibbon’s arms. They’d be doing this exact thing in two weeks for her first birthday party. Rumor had it, Elmo was going to make an appearance. He only hoped Jude wouldn’t go over the top in the costume and scare her.
“She’s like this every day. I’ve never seen such a happy baby.” Kevin’s husband, Jace Lincoln, was all smiles. It hadn’t always been sunshine and unicorns for the baby who’d been found abandoned in a dumpster, addicted to opioids. Aurora fought a hard battle to get where she was today.
“Any first steps yet?” Ronan asked.
“She’s just starting to stand.” Kevin gave his head a shake. “There’s no holding on to furniture for this little daredevil. She pushes herself to her feet, gives a joyful roar when she keeps her balance, and then she ends up on her ass.”
“You’ll get the hang of it, cupcake.” Cope held Aurora close. She snuggled into his chest.
“Happy birthday, man.” Kevin set a hand on Cope’s shoulder. “How’s your little guy doing?”
“He’s in love with Ronan.” Cope rolled his eyes dramatically. He was just giving Ronan a hard time. Cope spent plenty of time with his son. “He’s rolling over and sitting up by himself. I don’t know what’s going to happen on Monday when…” Cope trailed off. He didn’t want to think about