And that part of Jared was what scared me. Responsibilities were in his actual DNA. I knew he’d never physically leave me. But would he sacrifice a happier life to stay with me?
I wasn’t sure I could risk that. Because while Jared didn’t think he was father material, he was made for it in every way.
Mason straightened up. “Pretty sure Jared’s trainer was a failure when it came to this one. She’s a terror.”
I tucked my face into her fluffy neck. “We like her just as she is, right, Sami?”
Sami excitedly booped the dog’s nose, and Sadie’s tongue lolled out happily. Sami’s delighted laughter made both of us reply in kind.
Mason crouched beside me and tapped a little mason jar hurricane lamp that looked a lot like the ones on the porch. “We added the new munchkin to the tree.”
My eyes misted at Samantha’s name etched in the glass with the glow of a soft pink light behind it. “Oh, Mason, Jared will just love it.”
Mason grunted. “If he notices such things.”
I stood and the baby’s flailing fist found my hair. “Whoosh, you have a grip.”
“She looks so pleased with herself.” Mason touched Sami’s cheek. “None of us were ready for her, but I can’t imagine life without her now.”
The pang turned into a roar of emotion. “I can’t either.”
“Good thing you don’t. My brother is crazy about you. Glad he finally got his head out of his ass.”
“What do you mean?”
“That idiot has been in love with you for years.”
I shook my head. “No. We’re just making the best of a crazy situation.”
“You keep telling yourself that. You’re just as oblivious as my brother.” He kissed the top of Sami’s head. “Want me to feed you two?”
“We should probably get back.”
“To sit in that empty house? Nah. Come on in.”
“How do you know it’s empty?”
“Because my brother doesn’t let you out of his sight unless he’s working.” Mason grinned. “Mr. Responsibility also wouldn’t let you come get his kid without a reason.”
“You know him pretty well.”
“Brothers. Kinda comes with the territory.”
“You were gone a long time, Mase.” I let him lead me inside to the back of the dining room. Most of the sections were full of people enjoying their food, and I even spotted a few customers I knew that were on dates.
More Christmas had exploded in here too. Another skyscraper of a tree was decked out in the corner with more rustic balls, bells, and stars that fit with the vibe of the lodge-like atmosphere. But there were also wooden tags that were part of Crescent Cove’s take care of a family drive.
Sadie trotted along next to me, her tail wagging at all the people around her, but she never veered from her charge. And I was pretty sure that charge was not me.
“Jared is really proud of what you did here.”
Mason shot a look over his shoulder. Some disbelief showed in his gaze before it was shuttled away. These Brooks men were a tough bunch. Jared didn’t believe he was doing well either. And I had watched him flourish with his little girl.
Even with just a few weeks under his belt, he’d changed so much.
He was still a bonehead about a few things, but I hadn’t expected him to change much, if at all. I’d been in love with him for years, and sometimes he still had the capacity to surprise me.
Sadie leaned on my leg as I waited for Mason to choose a table for us. Finally, he set us up at a booth.
“I have an extra baby seat in the back.”
“You do?”
Mason flushed. “I picked up some stuff when me and Pops took her for the day.”
Sadie whined and laid her head on my thigh, staring up at the baby. I patted her head. “Just a minute, love.”
Mase came back with an insanely pink carrier on his arm and a basket of bread in his other hand. “You can be my tester.”
“I should really—”
“Sit down.”
I unhooked Sami with a sigh. “I haven’t eaten.”
“See, perfect.” He took the baby from me. “I’ll be right back.”
“Hey!”
“I learned a little something about my niece.”
I dropped into my seat. “Oh, and what’s that?”
“She’s a chick magnet.”
I rolled my eyes and couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re the worst.”
Mason bounced Sami a bit and held out his finger for her to grab. As with everything these days, she tried to shove it into her mouth. “Let’s try one of the icy teething rings PawPaw put in